Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 200m
Min elevation: 99m
Total Ascent: 199m
Hike overview
O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park, located near Adelaide's southern suburbs in Seaview Downs, offers a range of walking opportunities including the 6km O'Halloran Hill Circuit hike. This moderately difficult (grade 3) loop trail takes roughly 2.5 hours to complete and winds through grassy hills and gullies with some scattered trees.
It's important to note that O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park is a developing park with minimal facilities. There are no designated walking tracks and signage is limited, with numbered entrance gates serving as reference points. The fire tracks and walking trails can also become overgrown during spring. Despite these limitations, the park provides a vast open space for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders (dogs must be on leash).
The O'Halloran Hill Circuit is one of several walking routes available in the park, offering a chance to explore the natural environment and enjoy scenic surrounds.
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 200 m
Min elevation: 99 m
Total climbing: 199 m
Total descent: -199 m
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Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Brighton, Glenelg, Marion, O'Halloran Hill, Seacombe Gardens
Getting to the trailhead in O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park.Access the park via Majors Road in Seaview Downs, approximately 16 kilometres south of Adelaide. Alternatively, pedestrians can enter the park from various points along Davenport Street, Ridgefield Avenue, Greenfield Road and Fowler Street. Cyclists can also access the park using the bicycle veloway that runs alongside both sides of the Southern Expressway. Several access points are available, including Gate 11 on Davenport Street in Seaview Downs, which is conveniently located near bus stop 43 serviced by Adelaide Metro routes 645 and 646. This walk commences at Gate 12, Morphett Road.
About the region
O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park (Part of Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta)
Located in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park is now part of the newly proclaimed Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta. The park's name will gradually transition to reflect this.
Once cleared for grazing for over 90 years, the park has undergone regeneration. Today, visitors can enjoy picnic areas shaded by native grey box eucalyptus and river red gum trees. A historical reminder can be found in the form of a disused bluestone quarry, which provided materials for Adelaide's older buildings.
Hikers and bushwalkers will find plenty to explore with a network of fire access trails offering scenic views of the city, coastline and hills. For mountain bike enthusiasts, there are 18km of trails catering to a range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced. The park is also dog-friendly, with dogs permitted on leash.
Please note that there are no facilities within the park, so visitors should come prepared with food, water and any other supplies they may need for their visit. It's also advisable to inform someone of your planned route and estimated return time.
While much of the park's original vegetation was cleared historically, regeneration efforts are ongoing. This includes replanting grey box eucalyptus trees, which form an important ecological community in the Adelaide Hills. As the park matures, it's becoming home to a wider variety of birdlife, with woodland and grassland species being increasingly recorded. Additionally, the open grasslands provide habitat for reptiles, and the park is home to a small population of western grey kangaroos. Koalas have also been occasionally spotted in the area.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
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.