Murray Bridge to Clare
| Location | Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia |
| Start Point | Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge |
| End Point | Clare (via Eudunda and Webb Gap) |
| Distance | 325 km (main trail) + 96 km (loop and spur trails) |
| Time | 14–16 days |
| Difficulty | Intermediate (Grade 3) |
| Activity | Walking |
| Region | Adelaide & Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Clare Valley |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — see Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and Clare Valley accommodation |
| Key Feature | Volunteer-built long-distance trail through diverse countryside |
A 325-Kilometre Celebration of Volunteers and Vision
The Lavender Federation Trail is one of South Australia’s great walking trails — a 325-kilometre linear journey through the diverse countryside of the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, from the banks of the Murray River at Murray Bridge to the wine country of Clare. Named after Terry Lavender OAM, who played a pivotal role in establishing both this trail and the Heysen Trail, and commemorating the centenary of Australia’s Federation in 1901, this trail is remarkable not only for the landscapes it traverses but for the extraordinary community achievement it represents: the entire 325-kilometre network was designed, constructed, and is maintained entirely by volunteers from South Australian Recreation Trails Incorporated.
Development began in 1999, with the first section from Murray Bridge to Mount Beevor near Harrogate opening in 2000. The trail has been built in stages over more than two decades, with the newest section from Eudunda to Webb Gap in the remote Tothill Ranges officially opened in April 2016. Including loop and spur trails that connect to nearby towns and access points, the total trail network now encompasses over 420 kilometres of walking.
The Trail Experience
Murray Bridge to the Hills
The trail begins at Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge, on the banks of Australia’s most important river. The opening kilometres wind past historic buildings, restored riverboats, and important wetlands before passing near Monarto Zoo — an open-range bio park that offers glimpses of exotic animals. The trail enters private land with permission, granting access to the beautiful Munchenberg Gorge with its permanent springs and reflective water pools before crossing the Sturt Highway to reach the township of Dutton.
Through the Ranges
The landscape transitions from grazing lands to rolling hills as the trail climbs into the Mount Lofty Ranges. Leake Lookout, at 527 metres, offers stunning panoramic views that reward the climb. The trail passes through historic townships including Tungkillo, Springton, Eden Valley, and Eudunda — the birthplace of famed author Colin Thiele. Loop trails from these townships allow walkers to explore local areas before returning to the main trail. The countryside changes constantly — open farmland gives way to eucalypt forest, then to vineyard country, then to the remote, rugged landscapes of the Tothill Ranges.
Planning Your Walk
The trail is classified as Grade 3, meaning the terrain is generally easy but includes sections of steep, rocky, and uneven ground — the southern approach to Mount Beevor is particularly demanding. Some sections traverse private property with permission, and walkers must follow trail signs at all times. The trail is open year-round, with the best walking months from March through November. Spur trails connect the main route to nearby towns for resupply and accommodation. The trail can be walked end-to-end in 14 to 16 days or explored in sections over multiple visits.
The Lavender Federation Trail is a monument to what volunteers can achieve when they share a vision — 325 kilometres of walking trail through some of the most varied countryside in South Australia, built over two decades by people who believed that the best way to appreciate a landscape is to walk through it. From the Murray River to the Clare Valley, through gorges and vineyards and over ranges with views to the horizon, this trail honours both the land it crosses and the community that built it.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Clare Valley Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.