Belair National Park

Belair National Park is a beloved green oasis in the Adelaide Hills, just 25 minutes’ drive from Adelaide’s city centre:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. Established in 1891, it holds the honor of being South Australia’s first national park (and the second in Australia), steeped in history and natural beauty. The park covers 835 hectares of woodland and lakeside scenery in the Mount Lofty Ranges, providing habitat for grey kangaroos, koalas, emus, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and many other native species that can often be spotted by visitors. Belair is especially popular for its recreational facilities – it features numerous grassy picnic areas (with shelters, BBQs, picnic tables, and toilets), tennis courts for hire, an adventure playground, and an extensive network of walking and mountain biking trails through bushland gullies and ridges:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

As a park rich in heritage, Belair is home to Old Government House, a historic stone residence built in the 1850s which served as the summer retreat for South Australian governors. This beautifully preserved building (now a museum) and its gardens are a highlight for history enthusiasts:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}. Another heritage feature is the State Flora Nursery, established in 1883 and still operating within the park – it’s the oldest plant nursery in South Australia, where visitors can purchase native plants. Throughout the park, interpretive signs share insights into its cultural and natural history, including the significance of the area for the Kaurna people (the park’s traditional custodians) and its role as the “National Park” (Belair’s name for many decades) that kickstarted SA’s conservation movement.

Activities: Belair National Park offers something for everyone. Families love the adventure playground (currently being upgraded) set among tall pines, featuring a wooden fort, tunnels and nature play elements for children:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}. Walkers can enjoy trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging hikes. Favorite walks include the Waterfall Hike, visiting seasonal waterfalls in rock creeks; the Valley Loop and Lorikeet Loop trails through forested valleys; and climbs to Echo Tunnel or Brown Hill for views. Mountain bikers have shared-use paths and specific biking trails. Park-run events and orienteering courses are also hosted here. With open lawns and ovals, it’s common to see visitors playing cricket, football, or frisbee, and dogs are allowed on-leash, making it a popular spot for weekend family gatherings (note: dogs must remain on leash and under control at all times).

Facilities: As one of the more developed parks, Belair has excellent visitor amenities. There are multiple picnic grounds (such as Playford Lake, Pines, Wood Duck, and Gums Oval) equipped with free gas BBQs, picnic benches, shelters, and toilets. Many of these areas are set beside scenic features like a lake or shady groves. Tennis courts and sporting ovals can be hired for a small fee. The park has ample parking areas near main facilities, and it is also accessible by public transport (Belair train line to Pinera or Belair stations, and a short walk). A park office near the main entrance provides maps and information. Entry fees: Vehicle entry to Belair NP incurs a fee (currently around $13 per car), payable online or via a self-service machine at the gate:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}. Walk-in or bike entry is free. Annual park passes are available for frequent visitors.

Belair National Park’s combination of natural bushland and visitor facilities makes it a perfect introduction to Australian nature for locals and tourists alike. It’s not uncommon to enjoy a picnic lunch while kangaroos graze nearby, or to hear kookaburras laugh from the treetops. With over 250,000 visits each year:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}, Belair remains a cherished escape where you can immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility and explore South Australia’s pioneering park heritage.