Best waterfall walks near Adelaide
22 JAN 2025
Waterfall Gully
A mellow wander or a hardcore hike — explore waterfalls in Adelaide that murmur through quiet corners, just a stone’s throw from the city.
Watch the water tumble down and listen to the roar it makes as you feel the mist on your face. In a state known for its dry, sun-soaked terrain, stumbling upon a waterfall feels like spotting a unicorn in the wild — rare and magical. It instantly connects you with nature, grounding you in the present moment. As the cooler months roll in, pull on your rain jacket, lace up your boots and chase the rush of water in full flow. The best part? You don’t have to venture far to experience it. To make it easy, we’ve rounded up a list of stunning waterfall walks all within 30 minutes of the CBD. Ready to dive in?
1 / 5
Morialta Falls
Why settle for one waterfall, when you can experience three at once? Morialta Conservation Park sits north east of Adelaide, where the lush, eucalyptus-filled bushland cradles three stunning waterfalls — known as the First, Second and Third Falls. In fact, 'Morialta' is the Kaurna name for the area, which means 'ever-flowing' — so it's no surprise that the falls are a major drawcard. Tucked among dramatic cliffs and rocky gorges, the waterfall walks are as varied as the views. Morialta Falls Valley Walk is an easy wander to the cascading First Falls, or for something more challenging, the Second Falls Gorge Hike or Three Falls Grand Hike will give you glimpses of the Adelaide skyline from afar. Writer’s tip: Morialta Conservation Park is a great spot for families to set up a picnic, with the Mukanthi Play Space — featuring rock walls and climbing trees — not far from the falls.
Popular waterfall walk: Three Falls Grand Hike - 5.39km, 1.5 hours walk.
Where to find it: Morialta Conservation Park, less than 30 minutes drive from Adelaide city.
2 / 5
Waterfall Gully
Did you know Waterfall Gully is home to one of the most famous waterfalls in Adelaide and is the largest of the seven waterfalls in Cleland National Park? The main waterfall drops a breathtaking 20 metres, creating a cascade that crashes into a pool below. During the cooler months, you’ll hear the roaring sounds of rushing water before you see it. This is also the starting point of the popular Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit trail — known as the Mount Lofty Hike. Standing more than 710 metres above sea level, you can hike your way up to Mount Lofty Summit for spectacular panoramic views stretching from Adelaide’s city skyline to the coast. It’s no wonder more than 350,000 people visit the peak each year! It’s a must do when visiting Adelaide.
Popular waterfall walk: Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit trail - 7.8 km return, 1.5 to 3 hours walk.
Where to find it: Waterfall Gully is located just 20 minutes drive from Adelaide city.
3 / 5
Belair National Park
Find beauty in the small elements of nature, like growing fungi, blooming orchards and wildflowers that cover Belair National Park. Waterfall hunting in South Australia’s oldest national park is a winter-only adventure. On a chilly morning, you can rug up, grab your camera and explore the misty trails. The Lower and Upper Falls only flow after a heavy downpour, making them a rare sight to see. For families with adventurous young hikers, the Waterfall Hike is a thrilling, moderate loop that takes you through the mysterious Echo Tunnel under the railway line. Listen to the echoes as you pass through the long, dark tunnel (tip: packing a torch is a lot of fun). Along the way, enjoy ridgelines with treetop views and try to spot emus, koalas and kangaroos. Writer’s tip: Belair National Park has a small vehicle entrance fee which you can pay online or at the park office—easy peasy.
Popular waterfall walk: Waterfall Hike - 6.5km, 3 hours walk.
Where to find it: Belair National Park is located just 20 minutes drive from Adelaide city.
4 / 5
Sturt Gorge
Sturt Gorge Recreation Park is home to rock formations that are older than the first dinosaurs — about 800 million years old, that is. One of the coolest spots in the park is a formation known as Sturt Tillite. It's believed to have been formed from glacial material which dropped from ice floating in the ocean that covered South Australia. Follow the Magpie Creek Trail to see where the gorge transforms into a picturesque, three-tiered waterfall after a rain event. If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, the challenging point-to-point River Trail takes you past this peaceful, unexpected oasis, with nine river crossings and a bit of rock scrambling. The waterfall here has a gentler flow than most, making it a super relaxing spot to hang out. Writer's tip: Sturt Gorge is one of Adelaide’s dog-friendly national parks, so feel free to bring your furry friend — just be sure to follow the park rules.
Popular waterfall walks: Magpie Creek Trail - 1km, 30 mins walk or River Trail – 8.9km, 2.5 hours walk one way.
Where to find it: Sturt Gorge Recreation Park is located just 30 minutes drive from Adelaide city.
5 / 5
Mark Oliphant Conservation Park
Looking to take the path less travelled? Venture into a stringybark forest for an off-the-beaten-track adventure to find a hidden waterfall tucked away in the gully. While you explore Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, keep your eyes peeled for the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot or the colourful birdlife like Scarlet Robins, Golden Whistlers and Adelaide Rosellas. The Waterfall Trail with undulating terrain leads you through the gully to a stunning waterfall, most impressive in winter and early spring when it’s flowing. Writer’s tip: Be ready for some overgrown vegetation at head height (but that’s part of the adventure!) and come prepared as there’s no park facilities.
Popular waterfall walk: Waterfall Trail – 1.6km circuit, 1 hour walk.
Where to find it: Mark Oliphant Conservation Park is located just 30 minutes drive from Adelaide city.
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