Trail Riding Through the Adelaide Hills and Beyond
| Activity | Horse Riding |
| Trails Available | 4 dedicated horse riding trails |
| Difficulty Range | Easy to Intermediate |
| Regions | Adelaide & Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula |
| Highlights | Tom Roberts Horse Trail, Kersbrook Horse Trail, Kidman Trail |
Riding Through South Australia’s Bush and Pastoral Landscapes
South Australia offers horse riders a network of multi-use trails through native bushland, state forests, and pastoral landscapes — primarily concentrated in the Adelaide Hills, where established horse trails wind through open woodland and forest with views across the ranges and plains. Horse riding in South Australia carries a strong heritage connection, with trails named for legendary horsemen and routes that follow paths used by riders since the earliest days of European settlement. The state forests of Kuitpo and Mount Crawford, and the conservation parks of the Adelaide Hills, provide the core riding areas.
Riders should be aware that horse riding in national parks and conservation areas requires awareness of specific regulations regarding trail use, seasonal closures, and environmental protection. Multi-use trails are shared with walkers and cyclists, and trail etiquette — particularly regarding vegetation protection, waste management, and yielding to other users — is essential. The South Australian government provides guidelines for safe trail riding, and riders are encouraged to check conditions and restrictions before setting out, particularly during fire danger seasons when parks may be closed.
Adelaide Hills Horse Trails
The Adelaide Hills provide South Australia’s premier horse riding trails, with established routes through eucalypt woodland and open forest. The Tom Roberts Horse Trail honours one of the region’s legendary horsemen, offering a multi-use network through the Adelaide Hills that connects riders with some of the area’s finest bushland. The Kersbrook Horse Trail provides riding through open woodland in the northern Adelaide Hills.
• Tom Roberts Horse Trail — Multi-use trail network honouring a legendary horseman
• Kersbrook Horse Trail — Adelaide Hills riding through open woodland
Long-Distance Riding
For experienced riders seeking extended journeys, the Kidman Trail — named for the legendary cattle baron Sir Sidney Kidman — offers a multi-region route that passes through the Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Barossa, and Clare Valley. The Heysen Trail, while primarily a walking trail, shares some sections with horse-accessible routes. These long-distance trails provide multi-day riding adventures through some of South Australia’s most beautiful pastoral and bushland landscapes.
• Kidman Trail — Multi-region long-distance trail — Fleurieu to mid-north
• Heysen Trail — 1,200 km — Some sections accessible to riders
Safety and Trail Etiquette
Horse riding on South Australian trails requires preparation and awareness. Riders should always check trail conditions and fire danger ratings before departure, carry adequate water for both rider and horse, and ensure their equipment meets safety standards. On multi-use trails, riders should announce their presence to walkers and cyclists, keep horses under control at all times, and stay on designated trails to protect native vegetation. Some parks require permits for horse riding — check with the local National Parks and Wildlife office before your ride.
Horse riding in South Australia connects riders to the state’s pastoral heritage and its native bushland — through the woodland trails of the Adelaide Hills, along the long-distance routes that follow paths used by horsemen for generations, and across landscapes where the view from the saddle reveals a countryside that has changed less than you might expect since the earliest riders passed through.