A Multi-Use Trail Network Through the Adelaide Hills Honouring a Legendary Horseman
| Activity | Horse Riding / Walking / Cycling |
| Distance | Approximately 80–108 kilometres (full network) |
| Duration | Multiple days (horse riding or walking); 1–2 days (cycling) |
| Region | Adelaide & Adelaide Hills |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Start Point | Various entry points (Cherry Gardens, Coromandel East, Clarendon, Scott Creek, Kangarilla) |
| End Point | Various (network trail) |
| Trail Markers | Yes – marked at direction change points |
| Dogs Allowed | Varies by section |
Overview
Winding through the rolling hills and quiet back roads of Adelaide’s southern suburbs and the Adelaide Hills, the Tom Roberts Horse Trail is South Australia’s premier equestrian trail network. Spanning approximately 80 to 108 kilometres of natural terrain, road verges, unmade road reserves, and park trails, it connects a patchwork of green spaces from Cherry Gardens in the north to Kangarilla in the south and Woodcroft in the west, passing through some of the most scenic pastoral and bushland country within easy reach of the city.
While designed primarily for horse riding, the trail is a genuine multi-use network that welcomes walkers and cyclists on most sections. The terrain varies enormously — from sealed suburban paths to sandy bush tracks, from gentle creek crossings to exposed hilltop ridgelines with expansive views. For riders, it offers the rare opportunity to spend multiple days in the saddle traversing varied landscapes without ever leaving the greater Adelaide area.
The Man Behind the Trail
The trail honours Tom Roberts, one of Australia’s most accomplished and influential horsemen. Born in India in 1900, Roberts joined the British Army as a trumpeter at the age of 14 and by 16 had become the youngest-ever Certified Military Riding Instructor — known as a “Rough-Rider” — in the British Army. He migrated to South Australia in 1925 and joined the South Australian Police Force, later serving in the Middle East with the AIF during World War II.
After the war, Roberts served as Instructor to the South Australian Mounted Police until his retirement in 1960. His influence extended far beyond the police force. He conducted training schools across several states, co-founded and instructed the Dressage Club of South Australia, co-founded the SA Pony Club Association, and judged at horse shows around the country. In 1982, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his services to equestrian sport. He died in 1989, and the first section of this trail was opened in his honour in 1993.
The Trail Network
Northern Section: Cherry Gardens and Coromandel East
The northern reaches of the trail pass through the semi-rural landscapes around Cherry Gardens and Coromandel East, where hobby farms, orchards, and patches of native bush create a mosaic of land uses. The trail follows quiet roads and unmade reserves, offering a peaceful riding experience with views across the Adelaide Plains to the west.
Central Section: Scott Creek and Clarendon
The central section takes riders through the more rugged country around Scott Creek Conservation Park and the historic township of Clarendon. This is some of the trail’s most attractive riding — eucalyptus woodland, creek crossings, and undulating terrain that gives both rider and horse a genuine workout. The connection through Belair National Park adds another dimension, with the park’s established trail network offering well-maintained paths through mature bushland.
Southern Section: Kangarilla
The southern end of the trail reaches into the pastoral country around Kangarilla, where the landscape opens up into rolling green hills dotted with grazing livestock and old stone farm buildings. This section has a distinctly rural character and offers some of the trail’s most expansive views.
Planning Your Ride or Walk
The Tom Roberts Horse Trail is a network rather than a single linear route, which means riders and walkers can choose sections that suit their time, fitness, and interests. The trail alignment is marked with a series of trail markers located at points where the trail changes direction. The level of difficulty varies significantly depending on the section — some segments follow gentle sealed paths while others traverse rocky, uneven bush tracks.
For equestrian users, float parking is available at several entry points, though space can be limited at some locations. The trail passes through multiple local government areas including the City of Onkaparinga, City of Mitcham, and Adelaide Hills Council. Check local regulations for any section-specific rules regarding horse access, particularly within national parks. Walkers and cyclists should be aware that horses have right of way on all shared sections.
The Tom Roberts Horse Trail is a fitting tribute to a remarkable horseman. It offers riders, walkers, and cyclists a network of trails through some of Adelaide’s most beautiful hills and valleys — a place where the rhythm of hooves on earth, the creak of leather, and the quiet of the Australian bush combine to create an experience that Tom Roberts himself would have appreciated.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Clare Valley Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.