Cobbler Creek Recreation Park

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park is an oasis of calm in the suburbs. The park conserves some of Adelaide's rare woodland and grassland habitats, not to mention it being one of Adelaide's most popular mountain biking spots.

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park provides the perfect place to unwind and relax or get into some adventurous fun. Take a peaceful stroll on one of the park’s scenic walking circuits and enjoy the rare woodland and grasslands that form the habitat for Adelaide’s native wildlife. You may be lucky enough to spot them along the way. If you’re up for a more challenging hike, you can climb to the top of the park for refreshing views of the Adelaide plains and valleys. Depending on your route, you will encounter fascinating historical ruins from the area’s rich European farming past, or see local plants and animals that were an important part of life for our First Nation’s Kaurna people. If you’re a mountain biker, you’ll find a variety of trails for beginners to experienced riders. Pump tracks allow riders to practice body positioning, cornering and jumping techniques, while more challenging tracks get riders used to increasing undulations. There is also a jump trail for those who’d like to get their tabletop jumps down. Friends and family may prefer to simply gather at the picnic grounds next to the Kites and Kestrels adventure playground. Gas up the BBQ and recline on grassy and sheltered areas while the kids try out the playground flying fox and climbs inspired by tree-top raptor nests.

Opening Hours and Access

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park is located between Salisbury East and Golden Grove, 19kms from the Adelaide CBD. Open every day and free. Closed on Christmas day. The main entrance to the park is at the corner of Bridge and Smith Roads, Salisbury East where you will find a carpark, picnic grounds and playground. You may also enter through the entrance off The Grove Way. Vehicle entry gates are open between 6:30am to 7pm (or till 9pm during daylight savings time).

Playground

This playground also known as the Kites and Kestrals Playspace is a beautifully designed addition to Salisbury East. A 40-minute drive from the city will take you to this relaxing park with unique play equipment inspired by Australia’s raptors.

From Bridge Road, turn on to Smith Road where you see the sign for Cobbler Creek Reservation Park. This will lead you to two carpark areas. Head to the top for the one closest to the playground where you will also find designated disabled parking spots. Here there are beautiful lawns to sprawl upon and shaded picnic areas with one sporting a BBQ and recycled water fountain. The unisex toilet and wheelchair accessible toilet block is also conveniently situated here. Beyond the lawns, cobbled stone paths lead you to the main play areas on rubberised flooring and bark chips.

To the left, you will see a flying fox and to the right, rubber steps lead to a metal slide that leads right back to the rubber path. Next to this slide are the majestic raptor nest-like climbing structures and the feature highlight of the park. The kids will enjoy going up the wooden steps to the round opening up to the top of each one and looking out over the park. Below them is an innovative egg-like sandpit area that adds an interesting feature to investigate. Past these nests are traditional swings and a large tyre swing. Parents and carers are able to keep watch from a nearby shaded picnic bench.

A neat path of logs lead down towards a second sandpit with its own wooden and metal climbing structure as well as buckets, pulleys and a propeller to experiment with. There is a shaded picnic area by this sandpit as well. The cobbled path away from the sandpit will lead to the nature play and gully areas. Go down the path to observe the ant and bee hotel amongst the Birds, Bees and Butterflies garden. If you’re lucky, you might spot a Monarch butterfly! Follow the Kids Steps down to explore the gully area where a ring of rocks and tree branch structures and ladder climbs up the hill will spark the imagination. Of note is a large cave-like structure made entirely with branches. There is also a shady picnic bench in the gully area for parents and carers to keep watch. Vehicle access is from 6:30am to 7pm (or 9pm during daylight savings) after which time the gates are locked. Dogs are permitted on leash.

Trails

Walking and Biking Trails

Trails for those out for a relaxed stroll or a more challenging hike or ride will find plenty of options at Cobbler Creek. Note that most of the trails are shared between walkers and riders but some are better suited to one or the other. Please be considerate of other users. As a general rule, riders should give way to pedestrians. Walking Trails

• Mai Tappa Circuit (2.2km loop) – the ‘food pathway’ of the Kaura people. Wander through gullies and along a creek to an eventual hill climb for expansive views as you learn about Kaurna through posted signs.
• Ruins Loop (3km loop) – tour the ruins of old homesteads and farming relics of the past on this fun loop. Riders will enjoy the descent back down the hill. Go in clockwise direction but be careful of walkers!
• Babbler Loop (3km loop) – venture through mallee box grassy woodland, weeping pittosporum and christmas bush to view of Salisbury and the Gulf of St Vincent to the west. A great place to watch the sunset.
• Porosa Hike (3km) – a tranquil path through the valley areas that leads to the significant Teakles House ruins. Please observe signs for areas that are for walkers only and for the alternative cycling trail.

Biking Trails

• Beginners’ Circuit (250m loop) – close to the picnic area.
• Easy Does It Circuit (1.5km loop) – close to the picnic area. Has minor undulations.
• KARNARFA Circuit (1.5km loop) – connects to the Babbler Track. Has easy and optional obstacles to tackle in a more natural setting.
• Short and Sweet (1.7km) – a challenging trail for more experienced riders.
• Valley Circuit (4km loop) – recommended for experienced hikers and riders alike.

Opening Hours and Access

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park is located between Salisbury East and Golden Grove, 19kms from the Adelaide CBD. Open every day and free. Closed on Christmas day. The main entrance to the park is at the corner of Bridge and Smith Roads, Salisbury East where you will find a carpark, picnic grounds and playground. You may also enter through the entrance off The Grove Way. Vehicle entry gates are open between 6:30am to 7pm (or till 9pm during daylight savings time).