Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 377m
Min elevation: 188m
Total Ascent: 569m
Hike overview
Enjoy the Three Falls Grand Circuit, a challenging hike that rewards you with breathtaking views of all three waterfalls within Morialta Conservation Park. Traverse the edge of the gorge, taking in the dramatic cliffs as you follow Fourth Creek. The trail winds past First Falls, with a brief detour to Second Falls, before culminating at Third Falls. Soak in panoramic views of the Morialta Gorge and the sprawling plains beyond.
The hike offers two starting points: the top carpark for a more immediate trek, or the lower carpark on Stradbroke Road. If you choose the latter, a scenic walk along the Fourth Creek Walk will lead you to the top carpark before joining the Grand Circuit.
This adventurous trail provides not only stunning waterfall views but also unveils dramatic cliff faces from various perspectives. Highlights include Deep View and Kookaburra Rock Lookout, offering exceptional panoramas of the Morialta Gorge. Be aware that the trail includes steep sections with loose rocks and uneven surfaces, which can become slippery when wet. Proper footwear and a sense of adventure are essential.
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: 377 m
Min elevation: 188 m
Total climbing: 569 m
Total descent: -570 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: Morialta Conservation Park.
If you’re looking to explore Morialta Conservation Park and reach the Morialta Falls Carpark by car, it’s a scenic 20-minute drive from Adelaide. Head northeast on Magill Road for about 10 kilometers. You’ll then take a slight left onto Norton Summit Road, which becomes Glen Stuart Road. Follow Glen Stuart Road until the roundabout, where you’ll take the second exit onto Morialta Road. Continue straight onto Morialta Falls Road, and turn right to find the carpark on your right.
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: Adelaide, Auldana, Campbelltown, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Park, Magill, Marden, Mawson Lakes, Newton, Norton Summit, Paradise, Rostrevor, Stirling
About the region
Morialta Conservation Park, a beloved local escape for over 100 years, offers a stunning natural experience just 10 kilometers from Adelaide's bustling center. Immerse yourself in the park's diverse landscape: explore the cascading waterfalls along Fourth Creek, wander through scenic woodlands and rugged ridges, or marvel at the panoramic views from the rock climbing zone.
Hike along the extensive network of trails and discover the park's three magnificent waterfalls. Visit during winter or spring to witness the most spectacular displays of water cascading over sheer quartzite cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – the park's rock pools and creeks are home to a variety of birds, frogs, and small reptiles. Look out for honeyeaters and thornbills flitting amongst the woodlands, and you might even spot a koala or kookaburra perched in the towering gum trees.
Morialta caters to all interests. Take a leisurely stroll along the First Falls Walk, perfect for families. Enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature at the Mukanthi Playspace, designed to ignite children's imaginations through natural play elements. Experienced climbers can challenge themselves at Morialta Rock-climbing Zone, renowned as the state's premier natural climbing area.
Morialta offers something special throughout the year. Witness the waterfalls at their most powerful in winter, or be captivated by the vibrant wildflowers blanketing the hills in spring. No matter the season, Morialta Conservation Park provides a refreshing escape for all who seek adventure and connection with nature.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Morialta 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.





