Anstey Hill Recreation Park
More information
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Families, walkers and those looking for a new fitness challenge can design their own adventure using the extensive network of walking trails.
Eight mountain bike trails ranging in difficulty from easy to advanced will provide a challenge for even the most experienced rider.
Discover this park’s unique features, including ruins of the original Newman’s Nursery, abundant bird life, western grey kangaroos and koalas. Many animals call this area home and the park conserves rare vegetation which was once widespread throughout the Adelaide Plains and Mount Lofty Ranges.
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Open daily.
Vehicle entry gates are opened daily between 6:30am to 7pm (6:30am to 9pm during daylight savings time). Closed on Christmas Day.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Visitor information, bookings and park management:
Black Hill National Park and Wildlife Service Office
Phone: (+61) 7133 7300
Email: DEW.NPWSNorthLofty@sa.gov.au
Emergency contacts:
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero (000)
Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – Emergency After Hours Duty Officer (voice messages only, text messages are unavailable to be received)
Phone: 0427 556 676
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact Black Hill National Park and Wildlife Service Office on (+61) 7133 7300 or the duty officer on 0427 556 676
Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group
Anstey Hill can be explored at any time of year. Winter and spring bring a fabulous display of wildflowers including spider-orchids and wax-lip orchids on the steep slopes overlooking creeks. Enjoy a refreshing morning walk along Water Gully during summer, or an autumn sunset from the ridgetop trails.
The park is located approximately 16km north east of Adelaide. Popular access gates are located off North East Road (near the old Tea Tree Gully Village), Perseverance Road and Range Road South.
If you’re in your own vehicle, you can find this park on the map.
There is also public transport to this park from the Adelaide city centre.
Parks are for all to enjoy, we would love to hear from you about your experience in nature. You can share your comments, pictures and videos with us and others by tagging @NationalParksSA on Facebook, Instagram or email us.
Facilities
Parking
You can find an accessible parking space at gate 1, next to the toilet, near Ellis Cottage.
Toilets
There are toilets located at gate 1, near Ellis Cottage. One is accessible (right hand) and the other is an ambulant toilet.
See and do
Trails
The Little Quarry Loop (650m)
Features a hard packed gravel surface which is mostly level. The trail begins near the main car park in the former quarry.
Dogs on a lead are also welcome.
Picnic area
There are 3 accessible picnic areas located around the Little Quarry Loop.
Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.
As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.
Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or contact the visitor service centre via email or on Facebook.
Dogs are welcome in this park.
Please ensure you:
- Keep your dog under control and on a lead no more than two metres in length.
- Stick to designated walking trails.
- Bring disposable bags to clean up your dog’s faeces (please be aware there are no bins in national parks).
Discover other parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park tool or read 12 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.
We have recently completed an upgrade in Anstey Hill Recreation Park.
Upgrades include:
- New and improved car parks around the boundary of the park.
- Public toilets.
- Improved trails for both walking and cycling.
- Better signs to help you enjoy the park, including park and trail information.
- New grassy area for picnics with trees for shade and shelters with seating.
- Nature Play SA’s 40 things to do in Anstey Hill Recreation Park
- Discover 10 things to see and do at Anstey Hill on the Good Living blog.
- Explore what other nature and outdoor activities are available in this area on the South Australia Tourism website.
- Mobile phone coverage is good in most areas of the park.
- Parks management plans
- Trails SA
- SA Marine Parks
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited.
Plants
This park’s range of different landforms support many diverse habitats for birds and other animals. Pink gum and long-leaf box plant communities, now rare in the Adelaide Hills, dominate the stoney slopes across the park. Button daisies, pussytails, needle bushes and silky guinea-flowers are found in their understorey. The important red and blue gum grassy woodlands are feeding grounds for local birds, and can be found near the Silver Mine. Rough-barked Manna gums, a favourite of the local koalas, are commonly seen between ‘The Lookout’ and Newman’s Nursery ruins.
Animals
A keen observer will certainly encounter some of the many birds, reptiles, frogs and mammals that live in this park. Some of the more commonly seen animals include the Superb Fairy Wren, Western Grey Kangaroos and koalas. Brown Tree Frogs and common froglets can be heard along creeks, and Bearded Dragons can be seen basking on sunny days. The park is also habitat for the endangered Chestnut-rumped Heath Wren.
