A Canopy Boardwalk and Orchid Walk Through a Rare Limestone Coast Forest
| Activity | Walking (Easy) |
| Distance | 4.6 kilometres (loop) |
| Duration | Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Region | Limestone Coast |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Start Point | Telford Scrub Car Park, Grundys Lane, off Penola–Mt Gambier Road |
| End Point | Same (loop) |
| Park Entry | Free |
| Dogs Allowed | No |
Overview
In a region dominated by cleared farmland, vineyards, and pine plantations, Telford Scrub Conservation Park is a precious remnant of the native forest that once covered much of the Limestone Coast. The Stringybark Forest Walking Trail is a 4.6-kilometre loop through this pocket of old-growth woodland, featuring a 100-metre elevated boardwalk that lifts visitors into the canopy of the stringybark trees for a bird’s-eye view of the forest from four metres above the ground.
The park occupies just 155 hectares, but its ecological significance far exceeds its size. It is one of the last examples of the stringybark eucalyptus forest that once blanketed this part of South Australia, and it supports an extraordinary diversity of plant and animal life. Over 20 species of native orchid have been recorded here, including pink fingers, common donkey orchid, tiger orchid, and purple cockatoo orchid. Koalas, introduced from Kangaroo Island in 1997, now inhabit the canopy, and the park is home to a rich community of woodland birds.
The Walk
Through the Forest Floor
The trail begins at the car park off Grundys Lane, where a gentle path leads into the shade of the stringybark forest. The trees here are tall and well-spaced, with rough, fibrous bark and a canopy that creates a cool, dappled environment even on warm days. The understorey is diverse and changes with the seasons — in spring, the orchids emerge in remarkable variety, drawing wildflower enthusiasts from across the region.
Numbered interpretive posts along the trail correspond to a guide that identifies the park’s main plant species and habitat types. The walking surface is natural and mostly flat, with some uneven sections where tree roots cross the path.
The Canopy Boardwalk
The highlight of the trail is the elevated canopy boardwalk, a 100-metre-long timber structure that rises four metres above the forest floor into the branches of the stringybark trees. Walking at canopy height transforms the experience — you are at eye level with the leaves and branches that are normally far overhead, and the forest reveals details that are invisible from the ground. Look for koalas resting in the forks of the trees, and listen for the calls of honeyeaters, pardalotes, and grey fantails that work the upper canopy.
Wildlife and Orchids
The koala population at Telford Scrub has established well since the 1997 introduction, and sightings are common, particularly from the boardwalk. The park also supports western grey kangaroos, echidnas, possums, and a range of reptiles. The orchid diversity is the park’s botanical crown jewel — the 20-plus species include terrestrial orchids that bloom between August and November, creating a changing display of delicate, intricate flowers that reward slow, careful observation.
Planning Your Visit
Telford Scrub Conservation Park is located on Grundys Lane, off the Penola–Mount Gambier Road, approximately 35 kilometres north of Mount Gambier. The park is free to enter. There are no toilet or water facilities, so come prepared. The trail is suitable for most fitness levels, though the natural surface may be uneven in places. The best time to visit is spring (August–November) for the orchid displays, though the park is enjoyable year-round. Early morning visits offer the best chance of spotting koalas and woodland birds.
Telford Scrub Conservation Park is a small park with an outsized story. Its canopy boardwalk lifts you into the treetops of a forest that once stretched across the Limestone Coast, its orchids bloom in remarkable variety each spring, and its koalas doze in the branches above. It is a place that reminds you what this landscape looked like before the farms and the fences, and what it still can be when a pocket of the original bush is allowed to survive.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Adelaide Hills Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.