Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 488m
Min elevation: 114m
Total Ascent: 666m
Hike overview
Morialta to River Torrens is a 13 km, grade 4 hike in Black Hill Conservation Park, South Australia. This hike, which should take around 4 hours to complete, is the fifth section of the Yurrebilla Trail. The trail winds through the scenic landscapes of Black Hill Conservation Park and Ambers Gully, offering a mix of challenging terrains and picturesque views.
As part of the 54 km Yurrebilla Trail, this section provides an engaging experience for hikers. The full Yurrebilla Trail can be walked in its entirety in 3 to 5 days and is divided into one full-day and four half-day sections. The trail features a variety of paths, from narrow single-person tracks to wider vehicle fire tracks, and it showcases many of the Adelaide Hills' top attractions. Highlights along the trail include Waterfall Gully, the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, Mount Lofty Summit, and Cleland Wildlife Park. Additionally, the trail connects to charming Hills towns such as Summertown, Crafers, and Norton Summit, as well as numerous wineries, pubs, and other local attractions.
This section promises a rewarding and scenic hike through some of South Australia's most captivating natural environments.
Gallery
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Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 488 m
Min elevation: 114 m
Total climbing: 666 m
Total descent: -891 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Black Hill Conservation Park.
That trailhead is in Moriatta Conservation Park, on route to Deep View Lookout. It is roughly a 27-minute drive from Adelaide via Kensington Road. The distance is approximately 13 kilometers. You can find directions on Google Maps.
Closest towns to this walk: Adelaide, Campbelltown, Dernancourt, Glynde, Golden Grove, Gumeracha, Houghton, Kensington Gardens, Newton, Norton Summit, Paradise, Tea Tree Gully
About the region
Black Hill Conservation Park, formerly known as Black Hill National Park, is a protected area in South Australia, located approximately 10 kilometres northeast of Adelaide. This conservation park is set in a rugged bush environment with a prominent peak, bounded by steep ridges on the southern slopes.
Visitors can enjoy the undulating hills, rugged ridges, and diverse native scenery along the park's extensive network of walking trails. In spring, the park showcases a stunning array of native flowers, including many delicate and colorful orchid species. A must-see feature is the landscaped Wildflower Garden, which dates back to the late 1940s.
Covering an area of 684 hectares, Black Hill Conservation Park is named after the low sheoaks, whose foliage gradually matures to a dark rusty, almost black color as summer progresses. From the Adelaide Plains, these hills appear black, giving the park its distinctive name.
While Black Hill can be visited year-round, it is best appreciated from March to November. The summer months from December to February can be very hot, so walkers should be prepared for high temperatures.
The area is part of the traditional lands of the Kaurna people, who used it for hunting, gathering, and obtaining wood for fire and shelter during their seasonal relocation from the coast. Fire was one of their most important tools, particularly in fire management practices that encouraged vegetation regrowth. The seasonal use of Black Hill allowed game populations to recover, maintaining a relatively steady food supply.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Black Hill Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.