Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the Mount Barker Summit walking trail, a short 600m return trek perfect for a gentle ramble. An easy Grade 2 walk, this trail offers a scenic lookout, native wildlife, and historical importance to the Peramangk and Njarrindjeri people. Extend your adventure with a 3-kilometre Scenic Walk around the summit for more breathtaking views. Don't forget, the carpark gate on Mount Summit Road closes every evening before dusk.

Length:

600m

Duration:

30 mins

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 505m

Min elevation: 485m

Total Ascent: 20m

Start: Mt Barker Summit Carpark

End: Mt Barker Summit Carpark

Mount Barker

South Australia

Nearby town: Mount Barker

From state capital: 43km

Latitude: -35.06639464680183

Longitude: 138.92116965954438

Overview

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Hike overview

The Mount Barker Summit walking trail is a straightforward and enjoyable option for those seeking a scenic lookout. Starting near the white interpretive signs at the far end of the second carpark, the easy 300-metre trail leads to a lookout with picnic tables, offering a chance to rest and take in the views before reaching the summit.

The Mount Barker Summit Reserve is a significant conservation area protecting a variety of native plants and animals, some of which are considered threatened. The summit also holds historical, geological and cultural importance to the Peramangk and Njarrindjerri people.

For those who wish to extend their walk, the 3-kilometre Scenic Walk offers a loop around the summit, eventually connecting back to the carpark. This trail begins near the large boulder in the carpark.

Please note that the carpark gate on Mount Summit Road closes every evening before dusk.

For more information on this trail, please visit Walking SA

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Walk map and GPX file

Mount Barker Summit Walking Trail (600m)

Total distance: 571 m
Max elevation: 505 m
Min elevation: 485 m
Total climbing: 20 m
Total descent: -21 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Ashbourne, Hahndorf, Little Para, Macclesfield, Mount Barker, Nairne, Totness

Getting to the trailhead in Mount Barker.

Accessible by car, Mount Barker Summit is a convenient day trip from various locations. If you’re coming from Adelaide, it’s a scenic 40-minute drive via the South-Eastern Freeway, with the Bald Hills exit leading you towards the summit. For those already in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker township is just a ten-minute drive away, while the charming town of Hahndorf is approximately twenty minutes distant.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Standing at 513 meters, Mount Barker Summit offers sweeping views across the Adelaide Hills region. From its peak, you can see Mount Lofty to the northwest, the township of Mount Barker and the Cream Bowl valley to the west, the Lakes and Coorong district to the south, and the Bremer Valley stretching east.

Hikers can choose between two trails. The most popular option is a shorter, 600-meter return trail that leads directly from the car park to the summit. For a more comprehensive experience, the 3-kilometer circuit trail circumnavigates the summit, offering broader views and traversing significant conservation areas. Interpretive signage along the trail details the historical, geological, and cultural importance of Mount Barker Summit. The area holds particular significance for the Peramangk people, the traditional custodians of the land.

The car park at Mount Barker Summit Reserve is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, with extended hours of 8:00 pm during summer. Picnic tables are conveniently located between the car park and the summit, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Mount Barker or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

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

Reviews

Mount Barker Summit Walking Trail (600m)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Mount barker summit walking trail (600m)

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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Mount Barker Summit Walking Trail (600m)