Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 713m
Min elevation: 13m
Total Ascent: 1366m
Hike overview
The Sea to Summit Trail is a challenging 32km (grade 3) hike in South Australia, stretching from Kingston Park Beach near Brighton to the summit of Mount Lofty. It offers stunning scenery and a total height gain of 1400 meters. The trail itself is largely unmarked, but there are trailhead signs at Kingston Beach and a good map available from the Friends of the Heysen Trail, Scout Outdoor Centre and Earth Adventure. This two-day hike can also be attempted as a one-day challenge by experienced hikers.
Tips
- Dogs on a lead are welcome.
- Please be aware that there are no bins withÂin the park, so be preÂpared to take all rubÂbish (includÂing dog-poo bags) home with you
- Enjoy an open-air lunch at the accesÂsiÂble picÂnic ground at PlayÂford Lake and at the far end of the Pines PicÂnic Area 1.
- This park is closed on days of CatÂaÂstrophÂic Fire DanÂger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
- Adult supervision is recommended near the dam wall, which can be slippery.
- Use caution when crossing the sometimes busy road at Long Gully.
- Although this walk is marked as being Wheelchair Accessible, some people may require assistance.
Gallery
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 713 m
Min elevation: 13 m
Total climbing: 1366 m
Total descent: -666 m
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Each trail on this site has been personally mapped and documented to support the hiking community across Australia. While some hike descriptions include information from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal work in curating, refining, and improving the details. Please don’t republish this content elsewhere (including AllTrails) without acknowledging Trail Hiking Australia as the source. This site is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Belair, Blackwood, Coromandel Valley, Craigburn Farm, Eden Hills, Glenalta, Hawthorndene, Kingston Park, Lynton, Mitcham, Upper Sturt
Getting to the trailhead in Belair National Park.The park is locatÂed 13km south east of AdeÂlaide. Access is via Upper Sturt Road, Belair. There is also pubÂlic transÂport to this park from the AdeÂlaide city cenÂtre. Bikes can be carÂried on trains, but restricÂtions apply. Please refer to AdeÂlaide Metro webÂsite for furÂther details.
About the region
Set in beauÂtiÂful natÂurÂal bushÂland, Belair NationÂal Park is just 25 minÂutes from AdeÂlaide city cenÂtre. It is the ideÂal place to get active in the great outÂdoors. There are woodÂlands and lakes to explore, walkÂing and mounÂtain bikÂing trails to suit all levÂels of fitÂness, plus tenÂnis courts and crickÂet pitchÂes availÂable for hire.
This is South Australia’s oldÂest nationÂal park, and is home to Old GovÂernÂment House – a sigÂnifÂiÂcant herÂitage buildÂing. Also in the park is State FloÂra, the oldÂest plant nursÂery in South AusÂtralia and still going strong today. The park remains one of the few relÂaÂtiveÂly undisÂturbed areas of native vegÂeÂtaÂtion in the AdeÂlaide Hills region, makÂing it an imporÂtant refuge for native plants and animals.
In the warmer months, the park is a perÂfect spot for famÂiÂly picÂnics, barÂbeÂcues and ridÂing, with spring being the perÂfect time to visÂit if you love orchids and othÂer wildÂflowÂers. WinÂter is the best time to view the waterÂfalls and attempt the more chalÂlengÂing hikes, it is also a good time of year for funÂgi. VisÂit mornÂings and evenings for the best chance to view most wildlife. For sportÂing activÂiÂties, Belair NationÂal Park is great at any time of year.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Belair National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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.