by Walking SA (www.walkingsa.org.au)
Walking SA have created a short list of the best walks in national parks, forests and coasts to walk your dog.
Best Walks with Dogs in Adelaide, South Australia
Blackwood Forest Recreation Park
1.4km, 45 mins
A small park in the hills is popular for walking the dog off-leash. A great place to take the kids to explore the pine forest, the creek and Sturt River.
Seaview Loop, Shepherds Hill Recreation Park
2.2km, 1 hour
A loop walk along the wide fire-track which takes in superb views over the Adelaide Plains and of the coast. Great trail for walking the dog.
You can walk your dog in Shepherds Hill Recreation Park provided it remains under your control on a lead.
Lorikeet Loop Walk, Belair National Park
3km, 1.25 hours
This gently sloping trail features natural and heritage sites. It passes majestic old red gums and blue gums, as well as endangered ecosystem of grey box woodland.
The wide gravelled surface is suitable for most abilities, and for strollers. There are numerous flat rocks scattered along the trail for impromptu seating.
You can walk your dog in this park provided it remains on a lead.
O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park
6km, 90 mins
A loop walk in O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park. Walkers, dogs (on-leash), mountain bikers and horse riders are welcome in the park. The park consists mostly of grassy hills and gullies with some trees. Trails are not well signposted, but we’ve indicated a 6km loop walk.
Porosa Hike
3km
Follows some of the original farm tracks, and a tranquil path through the valley of Cobbler Creek among stately river red gums. The trail has connections to Smith Road, and the Mike Green Trail into Golden Grove.
You can also walk your dog in this park providing it remains under your control on a lead.
Fourth Creek Walk, Morialta Conservation Park
1.4km, 1-2 hours return
A gentle walk through stands of tall trees following Fourth Creek from the lower carpark on Stradbroke Road, past picnic areas to the First Falls carpark.
You can also walk your dog on this trail, from the recreation area to the First Falls carpark, providing it remains under your control on a lead.
Coast Park Path along Adelaide’s Beaches
The Coast Park Path is a 70km walking and cycling path along the metropolitan Adelaide coastline, from North Haven through to Sellicks Beach.
The path is now more or less continuous along the beaches, esplanades, sand dunes and cliffs of Adelaide’s coast. The only notable exception being around the former Port Stanvac oil refinery.
It’s easy to walk any small section of our beautiful coastline.
Dogs are not permitted in the Hallett Cove Conservation Park section of the Coast Park Path.
Anstey Hill Loop
7.5km, 2-3 hours
This 7.5km loop walk around Ansteys Hill Recreation Park includes some steep climbs, superb views over the Adelaide Plains, some of the wildlife of the park, and the ruins of Newmans Nursery.
You can walk your dog in this park provided it remains on a lead.
Microcarpa Hike, Belair National Park
4.5km, 2 hours
Walk through one of the most diverse and best-preserved woodland areas remaining in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
You can walk your dog in this park provided it remains on a lead.
Waterfall Hike, Belair National Park
6.5km, 3 hours
The most challenging trail in the park takes you through Echo Tunnel and to the picturesque rock escarpments of the Upper and Lower Waterfalls.
You can walk your dog in this park provided it remains on a lead.
Wirraparinga Trail Loop, Brownhill Creek
5.4km, 2 hours
The Wirraparinga Trail Loop meanders along the Brownhill Creek valley, through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A narrow creek flows through the steep-sided valley, with majestic river red gums, some more than 300 years old.
You can also walk your dog in this park providing it remains under your control on a lead.
Valley Circuit
4.2km
The Valley Circuit takes visitors to some of the more remote parts of the park and past Teakles Ruins.
You can also walk your dog in this park providing it remains under your control on a lead.
Babbler Loop
3.6km
The trail climbs to the top of park with views. Walk through some of the wooded areas of the park.
You can also walk your dog in this park providing it remains under your control on a lead.
Devils Nose Hike via Lizard Rock and Hissey Trails, Para Wirra
8.8km, 4-5 hours
A circuit hike to the Devils Nose and including the Lizard Rock Nature Walk and the Hissey Loop Walk. There are superb views from the rocks at Lizard Rock into Wild Dog Creek. Descend into the South Para River at the northern end of this hike, and glimpse views of Devils Nose from below as you gradually contour around on the ascent to the lookout.
You can walk your dog on this walk providing it remains on a lead.
Lady Pearce Hike, Para Wirra
5km, 2-3 hours
This 5.0km circuit hike explores the former mine workings of Victoria Hill, a scene of much activity in the late 1860s, and descends into the South Para River. The lower sections of the trail, in the south near the South Para River, are particularly rewarding.
You can walk your dog on this trail providing it remains on a lead.
For five more amazing dog walks in South Australia,
visit Walking SA (www.walkingsa.org.au)