The Mount Barker Summit Circuit is a moderately difficult (grade 3) 3 kilometre loop hike situated in Mount Barker, South Australia. With an estimated completion time of 1.5 hours, this trail offers an alternative to the easier Summit Walking Trail.
The well-defined circuit provides walkers with scenic views to the east and west. Hikers can commence their journey from the first car park near the radio towers on Mount Summit Road. The trailhead is marked by a large boulder located within the first section of the car park. It's important to note that the car park gate on Mount Summit Road closes every night before dusk.
The Mount Barker Summit Reserve is a significant conservation area within the district. It plays a vital role in protecting the region's precious biodiversity, including threatened plant and animal species. The reserve also holds historical, geological and cultural significance, particularly for the Peramangk and Njarrindjerri people.
For more information on this trail, please visit Walking SA
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.
Total distance: 2371 m
Max elevation: 505 m
Min elevation: 461 m
Total climbing: 86 m
Total descent: -86 m
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Gallery
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Mount Barker.
Accessible by car, Mount Barker Summit is a convenient day trip from various locations. If you’re coming from Adelaide, it’s a scenic 40-minute drive via the South-Eastern Freeway, with the Bald Hills exit leading you towards the summit. For those already in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker township is just a ten-minute drive away, while the charming town of Hahndorf is approximately twenty minutes distant.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
About the region
Standing at 513 meters, Mount Barker Summit offers sweeping views across the Adelaide Hills region. From its peak, you can see Mount Lofty to the northwest, the township of Mount Barker and the Cream Bowl valley to the west, the Lakes and Coorong district to the south, and the Bremer Valley stretching east.
Hikers can choose between two trails. The most popular option is a shorter, 600-meter return trail that leads directly from the car park to the summit. For a more comprehensive experience, the 3-kilometer circuit trail circumnavigates the summit, offering broader views and traversing significant conservation areas. Interpretive signage along the trail details the historical, geological, and cultural importance of Mount Barker Summit. The area holds particular significance for the Peramangk people, the traditional custodians of the land.
The car park at Mount Barker Summit Reserve is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, with extended hours of 8:00 pm during summer. Picnic tables are conveniently located between the car park and the summit, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Let someone know
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Mount Barker? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Mount George Conservation Park
Suggest an edit
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.