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Black Hill Conservation ParkLast updated: 24 February 2021

AboutEnjoy the undulating hills with native scenery of rugged ridges and a variety of native plants and animalsalong Black Hill Conservation Park's extensive network of walking trails. The park contains a wide varietyof flora that offers a stunning display of native flowers in the spring including many delicate and colourfulorchid species. While visiting the park, take a walk through the landscaped Wildflower Garden that datesback to the late 1940s.

The park covers an area of 684 hectares and features the low sheoaks which give Black Hill its name. Thefoliage of the sheoaks gradually matures to a dark rusty, almost black colour, as summer progresses. Asyou look from the Adelaide Plains, the hills appear to be black in colour.

Opening hoursOpen daily.

Vehicle entry gate off Maryvale Road is open between 8:30am - 4:30pm weekdays.

Northern Lofty District Office is open 9am-5pm weekdays.

Closures and safety

This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire

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Danger.

You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFSwebsite.

Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:

Information on fire bans and current fire conditionsCurrent CFS warnings and incidentsInformation 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.

Contact details

Visitor information, bookings and park management:

Black Hill National Park and Wildlife Service OfficePhone: (+61 8) 8336 0901Email: DEW.NPWSNorthLofty@sa.gov.au

Emergency contacts:

Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situationsPhone: Triple Zero (000)

Police AssistancePhone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance

National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – Duty officerPhone: 0427 556 676

Injured wildlife:

Within the parkPlease contact Black Hill National Park and Wildlife Service Office on (08) 8336 0901 or the duty officeron 0427 556 676

Outside of the parkPlease contact a local wildlife rescue group

When to visitBlack Hill can be visited at any time of the year but it best appreciated during the months of March to

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November. The summer months of December to February can be very hot, walkers should be preparedfor high temperatures.

Getting thereBlack Hill can be accessed via Maryvale, Gorge Road and Montacute Road, as well as Addison Avenue.

If you're in your own vehicle, you can find this park on the map.

Park map

There is also public transport to this park from the Adelaide city centre.

Adelaide Metro bus and train services

Dogs not allowedDogs 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 inAdelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.

Assistance dogsAssistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parksand reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effectivecontrol 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 betrained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene andbehaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with thedisability 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 highlyrecommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potentialhazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact detailsprovided under the contact tab or contact the visitor service centre via email or on Facebook.

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FacilitiesThis park contains an information office, leafy picnic areas and toilets. The location of these facilities canbe found within our park maps.

Park maps

Plants and animals

Plants

The vegetation of Black Hill is diverse. The understorey vegetation is influenced by land use and fireregimes as well as underlying geology. There is considerable species diversity within the parks withBlack Hill recording 302 native and 52 introduced species.

Vegetation associations vary and include savanna type woodlands with herbaceous understorey andsclerophyllus open forests dominated by canopy species such as stringybark, pink gum, blue gum, redgum and manna gum.

Animals

The park supports a variety of wildlife habitats, although past land use such as grazing and croppinghave had an impact on the diversity of native wildlife. Be on the look out for the blue wrens, southernboobook owls, black-faced cuckoo-shrikes and the occasional falcon that will hunt along the ridgelines ofthe park.

Of importance are the heath covered ridge lines that support the endangered chestnut-rumped heathwren, while the southern brown bandicoot will seek out the gully habitats.

Flora and fauna species lists

To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the 'Create Simple SpeciesList' tab under 'Flora Tools' or 'Fauna Tools' in NatureMaps.

Useful informationExplore what other nature and outdoor activities are available in this area on the South AustraliaTourism website.

Mobile phone coverage can be patchy and unreliable in this park, especially if you are in low-lyingareas.

Parks management plansTrails SA

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SA Marine Parks

Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role inproviding shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.

Pests and diseasesPhytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora), otherwise known as root-rot fungus, is killing our native plants andthreatens 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 hygienestations, staying on tracks and trails and by complying with all Phytophthora management signs.

Phytophthora brochure

Traditional ownersThe area is part of the traditional lands of the Kaurna (‘Gar-na) people. They used the land for huntingand gathering and obtaining wood for fire and shelter during their seasonal relocation from the coast.One of the group’s most important tools was fire, this was particularly useful in fire managementpractices which encouraged vegetation regrowth. The seasonal use of Black Hill would have have allowedgame populations to recover, maintaining a relatively steady food supply.

Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousandsof generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country andbestowed 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 andvisitors 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 orremoving 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 acrossSouth Australia.

DEW Park managementDEW Aboriginal partnerships

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European historyInterest was shown in Black Hill's potential as a park as early as 1859 when members of the FieldNaturalists Association were impressed with the flora flourishing on the hillside as they walked to thesummit. Black HIll was proclaimed a reserve in 1860 with an initial portion of just 4 ha of land dedicated.The alluvial flats adjacent to 5th Creek were developed as market gardens during this period and BlackHill became a source of wood for building materials. Wattle bark was collected in the park for the supplyof tannin to the leather goods industry.

From 1900 onwards, mining occurred within Black Hill for road making material and for barites, amineral used in the production of paint pigment. In the late 1940s, FC Payne established a garden of 250native plants from all over Australia. This later became known nationally as the Athelstone WildflowerGarden and was bought by the City of Campbelltown in 1963.

The State Government was keen to purchase land in the Black Hill area during the 1960s when theAdelaide Metropolitan Development Plan had proposed the creation of a regional park in the vicinity tocater for open space requirements of the north east suburbs. Between 1970 and 1975, the StateGovernment progressively acquired the parcels of land that were to be proclaimed Black HillConservation Park in 1975, this included the Athelstone Wildflower Garden.

See and do

Rangers recommendWe have picked the brains of our park rangers to find out what they would recommend you see and dowhilst visiting this park.

Watching out for honeyeaters and thornbills among the woodlands that cover the hills.Following the popular trails and count koalas on the way.Enjoying a picnic lunch and hunting for tadpoles with the kids in the creeks and rock pools.

BushwalkingBushwalking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, keep fit and spend time with family and friends.South Australia's national parks feature a range of trails that let you experience a diversity of landscapes.

Yurrebilla Trail (2.5 - 3 hrs, 5km)

The Yurrebilla Trail enters into Black Hill off Montacute Rd after leaving Morilata Conservation Park.The trail takes you across the ridge line offering views over Adelaide, past a frozen (crystaline tufa)

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waterfall and the Ambers Gully ruins of an old shepherds hut.

Orchard Hike (1 hour return, 2km)

A short hike takes you to an old waterfall and past a historic orchard landscape. Use this walk toexplore further up the Orchard Track returning back down along the Eagle Track.

Buffer Zone Track

Starting from the Administration Centre on Maryvale Road, the walk leads to a nursery area via thearid zone garden and around the lake. The track highlights the contrast between the native scrub ofthe park and the neighbouring suburbs. This walk offers excellent views of the Barker Inlet and theAdelaide Plains.

Hard hikes

Black Hill Summit Hike (2.5 - 4 hrs, 4.2km)

Navigate this trail using Google Street View

An excellent hike to the summit of Black Hill (467 m), offering spectacular views over Adelaide. Thetrail is steep in sections and follows the creekline, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Wanderthrough the wildflower garden on Addison Ave at the end of the walk. Wear sturdy boots and takewater with you. Car parking is available at Addison Ave.

Mountain bikingMountain biking is not permitted in this park yet. However, there are projects underway for thedevelopment of upgraded walking and cycling tracks through Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks.Watch this space for mountain biking updates in this area.

Which parks can you ride in?

Stay in the parkCamping is not permitted within this park.

Use Find a Park to discover which parks you can camp in.

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Bird watchingThere are many native bird species to be seen in Black Hill Conservation Park including thornbills,wattlebirds, treecreepers, finches, lorikeets and several birds of prey. The chestnut-rumped heathwren isa threatened species that can be found in both parks. Be sure to bring binoculars and a bird identificationfield guide when walking, you will be amazed by how many different species you can discover.

Wildflower gardenThe Wildflower Garden was first developed in the late 1940s by FC Payne on his property at the top ofAddison Avenue, Black Hill. Originally known as Payne's Nursery, the garden was open to the public forthem to enjoy the diverse array of Australian plants.

In September 1963, the Campbelltown Council purchased the property from Payne to preserve thelandscaped garden and protect it from being subdivided by investors. The Council not only wanted toextend the nursery service, they also wanted provide a facility where the people could receive advice ongrowing native plants.

Plans were announced in March 1973 to develop a conservation park in the Black Hill area as a majornative flora reserve and bird sanctuary. The inclusion of the Wildflower Garden in the park raisedconcerns about the future of the garden.

