Trail Fast Facts
The 54km Yurrebilla Trail commences east of Adelaide and passes through the Mount Lofty Ranges, 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 that gave rise to the naming of Uraidla.
The trail is 54 km 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 Yurrebilla Trail offers a diverse hiking experience, ranging from narrow single-person tracks to wider vehicle fire tracks. It passes many of the Adelaide Hills' top tourist attractions, including Waterfall Gully, the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, Mount Lofty Summit, and Cleland Wildlife Park. Additionally, the trail connects to picturesque Hills towns such as Summertown, Crafers, and Norton Summit, as well as various wineries, pubs, and other local attractions.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
This trail provides an immersive experience through some of South Australia's most stunning natural landscapes and vibrant communities.
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. The park is locatÂed 13km south east of AdeÂlaide. Access is via Upper Sturt Road, Belair. There is also pubÂlic transÂport to this park from the AdeÂlaide city cenÂtre. Bikes can be carÂried on trains, but restricÂtions apply. Please refer to AdeÂlaide Metro webÂsite for furÂther details.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 617 m
Min elevation: 118 m
Total climbing: 2494 m
Total descent: -2687 m
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
Set in beauÂtiÂful natÂurÂal bushÂland, Belair NationÂal Park is just 25 minÂutes from AdeÂlaide city cenÂtre. It is the ideÂal place to get active in the great outÂdoors. There are woodÂlands and lakes to explore, walkÂing and mounÂtain bikÂing trails to suit all levÂels of fitÂness, plus tenÂnis courts and crickÂet pitchÂes availÂable for hire.
This is South Australia’s oldÂest nationÂal park, and is home to Old GovÂernÂment House – a sigÂnifÂiÂcant herÂitage buildÂing. Also in the park is State FloÂra, the oldÂest plant nursÂery in South AusÂtralia and still going strong today. The park remains one of the few relÂaÂtiveÂly undisÂturbed areas of native vegÂeÂtaÂtion in the AdeÂlaide Hills region, makÂing it an imporÂtant refuge for native plants and animals.
In the warmer months, the park is a perÂfect spot for famÂiÂly picÂnics, barÂbeÂcues and ridÂing, with spring being the perÂfect time to visÂit if you love orchids and othÂer wildÂflowÂers. WinÂter is the best time to view the waterÂfalls and attempt the more chalÂlengÂing hikes, it is also a good time of year for funÂgi. VisÂit mornÂings and evenings for the best chance to view most wildlife. For sportÂing activÂiÂties, Belair NationÂal Park is great at any time of year.
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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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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.
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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.