Totness Recreation Park - Image 1
1 / 3

Totness Recreation Park

4.6
·81 reviews·Mount Barker, Australia

Rugged protected area with hiking trails, a dam & local plant & wildlife species. Divided into two distinct sections.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more wildlife

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Totness Recreation Park - Image 1

Totness Recreation Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more wildlife

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Rugged protected area with hiking trails, a dam & local plant & wildlife species. Divided into two distinct sections.

4.6
(81 reviews)

"A gem in the Adelaide Hills, offering both serene dam walks and challenging rugged trails."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Trails can be muddy and uneven, especially in the southern section. Good grip is essential.

Explore both sections

The northern dam walk is gentle, while the south offers a real workout. Don't miss either!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Dam Walk (Northern Section)

The Dam Walk (Northern Section)

Northern Section

A peaceful loop around the dam, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the serene waters. Easy walking.

The Rugged Southern Trails

The Rugged Southern Trails

Southern Section

Challenging uphill and downhill sections offer a good workout amidst wild woodland. Explore diverse terrain.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Throughout the park

Keep an eye out for fairy wrens, other native birds, butterflies, and potentially koalas. A true nature escape.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Totness Recreation Park

Totness Recreation Park is split into two sections by the freeway. The northern part offers a pleasant walk around the dam, while the southern section is more rugged with steeper trails. Be prepared for potentially muddy paths and a carpark that's better suited for SUVs than luxury cars.

Wildlife Spotting & Trail Conditions

This park is a haven for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and even the occasional koala. Trails can get muddy, especially after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. While the northern section has a clearer path, the southern trails are less marked, encouraging exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Crowd
Low
When
After rain (with caution)
Why
Lush scenery, but trails muddy
Crowd
Medium
When
Anytime for dogs
Why
Great place for dogs to run
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

SUBURB SPOTLIGHT - Mt Barker, SA
@propsavvy
108 likes • 17.4K views

Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Trails can be muddy and uneven, especially in the southern section. Good grip is essential.

Explore both sections

The northern dam walk is gentle, while the south offers a real workout. Don't miss either!

Add this Mt Barker playground to your list! #southaustralia #mtbarker
@adelaidefamilies
195 likes • 3.6K views
Totness Recreation Park #mtbarker #mountbarker #totnessrecreationpark #adelaidehills
welcometomtbarker
5 likes • 130 views

Listen for wildlife

The park is teeming with birds. Bring binoculars if you're a keen birdwatcher.

Dog-friendly fun :dog:

A fantastic spot to let your dogs roam and explore the varied landscapes.

Bailey loves exploring new parks and Totness Recreation Park is a gem, the freeway is nearby but it's surprisingly picturesque and a breeze to walk. #totnessrecreationpark
holidays_with_bailey_
5 likes • 203 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Trails can be muddy and uneven, especially in the southern section. Good grip is essential.

Explore both sections

The northern dam walk is gentle, while the south offers a real workout. Don't miss either!

Listen for wildlife

The park is teeming with birds. Bring binoculars if you're a keen birdwatcher.

Dog-friendly fun :dog:

A fantastic spot to let your dogs roam and explore the varied landscapes.

Tunnel adventure

Crouch through the tunnel connecting the north and south sections for a unique experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(81 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Totness Recreation Park for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and the distinct experiences offered by its northern and southern sections. The dam walk is noted as relaxing, while the southern trails provide a good workout. Some find the freeway noise noticeable and wish for more seating, but the overall sentiment is positive for a peaceful nature escape.

"Nice relaxing walk around the dam on the Northern side of the park then went through the tunnel which is around 150 metres long and you need to crouch over so the backs of the thigh muscles get a working out, when you come out on the southern side of the park the walk is more of a work out, lots of up hill and down hill sections to get the heart rate up. Trail is not marked, I just did a big loop and back through the tunnel."

Kelly

"Fairly easy walk around the lake.Would be nice to have a couple of seats to sit and relax but found a log instead.Lots of fairy wrens and other birds around.True about the freeway noise quite loud.Parked on Milne Rd entrance"

Sally McTiernan

"Nice undisturbed piece of woodland and lake. Plenty of wildlife.
Limited manmade paths so can gat muddy.
Carpark more suited to RangeRover than Ferrari!"

Barry Darlington

What People Like

Abundant wildlife sightings
Dual park experiences
Dog-friendly environment

What People Dislike

Freeway noise
Lack of seating
Muddy trails

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Totness Recreation Park is located in the Adelaide Hills. Access is typically via Mount Barker. There are parking areas on Milne Road for the northern section and other access points for the southern section. It's recommended to use GPS for precise directions.

Yes, there are parking areas. The carpark on Milne Road is noted as being more suited for larger vehicles, so be mindful of that if you're driving a smaller car.

Public transport options to Totness Recreation Park are limited. It's best accessed by car. Check local Adelaide Hills bus routes, but expect a significant walk from any stops.

