Trail Fast Facts
Warren Tower Circuit is a 9km, grade 3 hike in Warren Conservation Park, South Australia. This hike typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Warren Tower Circuit is a rewarding 9-kilometre loop trail (grade 3) situated within Warren Conservation Park, South Australia. This moderately challenging hike typically takes 3-4 hours to complete and offers a diverse range of landscapes to explore.
Beginning at Watts Gully Road, the trail leads you through the heart of Warren Conservation Park. Diverse ecosystems unfold as you progress, with native scrub blanketing the gullies, open country offering panoramic vistas near the fire watch tower, and even pockets of pine forest. The starting point is a small carpark on Watts Gully Road, where a short boardwalk helps you navigate a potentially damp area during wet winters.
Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife throughout your walk. Spotting kangaroos, echidna diggings, and lizards is a common occurrence in this park. The namesake Warren Tower, strategically positioned atop a hill, provides a breathtaking vantage point overlooking the sprawling forests and distant ranges.
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 530 m
Min elevation: 347 m
Total climbing: 314 m
Total descent: -314 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Located approximately 60 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, the park offers two main entry points for walkers. The most convenient option is the Watts Gully trailhead, situated on Watts Gully Road in Mount Crawford. Alternatively, walkers can access the park via the Tower Track within Mount Crawford Forest.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
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About the region
Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, Warren Conservation Park offers a haven for nature lovers seeking a challenging bushwalking experience. The park boasts a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, with relatively undisturbed Messmate stringybark and long-leaved box woodlands teeming with native plants, including vibrant orchids and lilies. The park is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, echidnas, and lizards commonly spotted amongst the trees.
While Warren Conservation Park is only a short distance from Adelaide, the closest town being Williamstown approximately 10 kilometres southeast, the walking trails here are best suited for experienced bushwalkers. The park features three challenging trails, including a section of the renowned long-distance Heysen Trail. These tracks are steep and require a good level of fitness and experience.
Spring paints the park in its most vibrant colours, with orchids, wattles, banksias, hakeas, heaths, and eucalyptus bursting into bloom. However, the park's beauty can be appreciated year-round. The native fauna and the wild forests of stringybark and long-leaved box offer a glimpse into the natural wonders of the Adelaide Hills, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a challenging adventure.
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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
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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.