Easy hikes and walks in South Australia

Harold’s Lookout is tucked just off Old Coach Road, reached by a short 75-metre side trail. The view looks straight out across Adelaide and the plains towards the coast, with the open hillside giving you very little between you and the skyline. It’s such a small detour that it’s well worth adding, especially if visibility is good.

This viewpoint is the perfect introduction to the red desert landscape, with an expansive view over the Chace Range. The Chace Range in the Adnyamathanha language is Vada Wildya Yurdu, which translates to the “Dead Finish Range”, named after the resilient Prickly Wattle trees growing all over the area. Continuing on from here, after taking in the views, the park authorities and signage strongly request that you take the circuit in a counterclockwise direction. This way you encounter a gentler slope toward the foothills of Illuka Hill and ensures you cross the rocky creek beds safely, as well as seeing the “The 'Practice' Shelter” before the main Arkaroo Rock shelter.

Arkaroo Rock (Akurra Adnya) is a very sacred cultural site with well-preserved ancient charcoal and ochre paintings. The art is maintained by the Adnyamathanha people (the Traditional Custodians whose name means “hills or rock people”). This massive rock overhang has been a natural protector of the art and a modern fence with snake art has been added to help further protect this important site. Archaeological evidence finds that Aboriginal people first camped in this shelter over 6,000 years ago, continuously adding to the vibrant rock canvas over many years. The paintings depict the Yura Muda, who is the profound creation and Dreaming stories of the surrounding landscape, specifically the formation of Ikara (Wilpena Pound).

When walking the Arkaroo Rock Walking Track in a counterclockwise direction, there is an overhang referred to as the “The 'Practice' Shelter” or “first rock shelf” that can be seen before seeing Arkaroo Rock. Local Adnyamathanha tradition holds that this smaller cave was a practice site where younger artists practiced their painting techniques before painting the main Arkaroo Rock. Today, no visible permanent paintings survive today, but the overhang remains.

This lookout is reached via a short walk from the parking area and gives you great views of Alligator Gorge. You can take it as a quick out and back if you're pressed for time, or combine it with a loop hike through the gorge.

The Alligator Gorge Track is a beautiful trek along a creek through slot canyons with towering red rock walls. The track begins with a set of stairs that take you to the canyon floor and then it traces the creek bed through the gorge. Depending on the time of year you may be walking on dry ground or through flowing water, so be sure to check conditions beforehand and prepare accordingly.

This red rock cave is located just a short distance off of the main First Falls Valley Walk and is well worth the 89 steps it takes to reach. While it may not get top billing with the many other nearby waterfalls and viewpoints, it does present a bit of a contrast and shaded resting spot for you to enjoy before continuing on your walk.

Umbrella Rock is a massive granite boulder sculpted over millions of years by wind, rain, and waves to create a natural overhang that resembles a giant umbrella. This rock is an iconic photo opportunity for those exploring the Granite Island. Rock climbing here is strictly prohibited to protect the ancient rock formation.