South Australia. Australia's stunning southern state deserves some serious recognition. South Australia may be renowned for its wineries, delicious local produce, and the picturesque Barossa Valley. But it’s also home to some seriously epic walks, trails, and natural wonders. From Morialta to Kangaroo Island, South Australia has everything you need for the perfect wild weekend adventure.
Here are six weekend walks in South Australia that get the Wild Women tick of approval.
Mount Remarkable
Mount Remarkable, located in the Flinders Ranges, is one of Wild Women On Top's Trek Training Coach Millie Walker’s favourite South Australian adventures. Mount Remarkable National Park certainly lives up to its name. “It’s got stunning scenery and wonderful trails,” says Millie.
The national park is about three hours outside of Adelaide and the temperatures can soar in summer, so it’s better to head there in the cooler months, from mid-autumn to early spring. It’s bursting with colour, wildlife, and breathtaking views.
The Mount Remarkable Summit Loop is about 12km and should take around five hours to finish.
Fleurieu Peninsula
If you haven’t experienced the magic of this part of the South Australian coastline yet, it’s a must-do and a must-see. Pristine sandy beaches, rugged coastlines and national parks offer the perfect place to experience South Australia's finest coastal and scenic landscapes.
This September, Coastrekkers will walk from Parsons Beach to Port Elliot and experience the sheer, rocky beauty of the rugged coastline. Both the 20km and 35km trekkers will bear witness to the stunning scenery, walking along Granite Island and past Fisherman Bay. The water is crystal clear, the scenery is unforgettable, and the nature is to die for.
There are plenty of great places to eat, rest, and recover on the Fleurieu Peninsula, so it’s the perfect location for a weekend away with your girlfriends.
Kangaroo Island
You may want to pencil in a long weekend with your girlfriends to discover and explore Kangaroo Island because this adventure is one that deserves to be savoured and enjoyed, not rushed.
Home to jagged cliff faces, pristine and sparkling beaches, friendly wildlife, rugged Aussie bushland, and delicious food and wine, Kangaroo Island has pretty much everything.
The well-renowned Wilderness Trail in Kangaroo Island is just over 70km long and is best achieved over several days. But there are plenty of beautiful bushwalks and challenging hikes along the route, including the Hanson Bay Hike.
Morialta Conservation Park
Morialta is just a stone’s throw away from Adelaide. Just half an hour out of South Australia’s capital, the truly wonderous and spectacular Morialta Conservation Park can be found.
This park is packed with a range of trails that’ll suit any fitness level, from one-hour bushwalks to four-hour hikes. The burnt orange rockfaces, the sparkling waterfalls, and the deep gorges are a sight to behold, especially at sunset.
“The stunning rocks light up with amazing colours [at sunset],” says Trek Training Coach Millie Walker.
The Three Falls Grand Hike is a great one to try. The trail will take you to each of the park’s three major waterfalls and boasts sweeping views of the Adelaide Plains.
Mount Lofty
Mount Lofty is located on the 1,200km long Heysen Trail which stretches through the Flinders and Mount Lofty Ranges all the way to the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Mount Lofty summit has become a popular spot to visit because of its extensive, panoramic views of the sweeping Adelaide Hills, from the urban areas to the sparkling coastline.
There are a range of walks around Mount Lofty, including Mount Lofty to Bridgewater, which is more of a challenge and explores both bushland and the surrounding urban landscapes. You can also explore the gorgeous Waterfall Gully.
The Yorke Peninsula is a whopping 500km long and is too large a feat for a weekend adventure. But there are stunning trails to explore along the peninsula. Innes National Park is about 300km outside of Adelaide and is a beautiful spot to discover by foot. There are a range of walks available, for beginner bushwalkers and devoted, hardcore trekkers. You can make this stunning coastal adventure whatever you desire. The Cape Spencer Lighthouse lookout is breathtaking, and you can see all the way out Kangaroo Island.
If you love the look of the Fleurieu Peninsula and you're itching to get away for a weekend with your best girlfriends, you still have time to join us for Coastrek Fleurieu Peninsula proudly in support of the Heart Foundation. But get in quick, registrations close on July 23! Register here.
