Mark Oliphant Conservation Park is a small park, nestled in Adelaide Hills, nearby township of Longwood, a gem for bush walkers. The post describes walking trails in the conservation park.
The park has a mix of trails and fire tracks with lots of bush walking opportunities, suitable for families and children. Walks take you through majestic Stringybark forests and pink, blue gums. The park is habitat for endangered Southern brown bandicoot. Native birds such Scarlet robin, Golden whistler and Rosella can been seen and heard throughout the park.
The park was named in honour of former SA Governor Sir Mark Oliphant contribution to conservation.
Bush walking
Mark Oliphant trailhead is at gate 1, 178 Scott Creek road Heathfield SA5153
The below loop walk was an exploration through Mark Oliphant conservation park following the main tracks Lofty track, Loftia track, Nioka track, Honey eater track, Thronbill track.
Description of the walk
The walk starts at gate 1 and follows the main tracks in Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, exploring the different exits and includes some no through tracks. The total distance was 10 km and the duration was 2 hours and 30 minutes. The walk is mainly on fire tracks and some small trails which can be indistinct and overgrown in some places. Total ascent was 223 meters.
Alternative walks
National Parks and Wildlife service website suggests the following trails:
1. Skink Trail Loop 3 km which starts at gate 1
2. Bandicoot Trail loop 4.5 km which starts at gate 1
3. Waterfall hike loop 2 km which starts at gate 12 and follows Thornbill track. The waterfall is large amphitheatre but does no flow often.
A description of these trails can be found on the website Walking SA at
Happy walking !