Explore by activity

Horse Riding

South Australia has a number of trails ideal for horse riding and some of the best can be found in our State Forests. At Kuitpo Forest, 45-minutes drive south of Adelaide near the town of Meadows, there are several multi-use loop trails, each 20-kilometres long. To the North, Mount Crawford Forest, one hour’s drive from Adelaide in the northern Adelaide Hills, also has some good horse trails, including three, 20-kilometre multi-use loop trails. Forests are also located in Second Valley, Bundaleer and the South East of South Australia, near Mount Gambier.

Parks close to Adelaide which permit you to ride your horse include Belair National Park, Shepherds Hill National Park, Sturt Gorge National Park and Para Wirra Conservation Park.

South Australia’s long distance multi-use trail which permits horse riding is The Kidman Trail, which traverses country from Willunga to Kapunda via the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley.

For riders without their own horses, there are commercial providers who provide trail riding services

Safety tips

  • Only competent riders and well-trained horses should use the trails
  • Riders should keep their horses under control at all times
  • Observe signage, including for temporary trail closures
  • Check if permits are required, or for any known trail closures prior to riding
  • Share the trail, taking care when other users are present
  • Remain on the trail at all times, particularly in areas with valuable native vegetation.
  • Keep trail heads & float parking areas tidy.
  • Bring your own water for horses.

Familiarise yourself with

Adventure Activity Standards (Horse Riding)

SafeWork Australia Guide to managing risks when new or inexperienced people interact with horses

Found 400 Trails
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Copper Coast Rail Trail

Cycling  |  Walking
9.2km

The Rail Trail – Copper Coast is a walking and cycling trail connecting the Copper Coast towns of Kadina and Wallaroo following the old railway line. There are shelters built along the trail and interpretive historical signs. The trail is sealed for the entire length; it does cross roads which walkers and cyclists are required […]

Cycling 30 Minutes Easy
Walking 2 Hours Easy

Mawson Trail – Full Trail

Cycling  |  Walking
900km

Starting just north of Adelaide and travelling to the Outback town of Blinman in the Flinders Ranges, the Mawson Trail is the ideal option for mountain bikers wanting to travel through South Australia’ s remote rural areas. Close to nine hundred kilometres long, the trail includes little-used country roads, State forest and national park fire […]

Cycling 2.32 Weeks
Walking 3.62 Weeks

Balcanoona Creek Hike – Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park

Walking
6.0km

Balcanoona Creek Hike (2 hrs 30 mins one way, 6km) This hike meanders through the Balcanoona Range to the Weetootla Gorge and its network of hikes. The hike passes by Grindells Hut.   Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park was proclaimed in 1970. The park forms part of the traditional country of the Adnyamathanha people and is […]

Walking 2.5 Hours Intermediate

Weirs Cove Hike – Flinders Chase National Park

Walking
1.41km

Experience the park’s maritime heritage and the challenges faced to deliver supplies to this remote location. Access: this trail starts at the Cape du Couedic day visitor area, or at Weirs Cove. The park’s coastal scenery includes Admirals Arch, a beautiful natural rock arch shaped by the powerful Southern Ocean, and the sculptured granite boulders […]

Walking 21 Minutes Intermediate

The Barossa Trail – Barossa Valley

Walking  |  Cycling
40km

The Barossa Trail is a high quality sealed 40 km cycling and walking path between the Northern and Southern Barossa, linking Gawler and the Stuart O’Grady Way. The trail explores the natural beauty along the North Para River and the agricultural landscapes between the Barossa Ranges and the Adelaide Plains. Extending from Angaston to Gawler […]

Walking 2 Days Easy
Cycling 1 Day Easy
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