Trail Fast Facts
Lobethal Bushland Blue Trail is a 2.2km, grade 3 hike in Lobethal Bushland Park, South Australia. This hike typically takes 1 hour to complete.
Hike Overview
The Lobethal Bushland Park Blue Trail is a delightful 2.2-kilometre circuit hike, ideal for walkers seeking a moderately challenging yet varied experience. This loop trail, estimated to take around one hour to complete, offers a glimpse into the park's diverse landscapes.
The journey begins by crossing a creek and then meandering through stringybark woodlands. This initial leg provides a pleasant immersion in the park's natural beauty. The trail then leads you to Reservoir North, where you can admire the body of water and its surrounds.
Completing the circuit, the eastern section takes you along a more open fire track bordering a fire break. While this part is less densely forested, it offers a different perspective of the park. Finally, the trail incorporates sections of dedicated walking trails and fire tracks, culminating at the higher reservoir, allowing you to appreciate this significant feature of the park before returning to the starting point.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Tips
- Lobethal Bushland Park carpark hours: 8am to 5pm (parking closed outside these hours)
- Park closed during Total Fire Bans (aligns with national parks, conservation parks and forest reserves)
- Public toilets available near carpark and picnic area
- Trailheads for all four hikes located near the building, before the picnic area
- Picnic area offers shelters with BBQs, playground and grassy areas
- Consider wearing gaiters during spring/summer to prevent grass seeds from sticking to shoes and socks
- Dogs allowed only in carpark and picnic area, not on hiking trails
- Horses, dogs and trail bikes prohibited in the scrub area
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 506 m
Min elevation: 458 m
Total climbing: 74 m
Total descent: -74 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Reaching Lobethal Bushland Park is straightforward. By car, simply navigate towards Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills. From Adelaide, follow the South Eastern Freeway (M3) eastbound until the freeway ends and becomes the Main South Road (A1). Continue on A1 for approximately 32 kilometres until you reach the turnoff for Lobethal Road (C215). Turn right onto Lobethal Road and follow it for about 8 kilometres until you see the park entrance on your left. Ample parking is available within the park grounds.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Lobethal Bushland Park is a jewel in the Adelaide Hills, renowned for its environmental significance. The park boasts extensive remnant bushland protected by a heritage agreement, ensuring the preservation of its biodiversity. This translates to a rich variety of plant and animal life, offering a delightful escape for nature lovers.
Situated just north of Lobethal township, the park encompasses one of the largest reserves of remnant bushland in the upper Onkaparinga Valley catchment zone. Here, towering stringybark forests with lush fern undergrowth create a captivating natural environment. Two large reservoirs add another scenic dimension to the park.
Hikers of all levels can explore the park's network of trails, easily accessed from the carpark, picnic area, and amenities building. The trailhead serves as the starting point for various walking circuits, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.
Beyond its natural beauty, Lobethal Bushland Park caters to families with a dedicated playground. This thoughtfully designed space features gentle equipment and sensory play elements, perfect for younger children of all abilities. Older children can unleash their energy on the exciting climbing tower and equipment. Family barbeque facilities complete the picture, making the park an ideal location for a picnic and a day of outdoor fun.
The park's resilience is a testament to nature's strength. Though severely impacted by the Cudlee Creek bushfire in December 2019, the natural environment has made a remarkable recovery. This regeneration is complemented by fantastic new trail infrastructure, funded by an Australian Government grant.
The park also holds cultural significance as the traditional home of the Peramangk people. Prior to European settlement, they thrived here, relying on native foods for sustenance. Sadly, colonisation had a devastating impact, dispossessing them of their land and introducing diseases. By the late 19th century, no resident Peramangk groups remained in the area.
Lobethal Bushland Park offers a glimpse into the region's natural wonders. While some fauna is primarily nocturnal and elusive, visitors might encounter echidnas, possums, or kangaroos. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse avian population, with species like scarlet robins, shining bronze-cuckoos, yellow-tailed black-cockatoos, and red-browed finches. Keep an eye out for native reptiles and amphibians, including lizards, snakes, and spotted marsh frogs, that also call the park home.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.