10 Best hikes and trails in Belair National Park

Best trails in Belair National Park

4.5(3,807 reviews)

Australia
:
#37 of 638 national parks

Belair National Park is located in the Adelaide Hills, about half an hour away from the city of Adelaide on Kaurna Pangkarra land. It was established in 1891, making it the first National Park of South Australia. The landscape encompasses mountains, woodlands, rivers and creeks and features various historical sites. Recognised as one of the only undisturbed areas of native vegetation in the area, and as such, it is an important refuge for native plants and animals.

Top trails

#1 - Belair Waterfall Hike Circuit

This relatively easy loop showcases Belair Park's beautiful views and rock escarpments. There are a few short steep ascents and descents in sections to keep it interesting, but nothing too difficult. In spring, the walk is rife with blooming orchids and wildflowers, and most of the year, you will see an abundance of wildlife along the walk, including emus, koalas, and kangaroos. This track goes through the echo tunnel under the railway line, watch your head and bring a torch. The waterfalls...

#2 - Microcarpa Trail, Lorikeet Trail, and Waterfall Trail Loop

This loop combines three distinct hikes within Belair National Park: Microcarpa hike, Lorikeet hike, and the Waterfall hike. Beginning on the Microcarpa trail you experience some of the most diverse woodland areas of the park. From here join into the Lorikeet trail which is a nice, flat, and easy section of trail. There are playgrounds and family-friendly picnic areas along this stretch of trail leading to the old Government House. From here the Waterfall Hike begins and more moderate and...

The Macrocarpa Hike is a short and easy loop through some of the area's most diverse and well-protected open woodland. This trail can be easily accessed from Belair Station or the park's main entrance. During winter or after heavy rains, sections of this trail can become quite muddy or waterlogged, so that waterproof boots would be helpful.

#4 - Lorikeet Loop via Yurrebilla Trail

This is an easy, gently undulating walk or run through Belair National Park located just outside of Adelaide. Take a few moments along the loop to observe some of the bright and songful birds that often sit in the blossoming gum trees. Be on the lookout for rosellas and of course lorikeets. Take in some historical information at the Old Government House and hang around after your walk to enjoy a barbecue at the Adventure Playground.

#5 - Adventure Loop Trail

The Adventure Loop Trail is the longest official trail inside of the Belair National Park. The trail follows the southeast perimeter of the park, and cuts through the centre along Queens Jubilee Drive. The trail features river and creek crossings, passes various historical sights inside South Australia's first National Park, and climbs the Yulti-Wirra Ridge with some great views across the Adelaide Hills and out toward the ocean.

#6 - Lorikeet Trail, Queens Jubilee, and Yurrebilla Loop

This is a straightforward loop around the eastern side of Belair National Park. This trail is on the easier side of the "moderate" scale and most visitors will be able to complete it without much issue. This can be a good start for anyone looking to extend into longer walks around the park, as you can connect into many other trails from this inner loop walk. Plentiful wildlife (koalas and kangaroos) and spring wildflowers make for a truly beautiful experience close to Adelaide.

#7 - Grand Belair Loop

One of the best all-encompassing trails in Belair National Park, located in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. This looped route begins and ends from The Valley Road, just near the main entrance to the park. Enjoy exploring most of the park's key features along this trail, including waterfalls, tunnels, a sequoia grove, a railway dam and the hidden Amphitheater Rock. The trail itself features many of the best walking tracks, with limited roads. Most of the trail is in the shade and...

#8 - Yurrebilla Trail: Belair National Park to Eagle on the Hill

The Yurrebilla Trail stretches 54 kilometres in its entirety, passing through the Mount Lofty Ranges in the Adelaide Hills. Starting at Belair Railway Station and running to Amber Gully. The trail is broken up into several parts. This section runs from Belair Railway Station to Measday's Lookout at Eagle-on-the-Hill. The route runs alongside the border of Belair National Park. Passing by Brownhill Creek and Waite Conservation Reserve's broad, grassy hills. The path is a mix of dirt, gravel...

#9 - Waterfall, Queens Jubilee, and Yurrebilla Trail Loop

Set amidst serene natural bushland this trail takes you through the Belair National Park in Adelaide, South Australia. The route begins on entrance to the national park where there is ample parking and public toilets. You'll follow a series of bush trails meandering through creeks, lakes, waterfalls, and the significant Old Government House. There's a wealth of things to do and see in this park so pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy the scenery or hit the courts for a game of tennis. Our...

