Mannum Waterfalls l 3km
About a 1.5-hour drive from Adelaide, you'll find the rocky pools of the Mannum Waterfalls. Follow the scenic walking trail along Reedy Creek from the lower pools to the waterfalls, which are best after heavy rains with fast-flowing water. For a shorter and easier walk, park at the carpark above the falls.
Waterfall Hike, Belair National Park l 6.5km
Head to Belair National Park and take the hike through the Echo Tunnel to discover two sets of falls. There is a lower and upper waterfall, with the lower offering a viewing platform over the rock cliffs. But take note, the falls tend to only flow after heavy rainfall.
Alligator Gorge, Southern Flinders Ranges l 3.3km or 8.9km
The list wouldn’t be complete without including Alligator Gorge, set within the scenic Mt Remarkable National Park. This impressive walk takes you through a narrowly spaced gorge known as The Narrows and along The Terraces - a series of platforms which the creek flows down creating small cascading waterfalls.
Sturt Gorge l 7.6km or 9.8km
The Sturt River flows through Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, located 13km south of Adelaide. The river has water in it for most of the year, but the waterfalls are best after rains. There are two hikes that will lead you to the waterfalls - a loop of Upper Sturt Gorge along the River Trail or the longer River Trail, Sturt Gorge hike.
Ingalalla Falls, Normanville l 500m
An easy one for families with young children, the trail to Ingalalla Falls, about a 1.5-hour drive from Adelaide, sets off from the picnic area and follows the creek upstream to reach the rock pool and waterfall.
Deep Creek Waterfall l 6.6km
You’ll need to hike down into the valley of the Deep Creek Conservation Park to see this impressive waterfall that generally flows only in winter and after rains. The hike, which is graded and has steps towards the end, descends through gullies into the forest with some gorgeous views across the valley towards the ocean.
Three Falls Grand Hike l 5.39km
Morialta Conservation Park is home to three waterfalls - First Falls, Second Falls and Third Falls. The Three Falls Grand Hike skirts around the edge of the gorge and takes you to all three waterfalls. First Falls is the most impressive, especially after some decent rains, and can be reached along a shorter 1.7km return walk along Fourth Creek.
Hindmarsh Falls |200m
Another good one for families, these falls on the Fleurieu Peninsula are an easy 15-minute walk to reach, and feature water cascading over numerous pools.
Waterfall Gully |7.8km
There are six waterfalls to enjoy along the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty hike. The First Falls are the most spectacular and can be easily reached from the carpark. The Second Falls are about 500m along the trail. This trail is popular but be warned, it is pretty steep. Thankfully there's plenty of seating along the way.
