Hike at a Glance

Australia > South Australia > Mount George Conservation Park

Quick overview: Experience an immersive 2.5km circuit through Mount George Conservation Park with the Ridge Trail, a Grade 3 (Moderate) bushwalk nestled in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. Expect a secluded, well-maintained trail that traverses native bushland, culminating at the summit with panoramic views across Bridgewater towards Mount Lofty. Remember to consult a map before your journey, as the starting point behind the electric gate may not be clearly marked. Enjoy this hidden gem, perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a tranquil escape.

Length:

2.5km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 521m

Min elevation: 419m

Total Ascent: 132m

Start: Mount George Road Carpark

End: Mount George Road Carpark

Mount George Conservation Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Mount George

From state capital: 24.7km

Latitude: -34.998842064731555

Longitude: 138.75208864812785

10 Reviews

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Hike overview

A hidden gem within Mount George Conservation Park, the Ridge Trail offers a secluded escape into native bushland. This 2.5-kilometre loop trail (grade 3) is a moderate hike typically taking around 2 hours to complete.

Don't be deterred by the imposing electric fence and locked gate – these are for vehicle access only, not pedestrians. The trail itself begins behind this barrier, a hidden path that winds through a dense forest once characteristic of the Adelaide Hills.

While the route is well-maintained and easy to follow, the initial starting point may not be clearly marked. Consulting a map beforehand is recommended to ensure a smooth beginning to your hike.

The Ridge Trail follows a combination of fire tracks and walking trails, eventually leading to the summit of Mount George. A nearby rocky outcrop rewards hikers with panoramic views stretching across Bridgewater towards Mount Lofty. Importantly, remember that the only entry and exit point for the trail is the shed near the main picnic area, as all side tracks lead back to the perimeter fence.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Ridge Circuit Walk (2.5km)

Total distance: 2658 m
Max elevation: 521 m
Min elevation: 419 m
Total climbing: 132 m
Total descent: -133 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Explore safely

Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Leave a trip plan

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Planning checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Mount George Conservation Park.

Easily accessible by car, Mount George Conservation Park lies 25 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. The main entry point is conveniently located off Mount George Road in Bridgewater, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or exploration as part of a larger Adelaide Hills adventure. Drivers can conveniently access the Ridge Trail by car. The main carpark for Mount George Conservation Park is located just off the Bridgewater freeway exit. Alternatively, public transport users can take Adelaide Metro bus route 864 to bus stop 46 on Mount Barker Road. From there, a scenic walk along the Heysen Trail via the Fairy Garden will lead you to the park.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find Accommodation

Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: Aldgate, Hahndorf, Little Para, Mount Barker, Nairne, Oakbank

About the region

Nestled just 20 kilometres from Adelaide, Mount George Conservation Park offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and ecological heritage of the region. Traditionally the land of the Kaurna Peoples, the park's landscape reflects a fascinating past. While much of the surrounding area was cleared for agriculture in the 1840s, today the park flourishes thanks to ongoing conservation efforts and the area's cool winters. This unique combination fosters a remarkable variety of vegetation, with vibrant spring wildflowers adding a seasonal touch.

Exploration awaits in the form of numerous walking trails, catering to a range of fitness levels. Options range from leisurely 15-minute strolls to more challenging treks lasting up to 2 hours. Hikers can also enjoy a section of the renowned Heysen Trail that traverses the park. Mount George Conservation Park is conveniently divided into two zones. The recreation zone, located between Mount George Road and Cox Creek, welcomes leashed and controlled dogs.

The park itself offers a visual treat. Towering Mountain Gums greet visitors upon entering the recreation area. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful pea flowers, Correa shrubs clinging to the ground, and a delightful array of native orchids. The park teems with life, offering opportunities to spot a variety of birds like the Superb Wren, Red-browed Finch, White-throated Treecreeper, and Scarlet Robin. Keep an eye out for mammals and reptiles that also call this park home.

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Trail Features (select all that apply)Aboriginal ArtAlpine HutsAlpine RegionBeach & CoastalBicycle TrailConcrete PathDog FriendlyDrinking WaterExposed LedgesFishing SpotsGoldfields & MiningGorgesGravel PathHeritageHorse RidingLakesLighthouseManual WheelchairMotorised WheelchairMountain Bike TrailOff TrailOvernight CampsitesPrams & StrollersRail TrailRainforestRiver CrossingsRiversRock ScramblingRough TrailSandy TrailScenic ViewpointsSteep TerrainSwimming SpotsTimber BoardwalkTrail RunningUndefined TrailUntreated WaterUrbanWaterfallsWell Marked Trail

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Reviews
Ridge Circuit Walk (2.5km)

10 Reviews on “Ridge Circuit Walk (2.5km)”

Overall rating

Rustic Track

There is nothing more peaceful than the Great Outdoors, ya?

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Acknowledgement of Country

Ridge circuit walk (2. 5km) trail hiking australia

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Ridge Circuit Walk (2.5km)

Ridge Circuit Walk (2.5km)

Explore safely

Leave a trip plan

Planning checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

About the region

Similar walks nearby

Rhododendron Trail Walk (1.4km)

The Nature Trail Walk (2.2km)

Main St Crafers to Mt Lofty Summit Hike (9.8km)

Heysen Trail – Mt Lofty Circuit Hike (7.5km)

Gallery

Suggest an edit

Reviews
Ridge Circuit Walk (2.5km)

Ridge Circuit Walk (2.5km)

10 Reviews on “Ridge Circuit Walk (2.5km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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