#10 - Yurrebilla Trail, Wilyawa Track and Lodge Track Loop

This fantastic short loop takes you around the northern area of Belair National Park. Whether you prefer hiking, walking, or running, this trail is perfect. To start, follow the Yurrebilla Trail from the station heading south and pass by Playford Lake, where you can catch a glimpse of some birds. Continue on across the park, past the lower waterfalls, and then turn up across the creek. Finally, head back to the station by following Wilyawa and Lodge Track.

Showing results 1–10 of 29

Explore more trails

Visitor info

Passes & fees

Fee required

Belair National Park charges a vehicle entrance fee. Entrance fees can be purchased online ahead of your visit or at the park information office. Entry on foot or bicycle is free.

Get details from the park

Trail reviews for Belair National Park

4,522 trailgoers Busiest in April

Muriel MacConnell

Dec 10, 2024•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Great trail, needs to be started early as there is no shade at the start. Beautiful shade once in Belair National Park. Had issues with the app, lack of gps tracking and app kept freezing, really annoying.

Parking: Free, Medium lot

Minno Creek to Belair Loop

Matt Castle

Mar 28, 2025•Hiking

Nice trails, lots of birdlife and even some koalas to be spotted high in the trees. Well shaded from the morning sun. Gets a little noisy along the southern end with traffic noise, the trail is right alongside a busy road. There are some great little hidden surprises in Belair National Park.

Belair National Park Perimeter Loop

Jessica Smith

Oct 23, 2024•Hiking

Good conditionsGood views

Much of this trail resembles most others in Belair National Park. While I do like Belair overall, the scenery rarely changes enough to trigger me into the present moment. However, parts of this trail did startle my mind out of its overthinking especially the section adjacent to railway tracks (you will see a couple of my photos demonstrating why). Plenty of kangaroos just before and after the sunset, too, if you like to see wildlife on your treks. Nevertheless, this is a great walk for anyone looking for a relatively low effort trail. That was my aim when choosing to tackle this after a long day at work so that may appeal to others in the same position.

Difficulty: Moderate

Railway Track via Wyanda Track

Jessica Smith

Oct 12, 2024•Hiking

Good conditionsGood viewsEasy to parkDog-friendly

Belair National Park is one of the Crown Jewels of Adelaide’s nearby parks, and this track illustrates that perfectly. Much of trail in the early afternoon proved to be peaceful but early enough to encounter friendly fellow hikers as well as many a cheeky kangaroo. The terrain changes considerably between the Waterfall Hike back up to Belair Station where I parked. It’s very steep in particular places around the waterfalls as another reviewer mentioned especially when completed in a counterclockwise route as I did. At times, the track becomes so seemingly isolated that it can be hard to remember how close to civilisation you in fact are. The average hiker would likely love this peace so I recommend trying this loop for a balance between peace of mind and feeling safe knowing others are nearby.

Difficulty: Moderate

Microcarpa Trail, Lorikeet Trail, and Waterfall Trail Loop

Barb Menzies

Jun 17, 2025•Hiking

My walk wasn't the AllTrails loop, but the WalkingSA trail 416 brownhill Creek and belair loop - the lower half of the AllTrails loop, then back down via bike trails. Challenging in parts but really enjoyable with a variety of landscapes. Would be quite muddy if there was much rain. Watch out for tripping tree roots!

Yurrebilla Trail: Belair National Park to Eagle on the Hill

Sally Carr

Apr 19, 2025•Running

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

I diverted and did the sheok road trail at the end for some more gentle trails after climbing but otherwise this is another fantastic Belair trail. Quite a few runnable parts plus some fun short climbs including a few stairs.

Parking: Free, Medium lot

Yurrebilla Trail, Wilyawa Track and Lodge Track Loop

Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Belair National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Belair National Park is Belair Waterfall Hike Circuit, which has a 4.6 star rating from 1,072 reviews. This trail is 4.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 705 ft.

What is the longest trail in Belair National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Belair National Park is Yurrebilla Trail: Belair National Park to Eagle on the Hill. This trail is estimated to be 11.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Belair National Park?

There are 29 trails in Belair National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 3,807 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Belair National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Belair National Park has you covered. Yurrebilla Trail: Belair National Park to Eagle on the Hill boasts the most elevation gain with 2,211 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Belair National Park Perimeter Loop, which will get you 1,686 ft of elevation gain.

Are there running trails available in Belair National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 26 running trails in Belair National Park and the most popular is Belair Waterfall Hike Circuit with an average 4.6 star rating from 1,072 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Belair National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 biking trails in Belair National Park and the most popular is Microcarpa Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 338 community reviews.