Trail summary

2,694 Views

Quick overview: Explore the natural splendour of South Australia on the Yellowtail Anstey Hill Circuit, situated in the Anstey Hill Recreation Park, a stone's throw from Tea Tree Gully. This challenging 6km circuit, graded hard, takes you on a 2.5-hour journey through diverse wildlife and historical landmarks, including the intriguing ruins of Newman's Nursery. The trail offers panoramic views of the Adelaide Plains and features a mix of blue dolomite fire tracks and clay dirt paths, guided by yellow markers. Remember to keep your furry mates on a leash!

Length: 6km

Duration: 2.5 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Quarry Carpark

End: Quarry Carpark

Location: Anstey Hill Recreation Park

State: South Australia

Nearby town: Tea Tree Gully

From state capital: 18.6km

Latitude: -34.82422311348071

Longitude: 138.73296443375207

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

Check Weather

Reviews

Hike overview

Encompassing the natural beauty and historical significance of Anstey Hill Recreation Park, the Yellowtail Anstey Hill Circuit offers a challenging 6-kilometer loop hike for experienced walkers (grade 4). The trail takes roughly 2.5 hours to complete and rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views across the Adelaide Plains. Along the way, you'll encounter diverse wildlife native to the park and the intriguing ruins of Newman's Nursery.

Leashed dogs are welcome companions on this hike. The majority of the trail follows wide, blue dolomite fire tracks. However, there are deviations - a section on the Ridge Top Walk track and the return leg along the Boundary Walk track, a clay dirt path running parallel to Perseverance Road. Yellow markers guide you throughout the circuit.

Newman's Nursery, established in 1854, is a captivating historical landmark encountered on the trail. The extensive ruins, including remnants of heated glass houses, offer a glimpse into its past glory as the largest nursery in the southern hemisphere. Interestingly, the park itself boasts a rich history. The main open-cut quarry and ruins, dating from 1853 to 1982, were the source of stone used in Adelaide's iconic buildings like the War Memorial and St Peter's Cathedral.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

Map and GPX file

Yellowtail Anstey Hill Circuit Hike (6km)

Total distance: 6090 m
Max elevation: 389 m
Min elevation: 233 m
Total climbing: 212 m
Total descent: -212 m

Download

Getting there

Yellowtail Anstey Hill Circuit Hike (6km)

Anstey Hill Recreation Park is conveniently located approximately 16 kilometers northeast of Adelaide City Centre. Drivers can access the park via several entrances: North East Road (near the old Tea Tree Gully Village), Perseverance Road, or Range Road South. Public transport options are also available from Adelaide for those without a car. Visitors with accessibility needs can find designated parking at Gate 1, located next to the toilet facilities near Ellis Cottage.

Get directions

Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

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.

About the region

Anstey Hill Recreation Park is situated on Kaurna (Gar-na) Country, a region significant to the Kaurna people for generations. The foothills historically provided a seasonal source of food, water, shelter, and medicine. To learn more about Kaurna culture, visit the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre at Bedford Park.

Anstey Hill Recreation Park offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors of all interests. Whether you're a family seeking a leisurely stroll, a walker looking for a scenic route, or a mountain biker craving a challenge, the park's extensive network of trails caters to your needs.

Beyond the trails, explore the park's unique features. Discover the ruins of the original Newman's Nursery, a testament to the area's historical significance. Encounter abundant birdlife, including the charming Superb Fairy Wren. Look out for Western Grey Kangaroos and the park's resident Koalas. The park plays a vital role in conserving rare vegetation, once widespread across the Adelaide Plains and Mount Lofty Ranges.

Anstey Hill offers a beautiful display throughout the year. In winter and spring, witness a profusion of wildflowers, including spider-orchids and wax-lip orchids, adorning the slopes. During the summer months, enjoy a refreshing walk along Water Gully, or take in the breathtaking autumn sunset from the ridgetop trails.

The park welcomes visitors year-round, with vehicle entry gates open daily from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm (extended to 9:00 pm during daylight saving time). Please note that the park is closed on Christmas Day. Leashed dogs are also permitted.

Anstey Hill's diverse landscapes provide vital habitats for a variety of birds and animals. The park is dominated by Pink Gum and Long-leaf Box plant communities, now rare in the Adelaide Hills. The understory boasts Button Daisies, Pussytails, Needle Bushes, and Silky Guinea-flowers. The red and blue gum grassy woodlands near the Silver Mine serve as feeding grounds for local birds. Rough-barked Manna Gums, a favorite food source for koalas, are commonly seen between The Lookout and Newman's Nursery ruins.

Keen observers are likely to encounter some of the park's many residents. Listen for the calls of Brown Tree Frogs and Common Froglets along the creeks, or spot a Bearded Dragon basking in the sun. The park is also home to the endangered Chestnut-rumped Heath Wren.

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Anstey Hill Recreation Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

Let someone know

Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Yellowtail Anstey Hill Circuit Hike (6km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

Weather

Acknowledgement of Country

Yellowtail anstey hill circuit hike (6km)

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.

Trail summary

Hike overview

Map and GPX file

Yellowtail Anstey Hill Circuit Hike (6km)