Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the 5.4km Wirraparinga Trail Loop in South Australia's Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, just 10km from the main town of Mitcham. This moderate, Grade 3 circuit takes around 2.5 hours to complete, presenting time-weathered river red gums and the famed "Monarch of the Glen." The trail, suitable for both hikers and cyclists, starts and ends at the Brown Hill Creek Carpark. Remember to keep your four-legged mate on a leash, as the park is dog-friendly but requires control at all times.

Length:

5.4km

Duration:

2.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 176m

Min elevation: 110m

Total Ascent: 147m

Start: Brown Hill Creek Carpark

End: Brown Hill Creek Carpark

Brownhill Creek Recreation Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Mitcham

From state capital: 10km

Latitude: -34.98358350727929

Longitude: 138.62606763839725

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Hike overview

The Wirraparinga Trail Loop offers a scenic 5.5-kilometer (grade 3) hike through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park in South Australia. This moderately challenging circuit, taking roughly 2.5 hours to complete, follows the Brownhill Creek Valley, showcasing majestic river red gums, some exceeding 300 years old.

The trail consists of two segments: the Wirraparinga Trail traverses the valley's southern side, while the Shared Use Trail follows the creek on the northern side. Hikers can easily combine these paths into a loop, starting near the caravan park and turning back at the Manure Pits.

One highlight of the hike is the "Monarch of the Glen," a monumental 400-year-old river red gum. Its cavernous trunk served as a shelter for Kaurna Aboriginal people and even European colonists as late as the 1950s, with historical accounts mentioning births occurring within the tree.

Brownhill Creek Recreation Park is dog-friendly, but leash laws require canines to be under control at all times. The Shared Use Trail, specifically designed for accessibility, is suitable for bicycles, prams, and wheelchairs. This trail begins near the caravan park, initially located on the road's north side until reaching Whites Bridge, where it switches to the south side.

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

Track grade

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Wirraparinga Trail Circuit Walk (5.5km)

Total distance: 5429 m
Max elevation: 176 m
Min elevation: 110 m
Total climbing: 147 m
Total descent: -146 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

Reaching Brownhill Creek Recreation Park is convenient for visitors by car or foot. Situated just 8 kilometers from Adelaide, the park is easily accessible. If you’re driving, follow Brownhill Creek Road until you reach the park entrance. Alternatively, for those seeking a more active approach, Northbrook Avenue offers a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly access point.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Nestled just 8 kilometers from Adelaide's city center, Brownhill Creek Recreation Park offers a welcome escape into nature. Encompassing 51 hectares, this scenic park provides a variety of recreational activities for visitors. Hike or bike along the trails, explore the park on horseback using the designated trail and fenced exercise area, or simply enjoy a picnic surrounded by the beauty of the natural environment.

Brownhill Creek, the park's namesake, winds its way through a steep valley adorned with majestic river red gums, some standing tall for over 300 years. Evidence suggests this area held significance for the Kaurna Aboriginal people, serving as a favored location for camping, hunting, and gathering.

The park boasts a diverse range of flora. Towering river red gums flank the creek, while blue gum woodlands carpet the valley slopes. Additionally, a small but threatened ecosystem of greybox grassy woodland finds refuge within the park's boundaries.

The natural beauty of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park extends beyond the flora. The creek valley serves as a vital wildlife corridor for over 40 species of birds and mammals. Kookaburras, bats, possums, water rats, frogs, and even the occasional koala call this park home. Notably, the park provides habitat for the nationally endangered southern brown bandicoot.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Adelaide, Aldgate, Brownhill Creek, Crafers, Glen Osmond, Goodwood, Mitcham, Stirling, Unley, Upper Sturt

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 Brownhill Creek Recreation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

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Wirraparinga Trail Circuit Walk (5.5km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Wirraparinga trail circuit walk (5. 5km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Wirraparinga Trail Circuit Walk (5.5km)