10 things to see and do at Morialta Conservation Park

For more than 100 years, Morialta Conservation Park has been a well-loved recreational escape, offering plenty to see and do for everyone. The park is located just 10 kilometres east of Adelaide’s city centre, but its woodlands, gorges, gullies and stunning waterfalls will make you feel miles away.

The name ‘Morialta’ comes from the Kaurna phrase ‘moriatta’, meaning ‘ever-flowing’ – which is fitting, considering the park’s three striking waterfalls. The falls are linked by three hiking trails. If you want to see all three falls, prepare for a 7.5 km hike, which will take approximately four hours.

The park offers a range of family-friendly features – including the brand new Mukanthi nature play space. Designed by Climbing Tree and Peter Semple Landscape Architects, the play space has been created out of natural materials and is set to inspire and challenge children while connecting them with nature. You can climb the Birds Nest, discover an Aboriginal fire pit at Frog Island, find the secret tunnel at Great Snake, and reach the peak at Eagles Perch.

Morialta is also the perfect place to awaken your adventurous side with a spot of rock climbing. It’s one of the most popular spots in the state for it, with climbs that vary in difficulty and impressive views to behold.

Or if relaxation is more your thing, enjoy a picnic and keep an ear or an eye out for the wildlife around you. Every day there are interesting fauna sightings reported, including threatened species such as the chestnut-rumped heathwren and Cunningham’s skink.

Morialta is great to visit all year round, but to see the falls at their best, visit the park this spring to see the water flow at its strongest and orchids and wildflowers at their brightest.

Here are 10 ways to explore Morialta Conservation Park prepared for you by the park’s passionate rangers and Nature Play SA:

1. Walk the Morialta Falls Plateau Hike and enjoy the view of First Falls from Eagles Nest Lookout. Keep an eye out for the Australian painted lady butterflies as they flutter along the path.

2. Explore the new Mukanthi nature play space, climb up eagles nest and take the slide back down.
   

3. Have a picnic on the lawn near Stradbroke Road and make use of the free barbecue facilities.

4. Bring your camera and take photos of the local wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, lizards and birds.

5. When standing at Eagles Nest Lookout see who can ‘coo-ee’ the loudest.

6. For a more challenging adventure, go beyond Deep View Lookout up Rocky Hill Track. Keep an eye out for the orchids such as dwarf greenhoods and king spider orchids.

7. Cross the creek onto Frog Island in the Mukanthi nature play space and see how many tadpoles you can spot.

8. Enter via Gate 19 off Montacute Road and walk up Fox Hill Track to see the yellow flowers of the golden wattle.

9. Start a walk from Stradbroke Road picnic area and count how many kookaburras you can see and hear along the way.

10. Bring a torch and go on the Morialta Falls Valley Walk at night to catch a glimpse of the local nocturnal wildlife such as ringtail possums and Gould’s wattled bat.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find at Morialta:

Visiting Morialta

Morialta Conservation Park is a popular place to visit. Read our safety tips before you go, to make sure your visit is an enjoyable one.

Park of the Month:

Throughout October, Black Hill Conservation Park and Morialta Conservation Park are being celebrated as the National Parks and Wildlife ServicePark of the Month. There are lots of events and activities to get involved in, find out more.