Trail Fast Facts
Quarry Views Circuit is a 1.2km, grade 3 hike in Anstey Hill Recreation Park, South Australia. This hike typically takes 45 minutes to complete.
Hike Overview
Step into Anstey Hill Recreation Park's industrial past with the Quarry Views Hike. This easy (grade 3) 1.2-kilometer loop trail offers a leisurely walk of approximately 45 minutes, circling the rim of the former quarry and rewarding you with scenic vistas into the depths below.
As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for native birds and reptiles that may call this unique habitat home. The park's mining history is further enriched by the fact that the very stone quarried here – dolomite and quartzite – graces prominent Adelaide landmarks, including the War Memorial on North Terrace, the Town Hall, St Peter's Cathedral, and the General Post Office.
While mountain bikes are not permitted on this trail, be aware that the final section, when walking in a clockwise direction, follows a short shared access road.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 288 m
Min elevation: 273 m
Total climbing: 26 m
Total descent: -26 m
Getting there
Anstey Hill Recreation Park is conveniently located approximately 16 kilometers northeast of Adelaide City Centre. Drivers can access the park via several entrances: North East Road (near the old Tea Tree Gully Village), Perseverance Road, or Range Road South. Public transport options are also available from Adelaide for those without a car. Visitors with accessibility needs can find designated parking at Gate 1, located next to the toilet facilities near Ellis Cottage.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
About the region
Anstey Hill Recreation Park is situated on Kaurna (Gar-na) Country, a region significant to the Kaurna people for generations. The foothills historically provided a seasonal source of food, water, shelter, and medicine. To learn more about Kaurna culture, visit the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre at Bedford Park.
Anstey Hill Recreation Park offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors of all interests. Whether you're a family seeking a leisurely stroll, a walker looking for a scenic route, or a mountain biker craving a challenge, the park's extensive network of trails caters to your needs.
Beyond the trails, explore the park's unique features. Discover the ruins of the original Newman's Nursery, a testament to the area's historical significance. Encounter abundant birdlife, including the charming Superb Fairy Wren. Look out for Western Grey Kangaroos and the park's resident Koalas. The park plays a vital role in conserving rare vegetation, once widespread across the Adelaide Plains and Mount Lofty Ranges.
Anstey Hill offers a beautiful display throughout the year. In winter and spring, witness a profusion of wildflowers, including spider-orchids and wax-lip orchids, adorning the slopes. During the summer months, enjoy a refreshing walk along Water Gully, or take in the breathtaking autumn sunset from the ridgetop trails.
The park welcomes visitors year-round, with vehicle entry gates open daily from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm (extended to 9:00 pm during daylight saving time). Please note that the park is closed on Christmas Day. Leashed dogs are also permitted.
Anstey Hill's diverse landscapes provide vital habitats for a variety of birds and animals. The park is dominated by Pink Gum and Long-leaf Box plant communities, now rare in the Adelaide Hills. The understory boasts Button Daisies, Pussytails, Needle Bushes, and Silky Guinea-flowers. The red and blue gum grassy woodlands near the Silver Mine serve as feeding grounds for local birds. Rough-barked Manna Gums, a favorite food source for koalas, are commonly seen between The Lookout and Newman's Nursery ruins.
Keen observers are likely to encounter some of the park's many residents. Listen for the calls of Brown Tree Frogs and Common Froglets along the creeks, or spot a Bearded Dragon basking in the sun. The park is also home to the endangered Chestnut-rumped Heath Wren.
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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.
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Looking for things to do in Anstey Hill Recreation Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
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.