The Nature Trail - Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens is an 800m, grade 3 hike located in Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, South Australia. The hike should take around 40 minutes to complete.
Hike overview
A popular walking trail winding through a seven hectare area of natural scrub in the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens.
Native plants and animals on the trail vary with the season and the bird life is truly remarkable.
The trail takes about an hour to walk and can be started at either end.
The main tree of the Piccadilly Valley is the Messmate stringybark, Eucalyptus obliqua. At the turn of the century the whole valley was clear-felled with the exception of a few individual trees. The timber was harvested for use in the copper mines at Kanmantoo and as firewood in the factories of Adelaide. Since then, some parts of the valley have regenerated and, with the exception of competition from weeds and interruption by fire, a second generation forest has grown.
The trail is an official alternative route for the Heysen Trail. It is 850m long and drops about 100m, very steeply in some places.
Ten points of interest are marked along the trail. Follow along with the Nature Trail brochure.
GPX file courtesy of Walking SA. File may not contain elevation data and may only represent half the length on return hikes.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 629 m
Min elevation: 527 m
Total climbing: 106 m
Total descent: -4 m
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Trail location
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Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
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About the region
Put on your walking shoes, pack your camera and get ready to explore! Whether you're out for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous trek, there's always something new to discover at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Meander along the multitude of paths that sprawl across 97 hectares €“ with a surprise awaiting you around every corner. Immerse yourself in the spectacular colour, rich aromas and amazing diversity.
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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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.