Brownhill Creek Recreation Park

Brownhill Creek Recreation Park is 51 hectares of steep-sided creek valley eight kilometres from the Adelaide CBD, with river red gums more than 300 years old lining the water. National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia welcomes dogs here, and it specifies the lead: no more than two metres, and only on the designated walking trails.

The walk. There are two formal trails. The Wirraparinga Trail runs 2.3 km one way, about 45 minutes, rated Grade 3 and suitable for most ages and fitness levels, passing through shaded old European trees and sections of rare grey box woodland on the southern slopes. The Shared Use Trail runs 3 km one way, about an hour, and carries walkers, bikes and horses together. Linking the two into the loop most people walk makes around 6 km and roughly two hours. Walkers give way to horses, and cyclists give way to walkers.

The rules. This is a national park reserve, so the rules are tighter than a council reserve. Keep your dog under control on a lead no more than two metres long, stay on the designated walking trails, and bring bags, because there are no bins in national parks and whatever you carry in comes out with you. The park is open daily but closes on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may close on Extreme days, so check the CFS rating before you drive up. Entry is free.

Hazards. Eastern brown snakes are permanent residents of this valley, which is reason enough to keep to the track through the warmer months. The service also warns that poison baits may be laid to control foxes and can be fatal to dogs, and that kangaroos and koalas will defend themselves against a dog and can kill one. The two metre lead is not bureaucratic tidiness. It is the rule that keeps all three of those risks at arm's length.

Water. The creek runs narrow and is at its best after winter rain. It is not a swimming creek, and the lead rule keeps a dog on the bank in any case, so carry drinking water. There are shaded picnic areas at the Mitcham Lions Club site and at Seven Pines.

Getting there. Access is via Brownhill Creek Road by vehicle, or on foot from Northbrook Avenue. Torrens Park is the nearest station, leaving a short walk to the entrance.

Nearby with the dogs. The Brownhill Creek Tourist Park sits inside the park itself, and Belair National Park Holiday Park is the other option close by. Mitcham Dog Park is the nearest fenced run, Randell Park Reserve at Torrens Park is the short local walk, and The Little Leaf and Bean Cafe at Blackwood is a short drive.

When to go. Late autumn through early spring. The creek has water in it, the snakes are down, and the valley holds its shade. Summer afternoons are the worst of it: closed on the bad fire days, and hot on the rest. Good for big walkers who want a proper bush valley without leaving Adelaide.

Sources

• Brownhill Creek Recreation Park - National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia · www.parks.sa.gov.au
• Brownhill Creek Recreation Park map · cdn.environment.sa.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.