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Best trails in Cleland National Park

Best trails in Cleland National Park

4.5(6,511 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#40 of 637 national parks

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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

  1. #1 - Water­fall Gul­ly to Mount Lofty Hike

    4.7(1317)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.0 mi
    ·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Glistening waterfalls and panoramic city views make this iconic trek a staple for those exploring the Adelaide Hills. Starting from the lush base of Waterfall Gully, the path climbs steadily through Cleland National Park, following a fully sealed track that remains reliable even after a bit of rain. As you ascend, the trail winds past First and Second Falls, offering lovely spots to catch your breath while listening to the rush of the water. The journey is a consistent test of the legs, with...

  2. #2 - Burnside Quarry and Chambers Gully Circuit

    4.6(695)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.9 mi
    ·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Glistening city skylines and lush native bushland define this refreshing escape on the doorstep of Adelaide. This circuit through Cleland National Park offers a brilliant blend of wide fire tracks and narrow ridge-top paths, leading you through an area teeming with local residents. It is nearly impossible to complete the loop without spotting a few koalas dozing in the manna gums or kangaroos grazing in the open clearings. The journey includes some steady climbs, particularly if you tackle...

  3. #3 - Mount Lofty Summit Circuit

    4.4(308)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.0 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Offering a majestic overview of the Adelaide Hills, the Mount Lofty Summit Circuit is a premier loop that blends the rugged beauty of Cleland National Park with the refined elegance of the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. This trail is a must-do for locals and visitors alike, offering a diverse sensory experience that transitions from native stringybark forests to carefully curated international garden beds. The payoff is spectacular: panoramic views from the summit lookout that stretch across the...

  4. #4 - Chambers Gully to Mount Lofty Loop

    4.7(311)
    ·Hard
    ·9.6 mi
    ·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    This 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...

  5. #5 - Wine Shanty Hike

    4.6(239)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.6 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    This 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...

  6. #6 - Chambers Gully and Sugarloaf Hill Loop via Cleland Wildlife Park

    4.6(216)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.4 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    The Chambers Gully and Sugarloaf Hill Loop offers a journey through the beautiful bushland of Cleland Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills. The trail follows the ridgeline toward Sugarloaf Hill. From the summit, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Adelaide plains before descending back into Chambers Gully. The second half of the route features a steady ascent along rough, rocky fire trails. The trail is largely unshaded, so it's essential to carry adequate water and wear sun...

  7. #7 - Crafers to Mount Lofty Trail

    4.5(254)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.6 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    This 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!

  8. #8 - Mount Lofty via Steub Trail

    4.6(282)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.5 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This 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...

  9. #9 - Waterfall Gully to Measday Lookout Loop

    4.6(111)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.2 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    This 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.

  10. #10 - Measdays Loop

    4.5(224)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.4 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This loop is a casual trail that follows the lower gullies along various creek lines. You'll start along Mireen Track, and continue onto the Birriee Track and then return via Carro Track. If there has been heavy rainfall, you might need to do a few creek crossings so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Highlights of the walk include great views of Adelaide and the Hills, creek side tracks, and abundant wildlife.
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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 1,317 reviews. This trail is 5.0 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 23.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Cleland National Park?

There are 50 trails in Cleland National Park.These trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Cleland National Park?

Cleland Explorer Track has the most elevation gain with 5,387 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Cleland Mega Circuit via Pengana Track and Wine Shanty Track, which has 3,494 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 1,317 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 239 community reviews.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Cleland National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cleland National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Cleland National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Cleland National Park?