The best cycling routes in Montacute Conservation Park

Athelstone Flour Mill is one of South Australia's oldest surviving flour mill sites and one of the earliest water-powered mills in the colony. Built by William and Charles Dinham in 1845 on the banks of the River Torrens, it helped support the province's growing agricultural industry. Today, it stands as a rare reminder of the milling heritage of that era.

River Torrens Linear Park Trail is a long, 35-kilometre shared walking and cycling route that follows the River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) through Adelaide, connecting parks, wetlands, and riverside reserves from the hills to the coast. This section is an easy walk along the peaceful riverside corridor, where you’ll see ducks, cormorants, and other waterbirds that call this area home. Along the way, there are additional walking routes on this side and across the river if you’re looking to extend your outing.

Black Hill Conservation Park covers 684 hectares of native bushland on the eastern edge of Adelaide, with an extensive network of walking trails that wind through rugged ridges, gullies, and open forest. In the spring, the park is dotted with native wildflowers, including several varieties of delicate orchids, and if you’re a birdwatcher, there is an abundance of birdlife here to keep an eye out for. You’ll likely see superb fairywrens, southern boobooks, and black-faced cuckoo-shrikes that are spotted regularly throughout the park.

This path traces the edge of Anstey Hill Recreation Park through a mix of terrain that is a sanctuary for local wildlife such as western grey kangaroos and koalas. You'll also be treated to great views of the Adelaide skyline in the distance. While there is some shade you will still want to take plenty of water and sun protection, especially during the hot summer months.

Winding gently from Cleland Wildlife Park to Mount Lofty Summit, the 3.5 kilometre (one-way) Steub Trail offers a smooth, low-gradient alternative to the steeper trails in Cleland National Park. Topped with a recycled surface to accommodate walkers, prams, trail-runners, and mountain bikers alike, this track is a great option for those with limited mobility. The track passes through open, heathy woodland with expansive views over the southern ridges. As you make your way up the steady gradient, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including echidnas, bandicoots, kangaroos, and yellow-tailed black cockatoos.

Lochiel Park has everything from walking paths, basketball courts, open fields, small ponds, wetlands, and even the historic Lochend House. The park also connects with the Torrens Linear Parkway, which runs all the way from the Adelaide Hills to the coast.

This nearly 35-kilometre shared-use path is one of Adelaide's premier trails. Starting in the Adelaide Hills the parkway follows the River Torrens through the city all the way to Henley and West Beach.

River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) is Adelaide’s central river, flowing about 85 kilometres from the Adelaide Hills through the city centre and west to the sea at Henley Beach. Lined by parks, wetlands, and walking trails through much of metropolitan Adelaide, the river supports birdlife, recreation, and important green spaces while also holding deep cultural significance for the Kaurna people, who know it as Karrawirra Pari, meaning “red gum forest river.” Along its course, the river varies from narrow, tree-lined sections and wetlands to more expansive stretches, including the well-known waters of Torrens Lake in central Adelaide.