The best MTB trails in Eucalypt Forest

River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) is Adelaide’s central river, flowing about 85 kilometres from the Adelaide Hills through the city centre and west to the sea at Henley Beach. Lined by parks, wetlands, and walking trails through much of metropolitan Adelaide, the river supports birdlife, recreation, and important green spaces while also holding deep cultural significance for the Kaurna people, who know it as Karrawirra Pari, meaning “red gum forest river.” Along its course, the river varies from narrow, tree-lined sections and wetlands to more expansive stretches, including the well-known waters of Torrens Lake in central Adelaide.

River Torrens Linear Park is a long green corridor that follows the River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) through Adelaide, linking parks, wetlands, picnic areas, and shared-use trails from the Adelaide Hills to the coast at Henley Beach. Established to improve river health and public access, the park combines open lawns, native vegetation, wetlands, playgrounds, and shaded riverbanks that support birdlife and recreation throughout the city. Its mostly flat, continuous pathway makes it popular for walking and cycling, with multiple access points connecting the surrounding suburbs and reserves.

Torrens Linear Parkway is a long, 35-kilometre shared walking and cycling route that follows the River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) through Adelaide, connecting parklands, wetlands, and riverside reserves from the hills to the coast. This section is an easy walk through Adelaide’s eastern suburbs along the peaceful riverside corridor under river red gums and through pockets of wetland vegetation. Along the way, you’ll pass open parklands and quiet stretches of water before reaching Lochiel Park, an environmentally focused reserve with wetlands, picnic areas, and additional walking loops for plenty of options to extend your walk.

Located just 22 kilometres from Adelaide's CBD, this national park has rich plant and animal life and wonderful geologic features like Mount Lofty and Waterfall Gully. The park sits on shared territory of the Kaurna and Peramangk people, who have called this area home for millennia. The park also holds the Cleland Wildlife Park, which allows visitors to get up close to a variety of native wildlife.

Set along the Torrens Linear Track, this viewpoint looks across the River Torrens toward the Adelaide Convention Centre and surrounding city skyline. The modern footbridge spans the river in the foreground, with clear reflections on calmer days, making it a great spot to pause and take in the scenery.

Bartrill Spur Track is a relatively steep path that climbs the hillside above the reserve. The narrow track ascends through native eucalyptus woodland, gaining elevation as it winds toward the higher ridgelines of the hills’ face. Along the climb, there are occasional gaps in the trees with beautiful views across the foothills toward Adelaide.

This multi-use track winds through the quiet valley of the reserve, climbing gradually through eucalyptus woodland, and follows the gully past rocky slopes and seasonal creek lines. Compared with the nearby Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit Trail, it offers a more secluded route through natural bushland. However, it is a shared trail used by walkers, runners, and mountain bikers, so keep an eye out for other users while enjoying the peaceful bush setting.

Chambers Gully Reserve spans almost 47 hectares of bushland in the foothills of the Adelaide Hills near Waterfall Gully. The reserve protects areas of native eucalyptus woodland and seasonal creeks that provide habitat for birds and other local wildlife. Walking trails wind through the quiet valley, offering a peaceful natural escape close to the eastern suburbs of Adelaide.