The best hikes from bus stations in South Australia

Tanks Track climbs steeply from the lower edge of Waite Conservation Reserve towards the water tanks near the ridge, with the city gradually opening up behind you as you gain height. The surface is loose and rocky in places, so it’s much better tackled uphill than down. There’s a picnic table near the top where you can stop for a breather before joining the Yurrebilla Trail and higher ridge tracks.

Harold’s Lookout is tucked just off Old Coach Road, reached by a short 75-metre side trail. The view looks straight out across Adelaide and the plains towards the coast, with the open hillside giving you very little between you and the skyline. It’s such a small detour that it’s well worth adding, especially if visibility is good.

A lovely bench sits along the path here, looking out over a quiet corner of the wetlands where reeds line the water’s edge and eucalypts crowd the banks on the far side. A short wooden boardwalk extends over the water, giving you a closer look at the wetland habitat and a great spot to watch for waterbirds in the reeds. It is one of several stopping points along the wetlands trail, and an easy place to slow down and take in the surroundings.

Keith Stephenson Park is a large community park in the centre of Mount Barker, with open lawns, a lake, a playground, and plenty of space for recreation and local events. The Mount Barker Linear Trail passes through the park along the lake, following the local creek line between the town centre and Laratinga Wetlands. It’s an ideal place to stop and relax before continuing along the trail or exploring the centre of Mount Barker.

Yurrebilla Trail narrows to a single footpath that threads across open hillsides and patches of woodland. The views over the Adelaide Plains to the sea are the kind that make you stop longer than planned. This section links Carrick Hill with Springwood Park and the old Mount Barker Road. It is not brutally steep, but winter can leave the ground muddy, so wear shoes with a good grip.

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.

Located within Cleland National Park this wildlife park has some of Australia's most iconic animals such as koalas, wallabies, wombats, and emus. There are a host of programs and animal experiences you can take part in, many of which are designed for families and kids.

Old Government House is a heritage stone residence built in 1860 as the official summer home of South Australia’s early governors. Nestled within Belair National Park, it’s a beautifully preserved house that offers a peek into colonial life, with restored period furnishings, well-maintained gardens, and interpretive displays that explain the property’s history. It’s one of the park’s most significant historic landmarks and is typically open to visitors on holidays and the first and third Sundays of most months. You can also visit the park’s website to schedule a guided tour.