Scott Creek Conservation Park
More information
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Scott Creek is a significant conservation area and home to many threatened species of the Mount Lofty Ranges.
The park is an important link in the vegetation corridors of the hills and was once part of a major travelling route for the Kaurna Peoples.
From the 1850s, the area was mined for both copper and silver. By the time production stopped in 1887 due to economic reasons, the mine had produced 310 kilograms of silver.
Discover remnants of the mine ruins including an engine house, stone chimney, the mine office and several mining shafts along the park’s interpretive walking trails. Please note that Eys Tunnel is now closed due to the risk to public safety.
Open daily.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Visitor information, bookings and park management:
National Parks and Wildlife Service Central Lofty Office
Phone: (+61) 7133 7300
Email: DEW.NPWSCentralLofty@sa.gov.au
Emergency contacts:
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero (000)
Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Regional Duty Officer
Phone: 0427 556 676
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service Central Lofty Office on (+61) 7133 7300 or the Regional Duty Officer on 0427 556 676.
Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group
Scott Creek Conservation Park is located 30km south of Adelaide.
Access is via Dorset Vale Road or Scott Creek Road, Scott Creek.
Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.
As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.
Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or contact the visitor service centre via email or on Facebook.
Dogs are not permitted in this park.
Discover which parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park tool or read 12 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.
- Mobile phone coverage can be patchy and unreliable in this park, especially if you are in low-lying areas.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Plants
Early settlers cleared and grazed livestock on much of what is now the park. Today, efforts are being made to restore these degraded areas with their native vegetation. Nearly 400 species of native plants have been recorded within the park. The park contains most of the eucalypt species native to the Mt Lofty Ranges. The vegetation consists primarily of stringybark scrub with a dense understorey. Many rare and endangered plants are also present.
Animals
With its varied habitats, a variety of native birds and animals are present within the park. Over 125 bird species have been observed from small honeyeaters, to the large yellow-tailed black cockatoos. Animals are more elusive, but visitors might catch a glimpse of southern brown bandicoots, western grey kangaroos, echidnas, possums, koalas, snakes, and lizards.
Flora and fauna species lists
To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the ‘Create Simple Species List’ tab under ‘Flora Tools’ or ‘Fauna Tools’ in NatureMaps.
Phytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora), otherwise known as root-rot fungus, is killing our native plants and threatens the survival of animals depending on plants for food and shelter.
This introduced fungus can be found in plant roots, soil and water. Help stop the spread by using hygiene stations, staying on tracks and trails and by complying with all Phytophthora management signs.
Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.
There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.
In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia.
The area was first occupied by European settlers in the 1830s. The Mackereth and Hill families cut timber from this land for use in building the city of Adelaide. In 1850, the wheel of a dray wagon broke off pieces of rock which contained copper. Subsequent years saw the area mined for copper and eventually silver. At one time, there were 235 claims pegged along Scott Creek. The Almanda Silver Mining Association was formed in 1868. By the time production was stopped in 1887, the mine had produced 10,000 ounces (310kg) of silver. Today some of the ruins of the old Almanda Mine can be explored from the car park off Dorset Vale Road.
The land at Scott Creek was purchased by the state government in the early 1970s to be managed by the State Planning Authority. In 1985, the area was recognised as an important part of the south Mt Lofty Ranges and adopted as the Scott Creek Conservation Park.
Find out more about the walking trails within the park here.
Bushwalkers are encouraged to explore the park via the fire track network. Please stick to designated tracks and take care as these trail include steep sections and rocky, uneven surfaces that may be slippery when wet. A good level of fitness and experience is advised.
Grade 4 — Bushwalking experience recommended
Almanda Mine Loop (30 mins, 1km)
Take in the Park’s European history of copper and silver mining, with relics still in place offering a glimpse into the past. Take care during wetter months as the trail can be slippery.
Neville Road Link Trail (45 mins, 1.5km
A predominantly flat trail which links to other trails in the Park.
Greenhood Trail (1.5 hours, 2.5km one-way)
An uphill climb to the top with stunning scenery as you make your way back down. Take time out to listen to the birds, especially near the creek line.
Petroica Loop Trail (3 hours, 7.5km)
A challenging loop trail that offers a distant but spectacular view of the ocean at the highest point. Be prepared for uneven surfaces and loose rocks.
Caladenia Loop Trail (3.5 hours, 9km)
An adventurous loop trail with uneven footing and steep climbs. Look out for orchids during spring and wander past the different vegetation types of the Park.
Mountain biking is not permitted in this park.
Camping is not permitted within this park.
- Use Find a Park to discover which parks you can camp in.
Want to help?
To find out how you can help in this park or nearby, please visit Volunteer — National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia
Want to join others and become a Park Friend?
To find out more about Friends of Parks groups please visit Friends of Parks South Australia.
You could join others to help look after a park. You can take part in working bees, training and other events.
To get directly involved with Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park please visit Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park
The international Trail Users Code of Conduct is to show respect and courtesy towards other trail users at all times.
Ensure that you
- when hiking, wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen
- be aware of weather conditions and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day
- make sure you have appropriate weather proof clothing
- carry enough water to be self-sufficient
- please be respectful of other users at all times
- stay on the designated trails and connector tracks for your own safety, and prevent the spread of declared weeds to other areas in the park. Due to the history of the area mine shafts may be present.
- ensure someone knows your approximate location and expected time of return
- take appropriate maps
- Walk, hike or trek — what’s the difference?
Can I have a fire or barbecue?
- Wood fires, solid fuel, gas fires and liquid fuel fires are prohibited throughout the year.
- Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.
Please ensure that you:
- leave your pets at home
- do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
- do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park
- leave the park as you found it — there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take your rubbish with you.
- abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)
- respect geological and heritage sites
- do not remove native plants
- are considerate of other park users.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Park maps
- Scott Creek Conservation Park Map
(Please note entry is now prohibited to the Eys Tunnel)
Come and enjoy this park for free.
This park is not included in the park pass system.
There is no camping or accommodation available within this park.
There are no other fees or permits associated with this park.