The Adelaide Hills has a new walking and cycling trail which offers a more accessible, family-friendly option for those wanting to explore Mount Lofty.
The new 3.8-kilometre Steub Trail begins at Cleland Wildlife Park and gently climbs through forest woodlands on its way to Mount Lofty Summit.
The shared-use trail has been designed with gentle, low-gradient access making it possible for those with reduced mobility to reach the summit without having to use the steeper Waterfall Gully trail.
Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs, who officially opened the Steub Trail today, said the project was made possible thanks to a $550,000 bequest from Ludwig Reinwald Steub to Cleland Conservation Park.
“This is an exciting day for South Australians who enjoy getting outdoors with the opening of a new walking and cycling trail in the Adelaide Hills,” said Minister Speirs.
“We know the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit is one of South Australia’s most popular walking trails, with around 600,000 people using it per year.
“The Steub Trail was designed to provide an alternative for families with small children or people with reduced mobility to travel between the two sites without having to walk along the steeper Waterfall Gully Trail.
“The Marshall Liberal Government wants more South Australians to be able to enjoy our natural environment which is why we are committed to revitalising our open spaces through record investment in our national parks and creating new experiences such as recreational activity at our reservoirs.”
“I want to thank Mr Steub and his family who have made this new trail possible thanks to a $550,000 bequest to Cleland Conservation Park.”
Deputy Premier and Member for Bragg, Vickie Chapman said the Steub Trail gave locals and visitors another reason to get out and enjoy Adelaide’s foothills.
“The opening of the trail as well as our recently finished $5 million upgrade of the Waterfall Gully trail will make it safer and easier for those wanting to explore Mount Lofty,” said Ms Chapman.
“The gently sloping Steub Trail provides a relaxing alternative to enjoy the beauty of the park and views of gullies and Adelaide by bike or by foot.
“We already know the popularity of the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit trail and I expect this new trail will quickly become another favourite for South Australians.”
Fast Facts
– The return trail is 7.7 kilometres long and will take around three hours to travel.
– Prams, bikes and people can all access the trail.
– Native animals such as bandicoots, echidnas, yellow-tailed cockatoos and kangaroos have all been spotted on the trail.
– The trail is surfaced with approximately 450 cubic metres of recycled asphalt material, reclaimed from roads, pavements and car parks.