South Australia’s top waterfall walks

Now is the perfect time for chasing waterfalls. Winter, spring and just after rain bring about the most dramatic water works, so we decided to look down south for 10 of the coolest cascade walks and found that South Australia has a waterfall for any type of wanderer. Whether it’s a stone’s throw from the city, or a day trip away; a short stroll for people that want a quick fix, or a longer slog for those who want a little more, the south holds something for everyone when it comes to waterfall walks.

Deep Creek Waterfall, 4km/6.6km/11km – Fleurieu Peninsula
Located within the Deep Creek Conservation Park 1.5hr south, this steep walk is for the fit and experienced. Though you’ll find the waterfall only flowing now and when it rains, you’ll be able to enjoy the permanent waterhole all year round with some of the best bush and ocean views in the area. Walkers have three choices to take on this hike: the go-hard-or-go-home 11km Deep Creek Circuit that takes you through the Waterfall and Creek Hike, along the coast for some parts and across Deep Creek (when safe). The 6.6km Waterfall Hike that starts from the Tapanappa Lookout car park, and the improved (since June 2016) 4km walk commencing at the Trig Campsite off Tent Rock Road.

Waterfall Gully, 3.9km – Adelaide Hills
Let’s kick off the list with a walk that’s close to home but packs a punch, I mean, the name says it all. The Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit walk takes you to not one, but SIX waterfalls! Secondly, it’s located within a 20min drive from the CBD at the Cleland Conservation Park, taking you from metropolitan to forest in a heartbeat. Starting from the Waterfall Gully carpark and only a short stroll away the walk begins with a bang with The First Falls, a popular and spectacular waterfall. Another 500ms will take you to The Second Falls before ascending Mt Lofty. It’s a strenuous walk that can take you anywhere between 1.5-3hr to complete.

Alligator Gorge Ring Route, 9km – Mount Remarkable NP
There are no alligators, but it does have waterfalls. About 4hr north of the CBD lies a circuit walk through the Alligator Gorge, formed by the Alligator Creek as it cut through the area over millions of years ago. The gorge features The Terraces, a series of small cascades and The Narrows, a spectacular gorge to wander through. Starting at the car park from Alligator Gorge Road, take a side trip just before the track to a fire trail that leads you to The Battery and prepare for a gorge-ous view over the Spencer Gulf. Perfect timing because September will have the spring wildflowers on show. The hike is classified as a Grade 3 walk and should take you 4hr to complete.

Three Falls Grand Hike, 7.3km – Adelaide Hills
The Morialta Conservation Park is home to three waterfalls along Fourth Creek and you can visit them by hopping on a bus or Uber because it’s located less than 30min from the city. This medium grade circuit walk starts from the top carpark, skirts around the gorge and gully and up Fourth Creek, a visit to The Second Falls takes you on a slight detour but it’s worth the visit, the First and Second Falls are the most dramatic cascading over large quartzite cliffs. Pressed for time? You can choose to do the easier Morialta Falls Valley Walk for The First Falls then call it day.

Ingalalla Falls, 500m – Fleurieu Peninsula
In under 2hr from Adelaide’s CBD, this leisurely stroll is easy to access and short enough to take the little ones along. Starting from the main picnic area off Hay Flat Road, this short stroll follows the creek upstream towards the rock pool and waterfall. It can take you roughly 45min to make it there-and-back but when a walk passes several different picnic areas perfect for short pit stops, you might as well take your time and enjoy every step of the way. The trail to the upper falls is quite steep and can be slippery making it harder to reach.

For info visit Parks SA.