Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Monarto Conservation Park with the Monarto Loop Walk. This easy 1.2-kilometre loop trail, suitable for walkers of most fitness levels, takes approximately 45 minutes to complete (though birdwatching enthusiasts might take longer!).
Located in the park's northeastern corner, the well-marked trail winds through remnant mallee woodland, dry heathland, native pines, and broombush thickets. These diverse ecosystems represent the pre-European landscape of the area and provide valuable habitat for local fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for the park's vibrant flora – with something blooming year-round, there's always a colourful display to enjoy.
The abundance of birdlife makes this walk a favourite among birdwatchers. The specific species you encounter may vary depending on the season and what's currently in flower, so be sure to bring your binoculars and a keen eye.
This nature trail, constructed by the Friends of the Ferries McDonald and Monarto Conservation Parks, offers a delightful introduction to the park's diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Total distance: 1164 m
Max elevation: 134 m
Min elevation: 119 m
Total climbing: 17 m
Total descent: -17 m
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Accessing Monarto Conservation Park is straightforward. By car, simply head east from Adelaide on the South Eastern Freeway (M1) towards Murray Bridge. After approximately 60 kilometres, you'll see a left turn for Monarto South. Take this exit and turn right onto Ferries-McDonald Road. Follow this road south for 3 kilometres, where you'll find a carpark and the starting point for a walking trail into the park.
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.
Nestled roughly an hour's drive east of Adelaide, Monarto Conservation Park offers a tranquil escape into a semi-arid landscape. Located in the Murray Plains rain shadow of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges, the park receives less than half the annual rainfall of Adelaide, creating a stark contrast to the nearby hills. Hints of its geological history are evident in the sandy ridges, remnants of an ancient ocean bed.
Monarto Conservation Park is a haven for birdwatchers. The thickets of mallee woodland and dry heathland provide the perfect habitat for a diverse array of avian species. Keep an eye out for the southern scrub-robin, the shy heathwren, or the spotted harrier hovering overhead. Other recorded species include the purple-gaped honeyeater, spotted pardalote, malleefowl, weebill, and white-browed babbler.
Spring bursts with color as the mallee species come into bloom. Beyond the visual spectacle, the park's diverse vegetation communities – dry heathland, native pines, and broombush thickets – represent the pre-European landscape and provide vital habitat for larger animals like western grey kangaroos and native marsupial mice. You might even encounter ground-dwelling spiders or various bat species during your visit. For the keen observer, the walking trails offer the opportunity to spot over 25 different fungi species during springtime.
Monarto Conservation Park is a great destination for those seeking a taste of nature close to Adelaide. With its network of walking trails and diverse wildlife, the park caters to all levels of hikers and nature enthusiasts.
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.
Looking for things to do in Monarto Conservation Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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.
