Upper Little Para Trail

Upper Little Para Trail follows the Little Para River through Salisbury Heights, with over five kilometres of undulating path through native vegetation and river red gums. It is an on-leash walk year-round, quieter than the coastal trails, and good for birdwatching as much as dog walking.

The walk. The trail runs along the river through the hills of Salisbury Heights, undulating rather than flat, and connects several landscaped reserves with playgrounds and picnic spots along the way. It suits most fitness levels and is rarely crowded outside weekend mornings.

Leash status. Dogs must stay on-leash for the entire trail. Keep to the marked path, both to comply with the rules and to protect the native birds the reserve is known for. Dogs are not permitted inside the SA Water reservoir reserves that border parts of the catchment, so watch for fenced boundaries and signage.

Water. The river runs shallow through most of the trail, fine for a paddle in normal conditions, but treat it with caution after heavy winter rain when the path can flood or turn to mud. There is no reliable on-trail water supply, so bring your own bowl.

Getting there. Access points run along the river from multiple suburban streets, including Riversedge Road. Street parking is available near most access points. Check Adelaide Metro for bus routes servicing the surrounding Salisbury Heights streets if you are not driving.

Nearby with the dogs. Boatdeck Cafe in Mawson Lakes allows dogs on its outdoor terrace, and Waterloo Station further north has a dog-friendly beer garden, both a short drive away. Dog-friendly cafes directly in Salisbury Heights itself are limited.

Go on a weekday morning or early afternoon to avoid the 8am to 10am weekend rush, and check the ground conditions after rain before committing to the full length.

Sources

• Little Para River Trail | Find a Place to Walk - Walking SA · walkingsa.org.au
• Dog Friendly Parks - City of Salisbury · salisbury.sa.gov.au
• Upper Little Para River - South Australia - AllTrails · alltrails.com
• Little Para - Reservoir reserves - SA Water · sawater.com.au
• Little Para River Trail Walk - WeekendNotes · weekendnotes.com

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