Short walks
Whether you’re low on time or looking for family-friendly hikes, there are plenty of short walk options on and around the Heysen Trail.
Discover short walks along the Heysen Trail
Looking for short walks around Adelaide or more distant parts of the Trail that can be completed in just a few hours or in a day? Parts of the Heysen Trail are perfect for walkers with limited time or hiking experience – explore some of our favourite short walks below.
Mylor-Aldgate Circuit
8-9 km, about 2-3 hours
Explore some little-known tracks around Aldgate Creek in this stunning Adelaide Hills short walk. The Mylor-Aldgate Circuit links the Bandicoot Trail with back roads to the Heysen Trail as it parallels the Strathalbyn Road, and then traverses the Mylor Conservation Park.
Trezona Track
15 km, about 4-5 hours
Take in the incredible views of the Flinders Ranges with the Trezona Track hike and spot ruins and native wildlife along the way. Be sure to bring food and water, as this trail has no cafes nearby. You can find this walk on mapsheet 8C of the Heysen Trail: Mernmerna Creek to Parachilna Gorge.
Tanunda loop walk
8.5 km, about 2-3 hours
Enjoy a walk down the main street of Tanunda and past the cellar doors of two wineries. As you may know, the Heysen Trail makes a quick entry and exit from Tanunda’s main street, without passing any of the wineries in the Barossa Valley or allowing walkers to make the most of their cellar door facilities. This walk remedies that failing!
Mount Lofty loop walk
7.5 km, about 3-5 hours
This Adelaide Hills short walk is one not to be missed on the Heysen Trail. Hikers get to take in the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, the winding fire tracks of Cleland Conservation Park, and the summit of Mount Lofty.
Discover more ways to explore the Heysen Trail
Take a look at Walking SA’s list of short walks along the Heysen Trail.
Fancy a longer walk? Explore ways to hike the Trail with the Friends, or do it independently.
Looking for more short walks in Adelaide?
There are many short walks in Adelaide and beyond that explore the national parks and conservation parks along the Heysen Trail. Here are some locations we recommend visiting:
Did you know you can access free maps for national park trails on the Avenza map app?
If you have a smartphone or tablet, you can download the free Avenza PDF Map app and have interactive national park maps on hand when you need them.
For further information, head to the Parks SA maps page.