Flora and fauna species lists
To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the ‘Create Simple Species List’ tab under ‘Flora Tools’ or ‘Fauna Tools’ in NatureMaps.
Phytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora), otherwise known as root-rot fungus, is killing our native plants and threatens the survival of animals depending on plants for food and shelter.
This introduced fungus can be found in plant roots, soil and water. Help stop the spread by using hygiene stations, staying on tracks and trails and by complying with all Phytophthora management signs.
Anstey Hill Recreation Park is part of Kaurna (Gar-na) Country, which includes the Adelaide coast, plains and foothills and continues to be culturally significant today. Historically, the foothills provided an abundant seasonal source of food, water, shelter and medicine. To better understand and appreciate Kaurna culture, visit the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre at Bedford Park
Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.
There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.
In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia.
Anstey Hill Recreation Park was dedicated in 1989 and was named after George Alexander Anstey (1814 – 1895), a local viticulturist. Evidence of early colonisation can be found throughout the park, including the restored Ellis Cottage, Rump’s Bakehouse and the extensive ruins of Newman’s Nursery, one of the first commercial nurseries in the Adelaide area, exporting worldwide.
Dolomite and quartzite was mined in the park for many years. Stone quarried at Anstey Hill is featured in the Adelaide War Memorial on North Terrace, Adelaide Town Hall, St Peters Cathedral and Adelaide General Post Office.
We have picked the brains of our park rangers to find out what they would recommend you see and do whilst visiting this park.
- Design your own walk from Ellis Cottage to the lookout using one of many trail options.
- Wander along Water Gully and visit the Newman’s ruin in spring when some of the original plantings are in flower.
- Challenge yourself on one of the mountain bike trails. There is a trail for all levels of ability.
- Grab at bite to eat at a local eatery and then soak up some historic atmosphere with a visit to Rump’s Bakehouse, Ellis Cottage and the nearby National Trust Museum.
- Go and find out what the gun emplacement is really all about (boggles the mind).
- Grab your phone and try your hand at geo-caching.
- Check out Nature Play SA’s 40 things to do in Anstey Hill Recreation Park
Our trails cater for all levels of fitness and adventure and our classification system makes it easy to select an experience suitable for you. The tracks and trails identified are suggested routes only. Create your own route by following any of the designated tracks, including the link trails and maintenance tracks.
All trails which are not identified as part of a designated trail system have a hard hike classification and require caution when bushwalking or riding on these tracks, as they may have irregular natural surfaces which may be loose, have exposed rock and can be steep.
- Walk, hike or trek — what’s the difference?
- Bushwalking safety
- Bushwalking minimum impact code
- Park map
Grade 2 — No bushwalking experience required
Little quarry loop (650m)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
A short and easy trail for people of all abilities. Suitable for prams and limited mobility access. Look out for fun little off shoots for children to explore. This trail features a gravel surface with many easy but optional trail obstacles and features. Try this trail before venturing onto the intermediate trails in the wider park.
Grade 3 — Suitable for most ages and fitness levels
Geological hike (1 hr return, 1km return)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
This trail offers superb views of Adelaide and visits the Geological feature known as ‘The Gun Emplacement’. Interpretive signage is available to explain this ancient remnant feature. No riding permitted.
The trail starts at Gate 9 off Lower North East Rd.
Quarry views hike (1 hr return, 1km return)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
Quarry Views Hike takes walkers high above the quarry bowl offering great views of the area. These steep slopes are home to many native birds and reptiles, keep an eye out for lizards basking in the sun including the tawny dragon and eastern striped skink. It is best travelled in a clockwise direction. No riding permitted.
Bursaria loop (4km return)
Bursaria Loop takes visitors to some of the more remote areas of the park. Throughout this trail Bursaria can be found flowering throughout the summer months. Recommended for the experienced hiker and mountain bike rider seeking adventure.
Pink gum loop (3.15km loop)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
A challenging loop most suited to hikers and trail runners. Pink Gum is now rare in South Australia and can be found throughout this trail in association with other threatened plant species including the Pale Leek-orchid and Slender Greenhood. Try it in both directions but beware, it has large loose rocks in sections.
