Montacute Conservation Park is yet another hidden gem for hikers in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. During my hike, I encountered a number of wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, laughing Kookaburras, and my first encounter with wild emus!
The hike starts from the trailhead at Valley Road end. You can do it either in a clockwise or anti-clockwise loop. This post will guide you through the trail in a clockwise direction.
Montacute Conservation Park Hiking Trail (Loop)
9.29am: There is a small area to park a few cars at Valley Road end. The road is narrow through remote residentials but a normal car could drive just fine. Enter Gate 1 into the trailhead (be careful not to enter the private residential gate next to it).
(+3)9.32am: A short walk later is a fork where you can take either one to start the loop.
(+6)9.38am: I took the left fork to hike the trail clockwise. It starts with a bit of uphill walking.
Kangaroos along the trail.
(+11)9.49am: Use the stile to walk over gate 15 to the junction.
Mawson Trail
(+2)9.51am: At the junction, turn right and walk along Mawson Trail, a 900km mountain biking trail.
(+4)9.55am: View of Kangaroo Creek reservoir.
A koala on the tree.
Heysen Trail
(+31)10.26am: Intersection of Mawson Trail and the 1,200km Heysen Trail.
(+2)10.28am: Turn left to walk the Heysen Trail westwards.
(+11)10.39am: At the end of 1C fire track, turn right at 1B fire track and over the gate.
(+4)10.43am
More kangaroos.
All of a sudden, I heard some movements in the bush, and a few emus showed up on the trail before heading to a grassy area by the trail!
They were quite huge and tall. They moved a little cautiously as I gave them some space to pass.
Not the emu’s but I found a huge beautiful feather on the ground. I wonder what bird is this from…
A big male kangaroo that was napping on the trail.
(+40)11.23am
(+5)11.28am
(+2)11.30am: Back to the trailhead.
Beautiful views as I drove past the remote residentials of Adelaide Hills.
A delicious Sri Lankan lunch at Thiruna Restaurant (now as HANDIYA by new management).
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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