Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 176m
Min elevation: 110m
Total Ascent: 147m
Hike overview
The Wirraparinga Trail Loop offers a scenic 5.5-kilometer (grade 3) hike through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park in South Australia. This moderately challenging circuit, taking roughly 2.5 hours to complete, follows the Brownhill Creek Valley, showcasing majestic river red gums, some exceeding 300 years old.
The trail consists of two segments: the Wirraparinga Trail traverses the valley's southern side, while the Shared Use Trail follows the creek on the northern side. Hikers can easily combine these paths into a loop, starting near the caravan park and turning back at the Manure Pits.
One highlight of the hike is the "Monarch of the Glen," a monumental 400-year-old river red gum. Its cavernous trunk served as a shelter for Kaurna Aboriginal people and even European colonists as late as the 1950s, with historical accounts mentioning births occurring within the tree.
Brownhill Creek Recreation Park is dog-friendly, but leash laws require canines to be under control at all times. The Shared Use Trail, specifically designed for accessibility, is suitable for bicycles, prams, and wheelchairs. This trail begins near the caravan park, initially located on the road's north side until reaching Whites Bridge, where it switches to the south side.
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: 176 m
Min elevation: 110 m
Total climbing: 147 m
Total descent: -146 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: Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.
Reaching Brownhill Creek Recreation Park is convenient for visitors by car or foot. Situated just 8 kilometers from Adelaide, the park is easily accessible. If you’re driving, follow Brownhill Creek Road until you reach the park entrance. Alternatively, for those seeking a more active approach, Northbrook Avenue offers a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly access point.
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, Aldgate, Brownhill Creek, Crafers, Glen Osmond, Goodwood, Mitcham, Stirling, Unley, Upper Sturt
About the region
Nestled just 8 kilometers from Adelaide's city center, Brownhill Creek Recreation Park offers a welcome escape into nature. Encompassing 51 hectares, this scenic park provides a variety of recreational activities for visitors. Hike or bike along the trails, explore the park on horseback using the designated trail and fenced exercise area, or simply enjoy a picnic surrounded by the beauty of the natural environment.
Brownhill Creek, the park's namesake, winds its way through a steep valley adorned with majestic river red gums, some standing tall for over 300 years. Evidence suggests this area held significance for the Kaurna Aboriginal people, serving as a favored location for camping, hunting, and gathering.
The park boasts a diverse range of flora. Towering river red gums flank the creek, while blue gum woodlands carpet the valley slopes. Additionally, a small but threatened ecosystem of greybox grassy woodland finds refuge within the park's boundaries.
The natural beauty of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park extends beyond the flora. The creek valley serves as a vital wildlife corridor for over 40 species of birds and mammals. Kookaburras, bats, possums, water rats, frogs, and even the occasional koala call this park home. Notably, the park provides habitat for the nationally endangered southern brown bandicoot.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Brownhill Creek Recreation 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.





