The best waterfall hikes and walks in Anstey Hill Recreation Park
4.6
(86)
1,253
hikers
10
hikes
Waterfall hiking trails in Anstey Hill Recreation Park are characterized by diverse landscapes, including ridgetops, hills, and plateaus, offering varied terrain for outdoor activities. The park features creeks and gullies, providing natural water features. It is known for protecting rare vegetation and offers views of the Adelaide cityscape from various points.
Best waterfall hiking trails in Anstey Hill Recreation Park
- The most popular waterfall hiking route is Morialta Conservation Park loop, a 6.3 miles (10.1 km) trail that takes 3 hours 2 minutes to complete. This moderate route features an elevation gain of over 300 meters.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Kookaburra Rock Lookout – View of Second Falls loop from Rostrevor, an easy 4.0 miles (6.4 km) path. This trail offers views towards Second Falls and includes a significant elevation gain.
- Local hikers also love the Kookaburra Rock Lookout – View of Second Falls loop from Morialta Conservation Park, a 3.0 miles (4.8 km) trail leading through varied landscapes, often completed in about 1 hour 34 minutes.
- Hiking in Anstey Hill Recreation Park is defined by ridgetops, hills, and creeks, offering diverse experiences. The extensive network provides options for easy, moderate, and difficult trails.
- The routes in Anstey Hill Recreation Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 1000 hikers have used komoot to explore Anstey Hill Recreation Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
4.9
(11)
180
hikers
6.13km
01:53
220m
220m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
97
hikers
3.91km
01:09
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(7)
92
hikers
4.89km
01:34
210m
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
15
hikers
10.1km
03:02
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
105
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
There are restrooms at the trailhead and two large sheltered kiosks with maps and other information about the trail system. If parking ever fills up, you can park slightly further down the road and walk in. You have access to dozens of great trails and vista points from the carpark.
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This is possibly the nicest of the three falls - an observation platform takes you right up to a pool at the base of the waterfall's dainty cascade. The falls are surrounded on all sides by rough canyon walls that shelter the basin.
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First Falls flows best after heavy rainfall in late autumn, winter, and spring, dropping an impressive 30-meters down a quartz cliff face. If you like what you see here, continue up canyon and check out Second and Third Falls.
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Fourth Creek is also officially known by its traditional Kaurna name, Morialta Parri, which means "ever flowing". This freshwater stream flows from the Lofty Ranges for 12 kilometers until reaching the River Torrens.
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Kookaburra Rock Lookout sits on an exposed rock ledge high above Morialta Conservation Park, reached by a short detour from the main trail. From here, the views open up across the rocky hillsides, native bushland and sections of Fourth Creek Gorge, with the Adelaide Plains visible in the distance through breaks in the landscape.
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From here, you can look down across the gorge toward the waterfall and the surrounding quartzite cliffs. The landscape opens up to layered rock faces, creek lines and dense bushland stretching through the valley below. The elevated position offers one of the park’s more expansive perspectives, especially after rain, when the falls are flowing strongly.
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Second Falls is one of the three waterfalls along Fourth Creek, and is hidden deeper within the gorge than the more visited First Falls. The water spills over a rocky cliff into a sheltered gully surrounded by steep slopes and native bushland, and is at its best after winter rain. Reaching the falls involves a more rugged walk, making this part of the park feel quieter and more tucked-away than the other, more popular areas.
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Deep View Lookout sits high above the gorge in Morialta Conservation Park, and is one of the widest viewpoints in the park. From here, the views stretch across the rugged slopes of Morialta Gorge toward the Adelaide plains, with steep cliffs and native bushland far below you. Its elevated position is the perfect spot to get a good sense of the scale of the gorge and the surrounding landscape, especially after winter rains when the valley is greener.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many waterfall hiking trails are available in Anstey Hill Recreation Park?
Anstey Hill Recreation Park offers 10 dedicated waterfall hiking trails, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 2 easy routes, 7 moderate options, and 1 challenging trail to explore the park's natural beauty.
What is the best time of year to visit Anstey Hill Recreation Park for waterfalls?
The best time to experience the waterfalls in Anstey Hill Recreation Park is during winter and spring. This is when creeks and gullies, like Water Gully, are most active, and you can also enjoy a stunning display of wildflowers, including nearly 40 species of native orchids.
Are there any family-friendly waterfall walks in Anstey Hill Recreation Park?
Yes, there are family-friendly options. For an easier walk with waterfall views, consider the Kookaburra Rock Lookout – View of Second Falls loop from Rostrevor, which is 6.4 km long and rated as easy. Another accessible choice is the Kookaburra Rock Lookout – View of Second Falls loop from Morialta Conservation Park, a 4.8 km easy trail.
Can I bring my dog on the waterfall trails in Anstey Hill Recreation Park?
Yes, Anstey Hill Recreation Park is dog-friendly. You are welcome to bring your furry companions, provided they are kept on a lead at all times. This allows you and your dog to enjoy the diverse landscapes and waterfall views together.
What kind of landscapes and natural features can I expect to see on these trails?
The waterfall trails in Anstey Hill Recreation Park traverse a variety of landscapes, including ridgetops, hills, and plateaus. You'll encounter creeks and gullies, which feed the waterfalls, and enjoy picturesque views of the Adelaide cityscape. The park is also a biodiversity haven, protecting rare vegetation and offering abundant wildlife spotting opportunities.
Are there any circular waterfall routes in Anstey Hill Recreation Park?
Many of the waterfall trails in the park are designed as loops, offering a varied experience without retracing your steps. For example, the Morialta Conservation Park loop is a moderate 10.1 km circular route that explores diverse terrain.
What do other hikers say about the waterfall trails in Anstey Hill Recreation Park?
The trails in Anstey Hill Recreation Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 85 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the rewarding views, and the opportunity to connect with nature so close to Adelaide.
What are some longer, more challenging waterfall hikes in the park?
For a more challenging experience, consider the View of Second Falls – View of Third Falls loop from Unnamed (No.HA29) Heritage Agreement. This moderate route spans 13.75 km with a significant elevation gain, offering extensive exploration of the park's waterfall areas.
Are there any historical points of interest along the waterfall trails?
Yes, the park features historical elements. While exploring the trails, you might come across the historic ruins of Newman's Nursery, which add an interesting cultural dimension to your outdoor adventure.
Where can I find more information about Anstey Hill Recreation Park?
For additional details about Anstey Hill Recreation Park, including park alerts and facilities, you can visit the official parks website at parks.sa.gov.au. They provide comprehensive information to help plan your visit.
What should I wear for hiking the waterfall trails, especially after rain?
Given the varied terrain and potential for wet conditions, especially after rain, it's advisable to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Layered clothing is also recommended to adapt to changing weather, and a waterproof jacket would be beneficial to stay dry near active waterfalls.
Are there good opportunities for wildlife spotting on the waterfall trails?
Absolutely! Anstey Hill Recreation Park is rich in wildlife. While hiking the waterfall trails, keep an eye out for western-grey kangaroos, koalas, and short-beaked echidnas. The park is also home to diverse birdlife, including the Superb Fairy Wren and the endangered Chestnut-rumped Heath Wren.
How long do the waterfall hikes typically take to complete?
The duration of waterfall hikes varies depending on the trail's length and difficulty. Easy routes like the Kookaburra Rock Lookout – View of Second Falls loop from Morialta Conservation Park can take around 1 hour 34 minutes, while longer, moderate trails such as the View of Third Falls – Second Falls loop from Rostrevor might take over 3 hours.
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