Nestled within the stringybark forests of Mark Oliphant Conservation Park in South Australia, the Skink Circuit offers a leisurely 1.8-kilometer hike. This easy, 45-minute loop trail is ideal for those seeking a shorter exploration of the park.
Despite the park entrance's unassuming appearance, well-marked trails and fire tracks named after streets ensure a smooth navigation experience. While there's no trail information directly available at the carpark, a modern shelter stands near the oval for a quick rest. Beyond the oval, however, the park offers minimal amenities.
Begin your hike by heading clockwise from the carpark at Gate 1 on Scott Creek Road. Follow Loftia Track, a fire track, past the oval and shelter. You'll encounter the Bandicoot Trail about 100 meters after the junction with Nioka Track. However, for the Skink Circuit, continue along the fire track for a short distance. The Skink Circuit itself begins as a single walking trail shortly after this point.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
- Dogs are not perÂmitÂted in this park.
- There are no facilÂiÂties in the park. Please ensure you carÂry sufÂfiÂcient water, food and supÂplies for your entire visÂit.
- It is also a good idea to let a responÂsiÂble perÂson know of your intendÂed moveÂments and when you expect to return.
- This park is closed on days of CatÂaÂstrophÂic Fire DanÂger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
Total distance: 1782 m
Max elevation: 427 m
Min elevation: 375 m
Total climbing: 63 m
Total descent: -63 m
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The Skink Circuit Walk is accessible from Adelaide via the South-Eastern Freeway, approximately 22 kilometers southeast of the city. The hike begins at Gate 1 on Scott Creek Road, which serves as the trailhead for this specific circuit.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
The Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, named after former state Governor Sir Mark Oliphant for his conservation efforts, offers a haven for bushwalkers with its scenic forest landscapes. Keep an eye out for the park's abundant birdlife, including the scarlet robin, golden whistler, and Adelaide rosellas. The park holds particular significance as a critical habitat for the nationally endangered southern brown bandicoot.
Prior to European settlement, the area served as a vital source of food, shelter, and wood for the Kaurna people. It also functioned as a major pathway connecting the hills and plains.
Messmate stringybark and brown stringybark dominate the park's forest canopy. A rare stand of candlebark gums, known for their white bark and limited to high-rainfall regions of the Adelaide Hills, can be found near the oval. Scattered pockets of pink gum, manna gum, and blue gum also contribute to the park's diverse flora. The forest understory boasts a vibrant display of spring-flowering shrubs like myrtle-leaved wattle, beaked hakea, and large-leaved bush-pea. While bushfires in 1980 and 1995 impacted the park's plant life, weeds pose the most significant current threat.
The park provides refuge for elusive creatures such as the southern brown bandicoot and yellow-footed antechinus, alongside various lizard, snake, and frog species. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting the superb fairy-wren, scarlet robin, golden whistler, Adelaide rosella, and numerous honeyeater species. While invertebrates represent the park's most abundant and diverse animal group, their small size makes them less conspicuous. Visitors are encouraged to take a closer look to appreciate the fascinating shapes, colors, and behaviors of ants, beetles, and butterflies.
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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.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
