The Adelaide countryside is brimming with beauty and wonder, and now the weather’s warming up it’s the perfect time to go out and explore! So pull on those hiking boots and give one (or all!) of these tracks a try.

Marion Coastal Walking Trail

The Marion Coastal Walking Trail is big old slice of seaside goodness, stretched over seven kilometres of striking scenery. It’s part of the Marion Coastal Park, which means you’re in for dramatic cliffs, ocean views and the geological marvels of Hallett Cove. You can do as much or as little of the full walk as you like, so there’s plenty of scope to customise your trip.

However far you walk, you’ll probably get hungry at some point. We’d suggest chips at The Boatshed, pizza at Rimini Cove, or perhaps even a seafood salad and a glass of wine at Marino Rocks.

Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Hike

If you love waterfalls, then this is the hike for you. Waterfall Gully features not just one but two shimmering waterfalls, and both are utterly gorgeous. Once you’ve snapped a few pics, you can continue walking all the way to Mount Lofty – you just have to follow the creek. This 3.7 kilometre hike is very easy going, despite being uphill, and the views from the summit are simply gorgeous. Cafes at either end certainly help, too!

Speaking of which, Black Dog Gallery and Angels Cafe are great spots for a bit of pre-walk fuel, while The Summit Restaurant & Cafe is the place to celebrate your ascent (and prepare to go back down again).

The Bluff Summit Walk

How do magnificent, 360-degree views of Victor Harbour sound? Well, they’re yours to enjoy once you complete the Bluff Summit Walk, a wonderful route steeped in both natural and indigenous history. It’s short but steep, taking you along the coastline and up towards the mighty bluff itself, before looping back round again. And as you look out over the ocean as it crashes against the rugged coastline, with the wind whipping through your hair, we guarantee you’ll feel a million miles away from all of life’s little stresses.

As for nourishment, there’s not much at the Bluff itself, but if you go back into Victor Harbour you’ll be spoiled for choice. Some of the best options would be Bon Appetite, Cafe Bavaria and Beach House Cafe & Take-Away.

Onkaparinga Gorge Trail

It may be hard to pronounce, but the Onkaparinga Gorge Trail is a truly spectacular example of South Australia’s rugged beauty. You start at the top of the gorge and work your way down to the waterhole, where you can stop for a swim if the weather is warm. It only takes about an hour to complete, or slightly longer if you include the nature trail (hint: you should absolutely include the nature trail).

Nearby Hackham’s certainly not lacking in hospitality, and we highly recommend stopping for a slice at Hackham Pizza Plan. Mick O’Shea’s Irish Pub & Motel is also a great laugh.

Heysen Trail Walk

Starting at a playground and finishing at a legit fairy garden, Heysen Trail Walk is an awesome one for the kids. It’s a gentle, two-kilometre woodland stroll, incorporating Cox Creek and the Arbury Park Outdoor School Forest. If all goes to plan, you should make it to Deanery Reserve in very good time, where you can celebrate with a nice picnic. Sounds like a good deal to us!

If you fancy a bite beforehand, The Bridgewater Mill is a top shout for something fresh and regional. FRED Eatery does yummy comfort food, and Aldgate Cafe’s pizzas are pure, wood-fired heaven.