Silver mine loop (2.5km return)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
Traversing many of the old quarry tracks including rosella, ellis and newman tracks, the Silver Mine Loop passes historic mine shafts and old quarries.
Wednesday loop (3.4km return)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
The Wednesday Loop is a great trail for keen hikers and mountain bikers alike. It traverses a variety of landscapes and showcases areas of weed control carried out by the Friends of Anstey Hill. It is best travelled in a clockwise direction.
Wildflower wander (1.35km)
Incorporating some steeper sections Wildflower Wander is very rewarding. Offering amazing views over the Adelaide Plains and Gulf St Vincent as well as opportunities to discover native orchids along the way. The dense native vegetation in the gullies is ideal habitat for a variety of small birds including the chestnut-rumped heathwren that is now critically endangered. No riding permitted.
Yellow-tailed loop (6.2km return)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
The Yellow-tail Loop is Anstey Hills’ most popular route for both groups and individuals. It explores many of the park features including the Newman’s Nursery ruins. Taking in a variety of excellent bird habitat many of the resident species can be found including the yellow-tailed black cockatoo, which feeds on the drooping sheoak and Hakea that can be found in this area. The Yellow-tail Loop makes use of wide fire tracks, which is great for having a chat amongst friends.
Explore the Pink Gum and Long-Leaf Box plant communities and Blue Gum Grassy Woodlands of Anstey Hill by bike and on foot using the 25km network of shared use trails.
This network uses fire tracks and trails, which have been upgraded to accommodate a variety of activities.
Visit the Old Quarry, which has easy trails for children and novices, or head further into the park to explore some of the more difficult trails where you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Adelaide Plains.
The tracks and trails below are suggested routes only. Create your own route by following any of the designated tracks, including the link trails and maintenance tracks. Please obey signs, including sections where walking or cycling is not permitted. Observing the classification system will help ensure you select trails suitable to your ability.
All trails which are not identified as part of a designated trail system have a hard hike classification and require caution when bushwalking or riding on these tracks, as they may have irregular natural surfaces which may be loose, have exposed rock and can be steep.
- Check out our blog story — Put your wheels in motion at Anstey Hill
- Cycling and mountain biking in parks
- Park and trail maps
Easy
Little Quarry Loop (650m)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
A short and easy trail for people of all abilities. Suitable for prams and limited mobility access. Look out for the fun little offshoots to explore. This trail features a gravel surface with easy but optional trail obstacles and features. Try this trail before venturing onto the intermediate trails in the wider park.
Intermediate
Yellow-tail Loop (6.2km)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
The Yellow-tail Loop is Anstey Hills’ most popular route for both groups and individuals. It explores many of the parks features including Newman’s Nursery ruins. The loop follows wide fire tracks, which is great for having a chat amongst friends.
Silver Mine Loop (2.45km)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
Traversing many of the old quarry tracks including Rosella, Ellis and Newman Tracks, the Silver Mine Loop passes historic mine shafts and old quarries.
Wednesday Loop (3.4km)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
The Wednesday Loop is a great trail for keen hikers and mountain bike riders alike. It traverses a variety of landscapes and showcases areas of restored vegetation carried out by the Friends of Anstey Hill. It is best travelled in a clockwise direction.
Bursaria Loop (4km)
The Bursaria Loop takes visitors to some of the more remote parts of the park. Recommend for the experienced hiker and mountain bike rider seeking adventure.
Pink gum loop (3.15km)
Navigate this trail using Google Street View
Pink Gum is now rare in South Australia and can be found throughout this trail in association with other threatened plant species including the Pale Leek-orchid and Slender Greenhood. Try it in both directions but beware, it has large loose rocks in sections.
Advanced
Grand Canyon downhill (1km)
One way downhill. The Grand Canyon Downhill trail has a great variety of features including jumps, drop offs and technical terrain. No walking permitted.
Wildside downhill (1.2km)
One way downhill. The Wildside Downhill trail makes great use of the lay of the land and features natural rock gardens, bermed corners, drop offs and sections of technical single track. No walking permitted.
Camping is not permitted within this park.
