Microcarpa Circuit: Explore Diverse Woodlands. This 4.5km, moderate hike in Belair National Park, South Australia, takes you through one of the most diverse and well-preserved woodlands remaining in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Explore the endangered Grey Box Woodland (Eucalyptus microcarpa), once common across Adelaide but now limited to pockets in the Adelaide Hills.
Just off the trail on Sir Edwin Avenue, discover historic sugar gum plantings, the Hawthorn Maze, and the charming Belair Railway Station. An off-road stroller may be suitable in dry conditions. However, be aware that some sections can become waterlogged, slippery, or muddy during winter or wet weather.
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.
- Dogs on a lead are welcome.
- Please be aware that there are no bins withÂin the park, so be preÂpared to take all rubÂbish (includÂing dog-poo bags) home with you
- Enjoy an open-air lunch at the accesÂsiÂble picÂnic ground at PlayÂford Lake and at the far end of the Pines PicÂnic Area 1.
- This park is closed on days of CatÂaÂstrophÂic Fire DanÂger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
- Adult supervision is recommended near the dam wall, which can be slippery.
- Use caution when crossing the sometimes busy road at Long Gully.
- Although this walk is marked as being Wheelchair Accessible, some people may require assistance.
Total distance: 4551 m
Max elevation: 326 m
Min elevation: 271 m
Total climbing: 74 m
Total descent: -74 m
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The park is locatÂed 13km south east of AdeÂlaide. Access is via Upper Sturt Road, Belair. There is also pubÂlic transÂport to this park from the AdeÂlaide city cenÂtre. Bikes can be carÂried on trains, but restricÂtions apply. Please refer to AdeÂlaide Metro webÂsite for furÂther details.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Set in beauÂtiÂful natÂurÂal bushÂland, Belair NationÂal Park is just 25 minÂutes from AdeÂlaide city cenÂtre. It is the ideÂal place to get active in the great outÂdoors. There are woodÂlands and lakes to explore, walkÂing and mounÂtain bikÂing trails to suit all levÂels of fitÂness, plus tenÂnis courts and crickÂet pitchÂes availÂable for hire.
This is South Australia’s oldÂest nationÂal park, and is home to Old GovÂernÂment House – a sigÂnifÂiÂcant herÂitage buildÂing. Also in the park is State FloÂra, the oldÂest plant nursÂery in South AusÂtralia and still going strong today. The park remains one of the few relÂaÂtiveÂly undisÂturbed areas of native vegÂeÂtaÂtion in the AdeÂlaide Hills region, makÂing it an imporÂtant refuge for native plants and animals.
In the warmer months, the park is a perÂfect spot for famÂiÂly picÂnics, barÂbeÂcues and ridÂing, with spring being the perÂfect time to visÂit if you love orchids and othÂer wildÂflowÂers. WinÂter is the best time to view the waterÂfalls and attempt the more chalÂlengÂing hikes, it is also a good time of year for funÂgi. VisÂit mornÂings and evenings for the best chance to view most wildlife. For sportÂing activÂiÂties, Belair NationÂal Park is great at any time of year.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
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
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.
