Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 409m
Min elevation: 252m
Total Ascent: 287m
Hike overview
Explore the natural beauty of Scott Creek Conservation Park with the Scott Creek Eastern Circuit. This moderately challenging (grade 3) 8.5-kilometre loop winds through the park's eastern reaches, offering a rewarding experience for those seeking a more remote wilderness adventure.
Unlike other areas of the park, the eastern section lacks designated walking trails. However, a well-established network of signposted fire tracks provides a clear route for exploration. The circuit commences at Gate 14, conveniently located at the intersection of Matthews Road and Scott Creek Road. While the absence of marked trails allows for a more independent exploration, be sure to plan your route carefully and ensure you have a map and compass for navigation. Allow approximately 3 hours to complete the circuit, keeping in mind the distance and potential uneven terrain.
BushÂwalkÂers are encourÂaged to explore the park via the fire track netÂwork. Please stick to desÂigÂnatÂed tracks and take care as these trail include steep secÂtions and rocky, uneven surÂfaces that may be slipÂpery when wet. A good levÂel of fitÂness and expeÂriÂence is advised.
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
Max elevation: 409 m
Min elevation: 252 m
Total climbing: 287 m
Total descent: -287 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: Scott Creek Conservation Park.
Accessible by car, Scott Creek Conservation Park lies approximately 30 kilometres south of Adelaide. Drivers can reach the park via two main roads: Dorset Vale Road or Scott Creek Road, both leading to the park entrance in the township of Scott Creek.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
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, Bridgewater, Crafers, Scott Creek, Stirling
About the region
Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural heritage of the Mount Lofty Ranges at Scott Creek Conservation Park, located near Adelaide. This significant conservation area shelters a diverse range of native plants and animals, including threatened species.
Originally a key travel route for the Kaurna People, the park also boasts historical significance. From the 1850s onwards, the area was mined for copper and silver, leaving behind remnants like engine houses and mine shafts that you can explore along the park's interpretive walking trails.
Previously cleared for grazing, the park is now undergoing restoration efforts to return native vegetation. Today, nearly 400 plant species thrive here, including most of the eucalypt varieties found in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Dense stringybark scrub with a diverse understorey dominates the landscape, providing habitat for over 125 bird species and a variety of mammals like koalas, echidnas, and kangaroos.
Keep your eyes peeled for these shy creatures as you explore the park's walking trails, suitable for a range of fitness levels. The park offers a great escape for those seeking a connection with nature and South Australia's rich history.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Scott Creek Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.





