The best running trails in Barker Inlet-St Kilda Aquatic Reserve

West Lakes Shared Path is a circuit around West Lakes, flat and fully paved. This 5.6 kilometre loop is completely off-road and separated from vehicular traffic, making it safe and accessible for families, strollers, wheelchair users, walkers and cyclists. Look out on the waters for a glimpse of local pelicans or maybe even black swans. There are a few free car parks and easy path access points along Military Road and Sportsmans Drive.

Rowing Club Reserve and Oarsman Reserve sit on the western shore of West Lakes and right on the West Lakes Shared Path Loop. Here you will find a small sandy beach, playground, public boat ramp and the regatta finish line where Ramsay Rowing Course ends. The finish line is very exciting on race days, as the grassy park doubles as a stadium-like zone for spectators watching rowing regattas, dragon boat races, and canoeing championships. If you're passing through hungry, then head next door to the reserve inside the Rowing South Australia complex for a premier lakeside dining spot, OAR. It's open daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, highly popular with walkers and cyclists looking for coffee and gourmet brunch.

Towpath Reserve is a long grassy park with palm trees and other trees creating some nice shade pockets. The reserve sits right on the western shore of West Lakes, a massive man-made saltwater lake system. There is a sandy stretch right on the waters of West Lakes and from here it's easy to access Tennyson Beach, on the ocean, just two blocks away. The adjacent car park is free, and Towpath Reserve is a great launch point for kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and canoeing, as the water is super calm compared to the ocean. Local diving instructors also frequently use this reserve for its calm, easily accessible water.

Semaphore Beach Walk is an easy, flat route that runs along Semaphore Beach and its long stretch of white sand. Along the way, you’ll have beautiful open views across the Gulf St Vincent, pass by dunes, grassy reserves, the historic Semaphore Jetty, and several beachside cafés that are perfect for a stop to stay awhile and enjoy the scenery. The calm water, expansive sandy beaches, and colourful sunsets create an ideal, relaxed seaside atmosphere that's popular year-round.

The shared pathway around Sir Douglas Mawson Lake is a mostly level, well-maintained route used for walking, jogging, and cycling. It runs alongside the water and connects residential areas with nearby cafés and shops along Mawson Lakes Boulevard. The path is lit with wildlife-sensitive, low-glare lighting designed to reduce light pollution while still providing clear visibility after dark. Benches, landscaped sections, and open reserves line parts of the route, making it suitable for both short strolls and longer circuits at any time of day.

One of Mawson Lakes’ central lakes, this man-made body of water forms part of a managed stormwater system in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. Named after Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, the lake is bordered by modern homes, small bridges, and open green spaces. It’s a reliable spot for birdlife, with black swans often seen on the water. While it may look inviting, swimming and watercraft are not permitted due to water quality and its role in urban water management.

A nice walk. So many things to take in along with the sea air

Great rest spot with water views, BBQs and water fountain if you need to fill up. No toilets unfortunately