The best walks and hikes in Scott Creek Conservation Park
4.3
(23)
288
hikers
22
hikes
Hiking in Scott Creek Conservation Park offers access to 706 hectares of varied terrain within the Mount Lofty Ranges. The park features steep-sloped valleys, lush creeklines, and rounded ridgetops, primarily covered by stringybark scrub with a dense understorey. Habitats include woodlands, grasslands, swamps, and bogs, supporting a diverse range of native plants and wildlife. The extensive network of fire tracks caters to various fitness levels, from easy strolls to challenging routes with steep sections.
Best hiking trails in Scott Creek…
Last updated: July 17, 2026
1.36km
00:22
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
25.8km
07:28
630m
630m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Sign up for free
3.0
(1)
3
hikers
6.60km
01:48
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
17
hikers
12.5km
03:34
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
17
hikers
12.9km
03:41
310m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Old Government House is a heritage stone residence built in 1860 as the official summer home of South Australia’s early governors. Nestled within Belair National Park, it’s a beautifully preserved house that offers a peek into colonial life, with restored period furnishings, well-maintained gardens, and interpretive displays that explain the property’s history. It’s one of the park’s most significant historic landmarks and is typically open to visitors on holidays and the first and third Sundays of most months. You can also visit the park’s website to schedule a guided tour.
0
0
Queen’s Jubilee Drive is a wide, gravel road that winds through the heart of Belair National Park and provides access to several of the park’s walking tracks and picnic areas. Lined with tall eucalypts and surrounded by open woodland, it’s a beautiful route to spot an abundance of kangaroos, koalas, emus, and birdlife along the way that call this park home.
0
0
Belair National Park is South Australia’s oldest national park and covers more than 800 hectares of native bushland in the Adelaide Hills. There is a network of walking tracks that wind through open woodland, grassy valleys, and historic sites, and the area is home to plenty of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and abundant birdlife. Just 20 minutes from Adelaide, it’s a popular destination for bushwalking, picnicking, and enjoying nature close to the city.
0
0
Brownhill Creek Recreation Park protects a narrow valley in the Adelaide foothills, with creekside walking trails, rocky slopes, old quarry sites, and towering River Red Gums throughout the reserve. The park has been used for recreation for more than a century, with shaded picnic areas, wildlife, and historic features like the huge hollow “Monarch of the Glen” gum tree.
0
0
Brownhill Creek Road follows the heart of the valley through towering River Red Gums, historic picnic grounds, and some of the oldest recreation areas in the Adelaide foothills. Along the road you’ll pass the huge hollow “Monarch of the Glen” gum tree, old quarry sites, and sections of creek that were once dammed for public swimming in the late 1800s. The road stays close to the creek for much of the valley, with walking trails, wildlife, and shaded picnic spots scattered throughout the reserve.
0
0
The Yurrebilla Trail is a long-distance walking route through the Adelaide Hills, stretching about 54 kilometres from Belair National Park to the River Torrens through the Mount Lofty Ranges. The trail links several conservation parks including Brownhill Creek, Cleland, Morialta, Black Hill, and Horsnell Gully, passing waterfalls, ridgelines, forest, rocky gullies, and wide views across Adelaide along the way. The name “Yurrebilla” comes from a Kaurna word connected to Mount Lofty and Mount Bonython, often interpreted as “two ears.”
0
0
This lookout is easily accessible from the nearby parking area and offers visitors a look over one of South Australia's largest reservoirs. Constructed between 1932-38 the dam is 58 metres tall and 232 metres long.
0
0
Measday's Lookout is a viewpoint right from the Cleveland National Park parking area on Mount Baker Road. This view stretches over the city and even to the coastline when it's clear.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Scott Creek Conservation Park?
Scott Creek Conservation Park offers a network of 19 hiking routes, catering to various fitness levels. These include 11 easy, 7 moderate, and 1 difficult trail, providing options for both leisurely strolls and more challenging adventures.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Scott Creek Conservation Park?
Yes, many of the trails in Scott Creek Conservation Park are designed as circular routes. For example, you can explore the challenging Echo Tunnel loop from Upper Sturt, or opt for the moderate Echo Tunnel loop from Belair National Park. There's also the easy The Stirling Hotel loop from Stirling for a gentler experience.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the hiking trails?
The park features diverse terrain, including steep-sloped valleys, lush creeklines, and rounded ridgetops. Trails primarily follow extensive fire tracks, which can range from smooth paths to uneven, rocky surfaces, especially on more challenging routes. A good level of fitness and experience is recommended for some of the steeper sections.
Are there any historical landmarks to see while hiking?
Yes, the park offers a glimpse into its past with historical attractions. You can explore the ruins of the Almanda Silver Mine, active from the 1850s to 1887, which include remnants like an engine house, a stone chimney, and mine shafts. Mackereth Cottage is another point of interest and serves as a starting point for some walks.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter in Scott Creek Conservation Park?
Scott Creek Conservation Park is rich in wildlife. You might spot over 125 bird species, from small honeyeaters to large yellow-tailed black cockatoos. More elusive native animals like southern brown bandicoots, western grey kangaroos, echidnas, possums, and koalas also inhabit the park, along with various snakes and lizards.
Is Scott Creek Conservation Park suitable for family hikes?
Yes, the park offers trails suitable for families. With 11 easy routes available, you can find paths that provide a gentle experience through the natural surroundings. These easier trails are ideal for families looking to enjoy nature without overly strenuous climbs.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Scott Creek Conservation Park?
No, dogs and other pets are not permitted in Scott Creek Conservation Park. This is a conservation park, and restrictions are in place to protect the native wildlife and natural environment.
What is the best time of year to visit Scott Creek Conservation Park for hiking?
The park's diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, swamps, and bogs, offer beauty year-round. Spring is particularly vibrant with wildflowers, including over 90 types of orchids. However, the extensive network of fire tracks makes it accessible in most seasons, though cooler months might be more comfortable for longer hikes.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, parking is generally available at various access points and trailheads within or near Scott Creek Conservation Park. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions or on the official park website.
Do I need a permit to hike in Scott Creek Conservation Park?
Generally, permits are not required for day hiking in Scott Creek Conservation Park. However, it's always advisable to check the latest regulations and any specific requirements for activities or group sizes on the official Parks SA website: parks.sa.gov.au.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Scott Creek Conservation Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 40 reviews. Reviewers often praise the park's diverse landscapes, the tranquility of its creeklines and ridgetops, and the variety of trails that cater to different fitness levels, from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
Are there any public transport options to reach Scott Creek Conservation Park?
While direct public transport to the heart of Scott Creek Conservation Park may be limited, some routes, like The Stirling Hotel loop from Stirling, start from nearby towns like Stirling, which may have public transport connections. It's recommended to check local bus schedules for the closest stops to the park's entry points.
Most popular routes in Scott Creek Conservation Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
