The 54km Yurrebilla Trail commences to the east of the Adelaide city centre and passes through the Mount Lofty Ranges in the Adelaide hills, South Australia. The grade 4 walk can be completed over 3-5 days.
Hike overview
The Yurrebilla Trail is a walking trail that commences to the east of the Adelaide city centre and passes through the Mount Lofty Ranges in the Adelaide hills area of Adelaide, South Australia. The name probably derives from the Kaurna name Yuridla, meaning "two ears", which refers to the peaks of Mount Lofty and Mount Bonython; the same word which gave rise to the naming of Uraidla.
The trail is 54km long and runs from Belair railway station (Belair National Park) in the south to the River Torrens at Ambers Gully in the north. Mostly traversing the hills face, it also passes through Cleland National Park and the upper section of Horsnell Gully Conservation Park, as well as Giles, Morialta, and Black Hill Conservation Parks, and scales the summit of Mount Lofty. Much of the trail consists of old footpads, fire tracks, road reserves, and roads rebadged, with the trail marked along them, linking to form a coherent trail from north to south along with newly-created sections. Panoramic views of the city and Adelaide Plains are to be had from every section. It was officially opened on 2 September 2003.
The trail is divided into one full-day and four half-day sections:
Section 1: Belair National Park to Eagle on the Hill
A 17.5km, grade 4 hike located in the Belair National Park, South Australia. The section should take around 5 hrs to complete.
This section of the Yurrebilla Trail on the edge of Belair National Park, Brownhill Creek, and the open grassy hills and ridgetops of Waite Conservation Reserve.
Section 2: Eagle on the Hill to Summertown
A 7km, grade 4 hike located in the Cleland Conservation Park, South Australia. The section should take around 3.5 hrs to complete.
This section of the Yurrebilla Trail takes in trails and tracks of Cleland National Park. Plenty of hills, and winding forest tracks.
Section 3: Summertown to Norton Summit
A 9km, grade 4 hike located in the Horsnell Gully Conservation Park, Giles Conservation Park, South Australia. The section should take around 4 hrs to complete.
This section of the Yurrebilla Trail takes in the koala haven of Horsnell Gully, with its old stone ruin cottages, and includes some of the Heysen Trail.
Section 4: Norton Summit to Morialta
A 7.5km, grade 4 hike located in the Morialta Conservation Park, South Australia. The section should take around 3.5 hrs to complete.
This section of the Yurrebilla Trail takes in old Morialta Barns complex, and the creeks and waterfalls in Morialta Conservation Park.
Section 5: Morialta to River Torrens, Yurrebilla Trail
A 13km, grade 4 hike located in the Black Hill Conservation Park, South Australia. The section should take around 4 hrs to complete.
This section of the Yurrebilla Trail takes in Black Hill Conservation Park and Ambers Gully.
Ranging from narrow single-person tracks to vehicle fire tracks, the Yurrebilla Trail passes many of the Adelaide Hills' top tourist attractions, including Waterfall Gully, the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, Mount Lofty Summit and Cleland Wildlife Park. It also visits or has connection to picturesque Hills' towns such as Summertown, Crafers and Norton Summit, as well as wineries, pubs and other attractions.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 617 m
Min elevation: 118 m
Total climbing: 2494 m
Total descent: -2687 m
Trail location
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Getting there
Access to the trail head is on the edge of the Belair National Park, adjacent the Belair train station. There is a car park available at Belair railway station or within the Belair National Park.
About the region
Set in beautiful natural bushland, Belair National Park is just 25 minutes from Adelaide city centre. This is South Australia's oldest national park, and is home to Old Government House €“ a significant heritage building. Also in the park is State Flora, the oldest plant nursery in South Australia and still going strong today. The park remains one of the few relatively undisturbed areas of native vegetation in the Adelaide Hills region, making it an important refuge for native plants and animals.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
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Gear to consider
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.