The Campbelltown Council finally agreed to allow the government to acquire the garden on the conditionthat the facility and its services were maintained and remained open to the public. In December 1974, theWildflower Garden and its nursery were sold to the state government and managed by the Department ofEnvironment and Conservation, and later by the National Parks and Wildlife division.

However, in June 1976, primarily due to an outbreak of the fungal disease Phytophthora cinnamoni in thenursery of the Wildflower Garden, the garden and nursery were closed. A great deal of work wasrequired to clear the area of Phytophthora and the entire stock of plants in the nursery had their tops cutoff and burnt.

In 1977, work began on the $600 000, four-year development scheme for the Black Hill Native FloraPark. The development included a complete relocation of the native plant nursery to Maryvale Roadwhere it was officially opened by the Minister of Environment, the Honourable John Cornwall on 11 May1979.

The new nursery covered approximately one hectare and included a potting shed, two glasshouses, ashade house, seed room, store room, offices and other facilities.

Today, the Wildflower Garden still contains many of the original species planted by Payne and is lookedafter by the Friends of Black Hill and Morialta Conservation Parks.

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Volunteering

Want to help?

To find out how you can help in this park or nearby, please visit Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt LoftyRanges – Volunteering.

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 otherevents.

Safety

BushwalkingAfter rain, creek levels rise quickly and some creek crossings may become slippery and dangerous. Donot cross deep, fast-flowing creeks.Choose a trail appropriate to your level of fitness and always leave yourself plenty of time.Keep to defined vehicle tracks and walking trails at all times – don’t try to take short cuts or wanderoff the trails.Pay attention to the weather – be extra careful in extreme weather conditions.Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Make sure you have appropriate wet weather clothing.Carry enough food and drinking water to be self-sufficient. The hotter the conditions the more wateryou will need.Do not rely on tanks or creeks in the park for drinking water.Carry a map of the park and the walks at all times.

FireCan I have a fire or barbecue?

Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited throughout the year.Gas and liquid fuel fires are permitted in designated areas only, other than on days of total fire ban.Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.

Closures and safety

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This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme FireDanger.

You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFSwebsite.

Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:

Information on fire bans and current fire conditionsCurrent CFS warnings and incidentsInformation 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.

Know before you goEvery national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsiblewhile enjoying all the park has to offer.

Please ensure that you:

leave your pets at homedo not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecologydo not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the parkleave the park as you found it - there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take yourrubbish with you.abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)respect geological and heritage sitesdo not remove native plantsare considerate of other park users.

Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role inproviding shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.

Maps

Park-maps

Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks mapBlack Hill to Ambers Gully map

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Maps on your mobile

If you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the free Avenza Map app and have interactivenational park maps on hand when you need them.

The app uses your device's built-in GPS to plot your real-time location within the park onto a map. Theapp can be used without a network connection and without roaming charges. You can also measure areaand distance, plot photos and drop placemark pins.

How to get it working on your device:

1. Download the Avenza Maps app from the app store (iOS/Android) whilst you are still in range (itsfree!).2. Open up the app and click the shopping cart icon.3. Click ‘Find’ and type the name of the national park or reserve you are looking for.4. Click on the map you are after and install it (all our maps are free).5. You will now find a list of your installed maps on the home page of the Avenza Maps app.6. Use our maps through the Avenza Mapa app while in the park and never take a wrong turn again.

Google Street View

Want to explore a trail before you leave home or use Google Maps to navigate straight from your door tothe trailhead?

We’ve worked with Google to film more than 600km of walking trails, park roads, campgrounds andwaterways in some of our most beautiful places. Click to see what the parks offer and the availablefacilities before you go. This is an especially great tool if you have accessibility needs, are visiting withpeople of varying ages or fitness levels or are pushing a pram and want to view a trail before leavinghome.

You can start exploring this park on Google Street View using the links below.

Walking trails

Ambers Gully trackBlack Hill summit hikeGhost Tree Gully trackMain Ridge trackYurrebilla Trail (Ghost Tree Gully, Black Hill Conservation Park to Rocky Hill, Morialta ConservationPark)

Fees

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Entry feesCome and enjoy this park for free.

Park passThis park is not included in the park pass system.

Which parks are included in the park pass system?

Camping and accommodationThere is no camping or accommodation available within this park.

Other fees and permitsThere are no other fees or permits associated with this park.