|
||||
  |
Walking Trails To experience the best of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s fascinating heritage, wild places and countryside, you’d best strike out on foot. In the historic towns of Goolwa, Strathalbyn, Willunga and Port Noarlunga heritage walks share the stories of pioneers, the communities and their fortunes while the trails in Port Elliot reveal the tragedies of colonial shipwrecks. Many of the nature parks have interpreted trails where rich woodland birds, shy sleepy lizards, delicate wildflowers and springtime native orchids delight the eye. The wetlands along the Onkaparinga River, beside Lake Alexandrina, in The Coorong, at Clayton Bay, Currency Creek and in Mt Compass all provide precious habitats and great birdwatching. Those with a mind to pursue their interest in nature should note the Wetlands and Waders Festival, held from September to November each year. The festival has been inspired by the annual arrival of northern hemisphere migratory wader birds into our wetlands and brings photographers, painters, writers, film buffs and nature conservation groups together, in venues as far afield as Mount Gambier, Tailem Bend and Mannum, from Wellington, Victor Harbor and the Onkaparinga River estuary. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
Visitor information centres throughout the Limestone Coast, Murraylands and Fleurieu Peninsula have further information on the trails, rambles and wanderings around this great part of South Australia. Click here for visitor information centres on the Fleurieu Peninsula. |
|
 |
The Park is only 34 kilometres south of Adelaide, and includes river estuary and gorge walks. Follow one of the many marked walking trails, some with boardwalk sections, taking time to admire the river red gums along the gorge, and the fascinating estuarine environment. |
|
|
From Cape Jervis on the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula to Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges, the Heysen Trail boasts some of the South Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. Travelling north from Cape Jervis you will encounter dramatic coastal cliffs, undulating hills of the Mount Lofty Ranges, orchards and rolling farmlands, native forests and historic towns. The trail concludes in the rugged Flinders Ranges with ancient mountain peaks and spectacular gorges. On the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Heysen Trail offers a choice for casual and serious walkers alike. The trail begins at the tip of Cape Jervis with views of nearby Kangaroo Island. Walk along the beautiful south coast to the Deep Creek and Newland Head conservation parks, then hike north into rich diary country, vineyards and native forests. Highlights of the trail in this region are the unfolding landscapes of cliffs and beaches form Cape Jervis to Newland Head, the lush countryside of Inman Valley, its pine plantations, and the pine plantations of Kuitpo Forest. Walk a little or walk a lot – the Heysen Trail has something for everyone. (Visit www.southaustraliantrails.com)
|
 |
|
|
Willunga Walks The Willunga Walk offers the visitor an insight into this 19th century town with the historic walk passing High Street, the Old Courthouse Museum and Police Station, and century old slate built homes.
This interpreted walk departs from Currency Creek Winery and provides a leisurely 1 hour walk through wetland habitat, home to native bird and plant life. You may be lucky to sight the quite rare Southern Mt Lofty Emu Wren.
|
|
Departing from Yankalilla this picturesque two hour return walk follows part of the Heysen Trail through pine forests and up steep hills into Inman Valley providing the walker with spectacular views of Victor Harbor. |
|
|
|
Allow one hour for this walk leaving from the Soldiers Memorial Gardens, passing the historic Council Chambers, beautiful picnic areas and the High Street where cafes and numerous craft, antique and bric a brac shops will tempt.
Deep Creek is a 4030 hectare park located 100 kilometres from Adelaide with amazing coastal views across to Kangaroo Island. The Park has several marked walks, the most popular are the Stringybark Walk and the Deep Creek Waterfall Trail, passing through tall forests and into tea-tree and yacca bush scrub.
Located 8km south of Ashbourne, Cox Scrub has several trails leading uphill to vantage points overlooking the Finniss River Valley surrounded by gum studded bush. Springtime brings a huge variety of understory wildflowers and native orchids. |
|
Aldinga Scrub is a 300 hectare park featuring sand dunes and mallee scrub and is one of the last remnants of the original coastal vegetation that once stretched northward to Adelaide’s Outer Harbor. Marked walking trails of varying lengths can be taken.
A one hour beach wander following the Heysen
Trail around Parsons headland and onto Waitpinga a popular surfing
and fishing beach. |
 |
|
| For other interesting walks, check the cycling routes. | |
