Discovering Scott Creek’s secrets on
the Almanda walking trail

Tucked inside Scott Creek Conservation Park, this loop trail is the perfect blend of natural serenity and crumbling colonial history.

If you’re chasing an easy nature walk filled with forest trails, creek crossings, and the ghostly remains of a silver mining dream, this is it.

The trail starts at the clearly signed carpark on Dorset Vale Road. From here, you’ll follow a well-maintained loop through open forest and past the evocative remnants of the 1860s Almanda Silver Mine. Back then, it was a booming enterprise — or at least that was the plan. The whole thing fizzled out after only a few years, but the bushwalking trail it left behind is a cracker. A short side path even leads to the original tunnel entrance, barred off now but still impressive in its stonework.

Wander through forest, cross creeks, and step into the past

As the walking trail winds along Skilly Creek, you’ll cross timber footbridges and pass relics of a bygone era. Interpretive signs bring the site’s history to life, pointing out what remains of the manager’s house, a crushing plant, and some mysterious foundations overtaken by stringybark and undergrowth. This is one of the most intriguing heritage ruins in the Adelaide Hills — and the best part? You’ll likely have the place to yourself.

Watch for wildlife and soak up the sounds of the bush

Scott Creek Conservation Park is teeming with native wildlife. Keep an eye out for kangaroos at the creek’s edge and koalas dozing in the eucalypts. In spring, wildflowers carpet the understory, while yellow-tailed black cockatoos squawk overhead like feathered troublemakers. It’s a peaceful, undisturbed place that makes you feel far more remote than you actually are.

Why it’s a top pick for families or casual walkers

This is a family-friendly walk with gentle gradients, a looped track that’s easy to follow, and fascinating stops that’ll hold kids’ attention. The full loop takes about an hour, longer if you dawdle or stop to read every sign — which you should. There are a few places along the walk where you could pause for a snack or a thermos brew, especially in the cooler months.

My verdict

The Almanda Mine Bush Walk is one of those quiet Adelaide Hills experiences that stays with you — not for any one big moment, but for the sum of its parts. Crumbling stone, cool shady forest, a bubbling creek, and the faint echoes of a time when silver was the next big thing. It’s humble, honest and totally worth your time. Plus, no parking meters or crowds. What’s not to love?

Practical information

  • Location: Dorset Vale Road, Scott Creek Conservation Park, Adelaide Hills
  • Distance: Approx. 3.2 km loop (1 hour return)
  • Trail type: Loop, moderate incline
  • Facilities: Informal carpark, trail signage
  • Best time to visit: Spring (for wildflowers), or autumn (for walking comfort)
  • Opening hours: Daylight hours only
  • Dogs allowed? No (conservation park)
  • Dress code: Sturdy shoes or boots recommended; long sleeves if walking in warmer months
  • Safety: Stick to the trail — mine shafts and unstable ruins are fenced off for a reason

More information