The best walks and hikes in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park

Craigburn Farm is a relatively new addition to Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, transforming 180 hectares of former farmland into a major revegetation area and recreation destination. Open grasslands, patches of grey box woodland, sheoak, and South Australian blue gum now provide the backdrop for an extensive network of fantastic shared walking and mountain biking trails where you can see some of the oldest geological formations in the park.

Just below the Sturt River Cascades, this deep natural pool is one of the most picturesque spots in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. Surrounded by smooth rock platforms and steep gorge walls, it fills after rain and is a peaceful place to take a break and enjoy the river.

As you follow the River Trail through Sturt Gorge you'll pass by a few waterfalls near here. Water levels vary greatly throughout the year, but visiting anytime after rainfall will yield the best results.

World famous for its unique natural habitat and geologic formations, Sturt Gorge is also a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking. You can explore threat­ened grey­box grassy wood­lands and see sturt tillite, a rare glacial material that was dropped from ice floating in an ancient ocean. The gorge is just over 15 kilometres from Adelaide's CBD and there's no entry fee, making it an easy day trip from the city.

This trail follows the river through Sturt Gorge. It's well shaded and has multiple river crossings, making it a great option in the warmer months. Winter brings higher water levels which adds difficulty to the river crossings, so take extra care if hiking at this time.

Happy Valley Reservoir is a large water storage reserve in Adelaide, surrounded by protected bushland and open to the public for low-impact recreation. There is a network of walking and cycling tracks that circle the reservoir through easy terrain, with expansive views across the water and plenty of wildlife, including kangaroos who roam the area freely, and over 90 species of land and water birds that call this area home. Popular for hiking, birdwatching, and photography, this area combines a peaceful natural setting with well-managed access and facilities, including picnic and BBQ areas, making it a fantastic place to spend the day exploring and enjoying nature.

Shoreline Loop is an easy, well-formed walking and cycling trail that circles Happy Valley Reservoir, covering roughly 11 kilometres on mostly flat, compacted gravel paths. The loop follows the water’s edge through open grassland and regenerating bushland, with expansive reservoir views and plenty of birds and other wildlife, especially kangaroos, to see along the way. Popular for walking, running, and cycling, it’s a peaceful, accessible route with several lookout points and benches, ideal for a break to enjoy the scenery. The trail is open from 7:30 am to sunset, with gated access points that are locked overnight, so keep this in mind if you’re planning an early morning or later-day stroll through the park.

Boundary Loop is a longer walking and cycling route within Happy Valley Reservoir that skirts the outer edges of the reserve through a mix of open grassland and regenerating bush. Extending beyond the main shoreline circuit, it’s quieter, with less traffic, minimal elevation changes and wider views across the surrounding hills and water. Popular with walkers, trail runners, and cyclists, the loop offers a slightly more remote-feeling alternative to the central pathway.