Best trails in Cleland National Park
The Cleland Conservation Park is located in the Adelaide Hills on Kaurna land, and overlooks Adelaide and the surrounding region. This large park has an extensive network of trails through stringybark forests, open grasslands, and eucalypt gullies with tall blue gums and manna gums. These landscapes support diverse native wildlife including wrens, echidnas, kangaroos and the endangered southern brown bandicoot.
There are extensive facilities at Waterfall Gully, the Utopia restaurant, Mt Lofty Summit, and at Cleland Wildlife Park.
Top trails
- (1278)•Moderate•4.9 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrTake a scenic hike through Cleland National Park, just a short distance from Adelaide, South Australia. This trail cuts through the park from east to west, leading you on a challenging climb up to Mount Lofty and crossing creeks along the way. Once you reach the top of Mount Lofty, you'll find a variety of food and amenities to enjoy. The path is paved the entire way, making it a great option when other trails are muddy.
- (674)•Moderate•5.8 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThe Burnside Quarry and Chambers Gully Circuit offers a fantastic escape into nature right on the edge of Adelaide. As you hike, enjoy views of rugged hills, native bushland, and vibrant wildflowers. The trail includes a mix of paths through open space and shaded areas, offering some fantastic views of the area. This trail is a great spot to see many Kangaroo's too as well as Koala's!
- (490)•Moderate•6.5 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis is an enjoyable and manageable hike that involves some gentle slopes, with some steeper portions, particularly when heading down Gunblower. The path is suitable for shared use, wide, and has plenty of shade. It's a common occurrence to come across chatty birds and kangaroos along the way. The trail features many highlights, including an array of birds and animals, such as blue wrens, fantails, echidnas, koalas, and kangaroos, all of which can be found within the park. Other attractions...
- (302)•Hard•9.5 mi•Est. 5–5.5 hrThis is a great loop that explores the Cleland National Park with a mixture of walking trails. The trail features two lookout points with views of Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills with the surrounding metropolitan areas. Starting on a bitumen road and then on to fire track, you'll follow the Bartrill Spur Track and meander up the Waterfall Gully to the summit of Mount Lofty - the perfect spot for a rest and a lunch break. You'll then head back down the Long Ridge Track passing the Sugarloaf...
- (293)•Moderate•4.9 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrA lovely walk around Mount Lofty which you should reserve the day to undertake and really enjoy the scenery and be able to take your time strolling through the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. There are plenty of trails in this area to explore if you want to extend your trip around Mount Lofty with most being easy to connect back up to the original route.
- (209)•Moderate•5.3 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis loop starts at the Wildlife Centre and is an easy trail with gentle inclines all the way with some making it ideal for all levels, especially kids if they can cover the distance. A year-round go-to for catching some beautiful views of the city and all the way out to the coast on a clear day. It's not uncommon to spot plentiful wildlife along the way including koalas and families of kangaroos.
- (248)•Moderate•5.6 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis return walk is a nice introduction to the terrain and views around Cleland National Park and Mount Lofty. Beginning from Crafers follow the steep and occasionally rocky trail up to a hard right turn to find the summit of Mount Lofty. There are many options within the park to create a short loop or longer distance depending on how you feel. Grab a coffee back in Crafers after you finish!
- (277)•Moderate•4.4 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis trail takes you from Cleland to Mount Lofty and provides a quieter and easier option for climbing to the top of popular Mount Lofty. The trail zig-zags up the mountain making it slightly longer but that means that grade is lower so it's a great option for families with kids or prams, the elderly or anyone with reduced mobility that has issues climbing steep inclines. This trail also features some pristine bushland and the possibility of seeing the native bandicoots, echidnas and...
- (107)•Moderate•2.2 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail starts at the end of Waterfall Gully Road and follows the Waterfall Gully track to visit First Falls and then proceeds to Second Falls Lookout. After the falls, the trail does a lollypop loop with an additional climb to catch some views across the Adelaide Hills. The trail is moderately challenging as there are some steep and rocky sections.
- (130)•Moderate•8.0 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrThis route combines two great trails within Cleland National Park, Wine Shanty and Chambers Gully tracks, into a stellar circuit for hikers, walkers, and runners. The beginning of the route on Wine Shanty is a shared-use trail and popular with cyclists, once the route heads toward Sugarloaf Hill it is primarily a walking trail back to the car park. Lots of wildlife to see along the way (kangaroos, echidnas, koalas, and vast birdlife) and not to mention some of the best views of Adelaide you...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Cleland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Cleland National Park is Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Hike, which has a 4.7 star rating from 1,278 reviews. This trail is 4.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,564 ft.
What is the longest trail in Cleland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Cleland National Park is Cleland Explorer Track. This trail is estimated to be 22.7 mi long.
How many trails are in Cleland National Park?
There are 49 trails in Cleland National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 6,327 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Cleland National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Cleland National Park has you covered. Cleland Explorer Track boasts the most elevation gain with 5,406 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Cleland Mega Circuit via Pengana Track and Wine Shanty Track, which will get you 3,546 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Cleland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Cleland National Park and the most popular is Cleland to Belair National Park with an average 4.4 star rating from 19 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Cleland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 38 running trails in Cleland National Park and the most popular is Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Hike with an average 4.7 star rating from 1,278 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Cleland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 8 biking trails in Cleland National Park and the most popular is Wine Shanty Hike with an average 4.6 star rating from 490 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Cleland National Park?
Yes, there are 10 trails with waterfalls in Cleland National Park, including Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Hike, Waterfall Gully to Measday Lookout Loop, First and Second Falls via Waterfall Gully Trail, Mount Lofty via Pengana Track and Waterfall Gully Trail, and First Falls to Mount Lofty.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cleland National Park?
Yes, there are 38 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cleland National Park, including Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Hike, Burnside Quarry and Chambers Gully Circuit, Chambers Gully to Mount Lofty Loop, Mount Lofty Summit Circuit, and Chambers Gully and Sugarloaf Hill Loop via Cleland Wildlife Park.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Cleland National Park?
Yes, there are 28 trails with scenic viewpoints in Cleland National Park, including Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Hike, Chambers Gully to Mount Lofty Loop, Mount Lofty Summit Circuit, Crafers to Mount Lofty Trail, and Mount Lofty via Steub Trail.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Cleland National Park?
Yes, there are 12 trails with historical ruins in Cleland National Park, including Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Hike, Waterfall Gully to Measday Lookout Loop, Waterfall Gully Trail Loop, Cleland Wildlife Park to Norton Summit via Yurrebilla Trail, and Mount Lofty via Mireen, Birriee, and Waterfall Gully.
