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.

Here are 10 fun ways to explore Morialta Conservation Park!

1. Take in the view from above

Walk the Morialta Falls Plateau Hike and enjoy the view of First Falls from Eagles Nest Lookout and remember to remain behind the safety barriers at all times. Keep an eye out for the Australian painted lady butterflies as they flutter along the path. (Please note access to the Plateau via Giants Cave is currently closed, and access is now via Second and Third falls hike.)

2. Climb, slide and play the wild way

Explore the Mukanthi nature play space Designed by Climbing Tree and Peter Semple Landscape Architects. Created out of natural materials, 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!

3. Have a barbeque lunch

Have a picnic on the lawn near Stradbroke Road and make use of the free barbecue facilities. Keep an ear or an eye out for the wildlife around you, every day there are interesting fauna sightings reported, including frogs in the creek, koalas and many colourful parrots including the threatened yellow-tailed black cockatoos.

4. Try rock climbing and abseiling

Awaken your adventurous side with a spot of rock climbing or abseiling. If you have never tried rock climbing before, you will need to contact a local rock climbing company and join a come and try day with qualified instructors. It’s one of the most popular spots in the state for it!

5. Call out from the cliffs

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

6. Take the track less travelled

For a different adventure, give the Pretty Corner hike a try. It can be accessed via the First Falls, Plateau or Second Falls Gorge tracks. Here you'll spot some great views of Adelaide and spot one of the two types of grass trees that grow in Morialta.

7. Enjoy a longer walk

If you love a longer walk, this is the park for you! The three falls within the park can all be viewed on the Third Falls Hike. Get pumped for a 7.5 km hike, which will take approximately four hours!

8. Wildlife spotting

Walk along the First Falls trail to spot koalas - try and count how many you see! It's also a great spot for bird watching, so look out for varieties such as the Superb Fairy-wren, yellow Golden Whistlers or red Mistletoebirds. Listen out for frog sounds as you draw closer to the creek, and watch out for yabbies that may be under bridges.

9. Take your furry mate for a walk (limited areas!)

Dogs on lead are welcome in the recreation zone of the park (listed areas) – that’s the stretch between the Stradbroke Road carpark and First Falls carpark. You can stroll together through the picnic area, playground and along the trail next to Morialta Falls Road, all the way to the Falls Trailhead carpark.

10. See kangaroos at golden hour

Take a stroll around dusk or dawn and increase your chances of spotting kangaroos hopping along, doing their thing!

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 June, 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.