- Use Find a Park to discover which parks you can camp in.
Want to help?
To find out how you can help in this park or nearby, please visit Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges – Volunteering.
Want to join others and become a Park Friend?
To find out more about Friends of Parks groups please visit Friends of Parks South Australia.
You could join others to help look after a park. You can take part in working bees, training and other events.
Ensure that you:
- when hiking, wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen
- be aware of weather conditions and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day
- make sure you have appropriate weather proof clothing
- carry enough water to be self-sufficient
- please be respectful of other users at all times
- stay on the designated trails and connector tracks for your own safety, and prevent the spread of declared weeds to other areas in the park
- ensure someone knows your approximate location and expected time of return
- take appropriate maps.
- Walk, hike or trek — what’s the difference?
Trail Users Code of Practice
To protect the surrounding environment and to ensure the safety of all riders and shared trail users, please be aware of the international Trail Users Code of Practice when using shared trails. Important points to remember include:
- plan your ride
- comply with all signs
- ride only on formed tracks/trails
- share the trail — obey give way rules
- avoid riding in wet, muddy conditions
- ride lightly and leave no trace or rubbish
- control your bike within your limits
- clean your bike to avoid the spread of weeds or plant diseases
- carry sufficient food and drinking water
- respect the rights of others
- tell others about the code
Can I have a fire or barbecue?
- Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited throughout the year.
- Gas and liquid fuel fires are permitted in designated areas, other than on days of total fire ban. For advice on designated areas please call the North Lofty District Office on (+61 8) 7133 7300.
- Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.
Please ensure that you:
- keep your dog on a lead at all times and check if there are areas of the park where dogs are not allowed
- do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
- do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park
- leave the park as you found it — there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take your rubbish with you.
- abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)
- respect geological and heritage sites
- do not remove native plants
- are considerate of other park users.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Why does my dog need to be on a lead?
If your dog is off lead, it is more likely to impact on native wildlife and other visitors in a park and be at risk itself.
Risks to wildlife:
- Dogs off tracks will leave a scent in the bush that will keep wildlife away.
- Uncontrolled dogs may frighten wildlife and disrupt their natural behaviour.
- Some dogs will kill or injure wildlife.
Risks to other park visitors
- Dogs may be aggressive to other park visitors.
- Even friendly dogs can knock people over causing injury.
- Some people want to enjoy parks without dogs.
Risks to your dog
- Poison baits may be laid to control foxes. Baits can be fatal to dogs.
- Even if your dog is friendly, other dogs may not be.
- Your dog can catch parasites (such as fleas and ticks) from wildlife.
- Snake bites are a real risk in natural areas such as parks.
- Wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas will defend themselves if threatened by a dog and can cause significant injury to or the death of your dog.
Park maps
Maps on your mobile
If you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the free Avenza Map app and have interactive national park maps on hand when you need them.
The app uses your device’s built-in GPS to plot your real-time location within the park onto a map. The app can be used without a network connection and without roaming charges. You can also measure area and distance, plot photos and drop placemark pins.
How to get it working on your device:
1. Download the Avenza Maps app from the app store (iOS/Android) whilst you are still in range (its free!).
2. Open up the app and click the shopping cart icon.
3. Click ‘Find’ and type the name of the national park or reserve you are looking for.
4. Click on the map you are after and install it (all our maps are free).
5. You will now find a list of your installed maps on the home page of the Avenza Maps app.
6. Use our maps through the Avenza Mapa app while in the park and never take a wrong turn again.
Google Street View
Want to explore a trail before you leave home or use Google Maps to navigate straight from your door to the trailhead?
We’ve worked with Google to film more than 600km of walking trails, park roads, campgrounds and waterways in some of our most beautiful places. Click to see what the parks offer and the available facilities before you go. This is an especially great tool if you have accessibility needs, are visiting with people of varying ages or fitness levels or are pushing a pram and want to view a trail before leaving home.
You can start exploring this park on Google Street View using the links below.
- Shared use trails (walking and mountain bikes)
- Walking Trails
Come and enjoy this park for free.
This park is not included in the park pass system.
There is no camping or accommodation available within this park.
There are no other fees or permits associated with this park.
