The best city hikes and walks in South Australia

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.

The historic Largs Bay Jetty was built in the early 1880s, originally extending around 640 metres into Gulf St Vincent as a landing for passengers, goods, and mail when large ships could not dock at Port Adelaide. From 1882 to around 1892, it was the main arrival point for many immigrants travelling to South Australia from Europe, with some spending their first nights at the adjacent Largs Pier Hotel. Shortened after severe storm damage in 1953, the jetty remains a popular spot for fishing, walking, and the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Gulf.

Semaphore Jetty is a historic timber jetty that extends into the Gulf of St Vincent with expansive coastal views back toward Adelaide’s shoreline and along the beach. Originally built in the 19th century and rebuilt after storm damage, the jetty is a popular spot for walking, fishing, and watching sunsets over the water.

Semaphore Beach Walk is an easy, flat route that runs along Semaphore Beach and its long stretch of white sand. Along the way, you’ll have beautiful open views across the Gulf St Vincent, pass by dunes, grassy reserves, the historic Semaphore Jetty, and several beachside cafés that are perfect for a stop to stay awhile and enjoy the scenery. The calm water, expansive sandy beaches, and colourful sunsets create an ideal, relaxed seaside atmosphere that's popular year-round.

Grange Beach jetty extends out into the water along Adelaide’s western coastline, offering clear views back across Grange Beach and along the shoreline in both directions. It’s a quieter alternative to nearby Henley, often used for fishing or a short walk above the water. The open vantage point makes it a good spot to take in the coastline, especially towards sunset.

Henley Beach foreshore walk runs right along the coastline, following the edge of the sand with open views across the water. This flat, sealed path is popular for walking, running, and cycling, linking the jetty, Henley Square, and quieter stretches of beach. Along the way, you’ll pass grassy picnic areas, seating, and direct access down to the sand