The Sugarloaf Circuit via Chambers Gully is one of the Adelaide Hills’ most rewarding and family-friendly hiking experiences. Located within Cleland National Park, the trail offers a quieter alternative to the famous Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit walk while delivering exceptional wildlife encounters, scenic lookouts and peaceful bushland surroundings.

Beginning near Cleland Wildlife Park, the circuit climbs gradually towards Long Ridge and Sugarloaf Hill, where panoramic views stretch across Adelaide, the coastline and Gulf St Vincent. Unlike many Adelaide Hills walks, the elevation gain is manageable, making the route suitable for a wide range of fitness levels while still providing a genuine sense of achievement.

The highlight for many visitors is Chambers Gully itself. This cool, fern-lined corridor follows a creek through one of the park’s most sheltered environments and is widely regarded as one of the best places in the Adelaide Hills to spot koalas in the wild. Kangaroos, kookaburras, rosellas and numerous native bird species are also regularly encountered throughout the circuit.

The trail combines open ridgeline views with shaded forest sections, creating a varied hiking experience that feels far removed from the city despite being less than an hour from Adelaide. For visitors seeking wildlife, scenery and a moderate bushwalk without the steep demands of Mount Lofty, Sugarloaf Circuit is one of South Australia's most underrated hiking destinations.

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