The best hikes from bus stations in Belair National Park
4.6
(133)
1,717
hikers
53
hikes
Hiking in Belair National Park offers a diverse landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a blend of mountains, woodlands, rivers, and creeks, providing varied terrain for exploration. Key natural features include significant waterfalls, rock escarpments, and extensive eucalyptus forests, including the endangered Grey Box Grassy Woodland. This environment supports a network of bus station hiking trails, making it accessible for car-free adventures.
Best bus station hiking trails in Belair National Park
- The most popular bus station hiking route is…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
13
hikers
7.29km
02:03
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
4.55km
01:13
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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11
hikers
25.8km
07:28
630m
630m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(4)
41
hikers
11.3km
03:27
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
33
hikers
8.29km
02:46
380m
380m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Playford Lake is a charming body of water surrounded by picnic areas, open lawns, and the accessible Wood Duck Walk. The lake attracts ducks, turtles, and other waterbirds, making it one of the park’s best places for wildlife watching and a popular destination for families. Swimming and fishing are not permitted, but it’s a lovely place to take a peaceful stroll around its perimeter.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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Brown Hill rises above the creek valley with open rocky slopes and wide views back across the surrounding foothills and suburbs. The climb is short but steady in sections, with exposed terrain replacing the shaded creekside track lower down. From the upper slopes, you can see across much of the Brownhill Creek valley and towards the Adelaide plains on clear days.
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This hillside viewpoint opens up across the Adelaide plains, with grazing cattle often spread across the rolling paddocks in front of the city skyline below. It’s one of the more open sections of the Brown Hill walk, where the shaded creek valley gives way to exposed grassland and wide foothill views stretching towards the coast on clear days. Late afternoon is especially good here when the light hits the hills and plains below.
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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.
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Upper Waterfall is a seasonal cascade that typically flows after significant rainfall, spilling over rocky ledges surrounded by stringybark forest and native undergrowth. There is plenty of shade here, making this a great spot for a scenic break, especially after rain when the water is running.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station hiking trails are available in Belair National Park?
There are over 50 hiking trails in Belair National Park that are accessible directly from bus stations. These routes offer a convenient way to explore the park without a car, with a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging options.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes accessible by bus in Belair National Park?
Yes, Belair National Park offers several easy, family-friendly options accessible by bus. The Koalas in Belair National Park – Echo Tunnel loop from City of Mitcham is an easy 6.3 km route perfect for families, offering a chance to spot wildlife. Another great choice is the Playford Lake loop from City of Mitcham, a gentle 4.5 km walk around the serene lake, ideal for birdwatching. The park also features an adventure playground for children.
Can I find circular hiking routes from bus stops in Belair National Park?
Absolutely. Many of the trails accessible from bus stations in Belair National Park are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same public transport stop. For example, the Echo Tunnel – Belair National Park loop from City of Mitcham is a moderate 9.2 km circular hike that takes you through diverse landscapes and past the unique Echo Tunnel.
What kind of natural features and landmarks can I expect to see on these bus-accessible trails?
Belair National Park's bus-accessible trails showcase a variety of natural features and landmarks. You can explore the unique Tunnel Entrance in Belair National Park, discover the beautiful Upper Falls and Lower Waterfall Lookout, Belair National Park, especially after winter rains. Many trails also wind through ancient woodlands, past rock escarpments, and offer opportunities to spot native wildlife like kangaroos and koalas.
Are there any trails that feature waterfalls in Belair National Park, accessible by bus?
Yes, the park is known for its waterfalls, which are particularly impressive after good rainfall. While specific bus routes might require a short walk to the main waterfall trails, the Water Fall Hike Track is a popular option. You can often access sections of the Waterfall Hike Circuit, which leads to both the upper and lower falls, from various points within the park that are reachable by public transport.
What is the best time of year to hike in Belair National Park using public transport?
The best time to hike in Belair National Park is generally during spring (September to November) when wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is mild, or autumn (March to May) for pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Winter (June to August) is ideal for seeing the waterfalls at their fullest, though trails can be muddy. Summers can be hot, so early morning hikes are recommended if visiting then.
Are there any challenging hikes from bus stations for experienced hikers?
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Echo Tunnel loop from Upper Sturt is a difficult 26.6 km route with significant elevation gain, offering a strenuous full-day adventure. This trail explores a wider section of the park, including the Echo Tunnel, and provides a comprehensive experience of Belair's diverse terrain.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Belair National Park?
The trails in Belair National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 ratings. Reviewers often praise the park's diverse landscapes, well-maintained paths, and the abundance of native wildlife. Many appreciate the accessibility and variety of routes, making it a popular choice for all skill levels.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Belair National Park?
Belair National Park is a protected area, and generally, dogs are not permitted on most walking trails to protect native wildlife. However, there are specific designated areas and trails where dogs are allowed on a leash. It's always best to check the latest regulations on the official Parks SA website before visiting to ensure compliance: parks.sa.gov.au.
Are there any places to eat or picnic spots near the bus-accessible trails?
Yes, Belair National Park offers numerous dedicated picnic areas such as Long Gully, Joseph Fisher, and Karka Pavilion, some equipped with barbecue facilities. While there aren't cafes directly at bus stops within the park, you can find options in nearby townships like Blackwood or Stirling, which are also accessible by public transport, perfect for a post-hike meal or coffee.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking in Belair National Park?
Belair National Park is a vital refuge for native animals. Hikers often spot Western Grey Kangaroos, koalas, and various bird species like rosellas and kookaburras. If you're lucky, you might also encounter short-beaked echidnas or even emus. The park's diverse woodlands and Playford Lake are excellent spots for wildlife observation.
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