The Montacute Conservation Circuit offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through the rugged beauty of Montacute Conservation Park in South Australia. This 6.3km loop trail, classified as grade 4, takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
The park itself is a haven of remnant bushland, boasting towering red gums, stringybarks, and blue gums, often accompanied by a dense understory. Hikers will navigate well-marked fire tracks, making the route relatively straightforward when followed in conjunction with a map and the provided instructions.
The circuit is divided into two sections. The initial half, tackled in an anti-clockwise direction, follows the red markers of the Heysen Trail. The second half then transitions to the Mawson Trail, identifiable by its purple markers. The final section deviates slightly from the Mawson Trail for the last kilometre before rejoining a fire track for the return journey.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
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Total distance: 6191 m
Max elevation: 518 m
Min elevation: 252 m
Total climbing: 342 m
Total descent: -342 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Montacute Conservation Park.
Accessing Montacute Conservation Park is straightforward. Located 17 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, the park’s main entrance is via Valley Road. If you are driving from Adelaide, you can expect a scenic journey of approximately 30 minutes.
Closest towns to this walk: Aldgate, Basket Range, Crafers, Montacute, Norton Summit
About the region
Montacute Conservation Park, located just 17 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, offers a haven for nature lovers. Spanning 200 hectares, the park is a patchwork of remnant bushland intersected by several small creeks.
The vegetation changes dramatically as you traverse the park. Along the creek lines, towering river red gums dominate the landscape, with a sparse understory of native and introduced grasses. As you climb the slopes, the scene transforms into a woodland of stringybarks and blue gums, characteristic of the Australian bush.
winding through this diverse environment is the Heysen Trail, a well-known walking track. The trail takes you on a journey through the heart of the park, culminating in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Hikers can also discover fascinating geological features along the way, including outcrops of Precambrian dolomite exceeding 570 million years old and Stonyfell quartzite on the park's eastern flank.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Montacute Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Black Hill Conservation Park
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Morialta Conservation Park
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Anstey Hill Recreation Park
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Anstey Hill Recreation Park
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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