The park is divided into a northern and southern section by the freeway. The northern section features the dam walk, while the southern section is more rugged with steeper trails.

While some fire tracks in the southern section might be suitable for mountain biking, the park is primarily known for its walking trails. Check local regulations for cycling access.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Totness Recreation Park is a protected area and generally offers free entry for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and walking trails.

As a natural park, Totness Recreation Park is typically open from dawn till dusk. It's advisable to check local council or park authority websites for any specific seasonal or event-related closures.

No, there is no entry fee to access Totness Recreation Park. It's a public space for recreation and enjoying nature.

While generally accessible during daylight hours, it's best to avoid visiting Totness Recreation Park after dark due to safety and potential wildlife activity. Stick to dawn and dusk for the best experience.

No booking requirements are typically needed for general visits to Totness Recreation Park. It's a public park for casual use.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The park offers a mix of trails. The northern section has a pleasant, relatively flat walking path around the dam. The southern section features more rugged terrain with uphill and downhill sections, and less marked paths.

Absolutely! Many visitors report seeing fairy wrens and other interesting birds. The dam area in the northern section is particularly good for spotting avian life.

Swimming in the dam is generally not recommended or permitted. The park is primarily for walking and enjoying the natural environment.

Information on toilet facilities is scarce. It's advisable to check with local park authorities or be prepared to use facilities elsewhere before or after your visit.

Visitors have spotted butterflies, cows (in surrounding areas), interesting birds, and even the occasional koala. It's a great place for nature observation.

🎫 🐾 Pet & Family Friendly

Yes, dogs are welcome at Totness Recreation Park, and it's a popular spot for owners to let their pets run and explore. Ensure your dog is under effective control.

The northern section with the dam walk is generally suitable for families. The southern section's rugged terrain might be more challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

There are no specific playground facilities mentioned for Totness Recreation Park. The natural environment itself provides opportunities for children to explore.

While there are no dedicated picnic tables mentioned, the park offers natural spots where you can enjoy a picnic. The dam area is a pleasant location.

The northern dam walk is relatively flat and might be manageable with some strollers, but it's not a paved path. The southern section is definitely not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers due to its rugged nature.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Totness Recreation Park offers a great natural playground for families. The northern section's dam walk is a gentle and scenic route perfect for little legs, allowing kids to enjoy the outdoors without too much exertion. The tunnel connecting the two sections is also a fun, adventurous element that children often find exciting. Remember to pack snacks and water, as dedicated facilities are minimal.

While the southern section offers more challenging terrain, it can still be explored with older children who enjoy a bit of a hike. The opportunity to spot wildlife, like birds and butterflies, adds an educational and engaging aspect to the visit. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear, as paths can be muddy and uneven, especially after rain.

🐶 Dog Owners

Totness Recreation Park is a fantastic destination for dog owners looking for a place to let their pets roam and explore. The park is dog-friendly, and many visitors appreciate the open spaces where dogs can run freely. Both the northern and southern sections offer varied terrain for dogs to enjoy, from the dam walk to the more rugged trails.

It's crucial to ensure your dog is under effective control at all times, especially given the presence of wildlife and other visitors. Be mindful of the park's natural environment and clean up after your pet. The varied landscapes provide plenty of sniffing opportunities and exercise for your canine companions.

🏃‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

For those seeking a workout amidst nature, the southern section of Totness Recreation Park is your go-to. The steep uphill and downhill trails provide an excellent cardiovascular challenge. You can create a loop that incorporates the tunnel for added variety and a good test of your leg muscles. The less-marked trails also add an element of navigation to your fitness routine.

The northern dam walk, while more relaxed, can still be incorporated into a fitness routine for a warm-up or cool-down. The overall ruggedness of the park means you can tailor your workout to your fitness level, whether you're looking for a brisk walk or a more intense hike.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Two Sides of Totness

Totness Recreation Park is uniquely divided by the South Eastern Freeway, creating two distinct experiences. The northern section is the more accessible and popular area, featuring a pleasant walking trail that encircles the dam. This part of the park is ideal for a relaxed stroll, offering lovely views of the water and abundant birdlife. It's a great spot for casual walkers and those looking for a peaceful nature escape.

The southern section, in contrast, is a more rugged and challenging environment. It boasts a network of walking trails and steep fire tracks that provide a more strenuous workout. This area is perfect for hikers seeking a bit more adventure and a chance to explore denser woodland. Be prepared for significant uphill and downhill sections that will get your heart rate up.

Connecting these two areas is a tunnel, approximately 150 meters long, which requires visitors to crouch. This adds a unique element to the park's exploration, offering a memorable passage between the two diverse landscapes. Remember that trails in the southern section can be less marked and prone to mud, so appropriate footwear is a must.

Wildlife Wonders and Natural Beauty

Totness Recreation Park is a haven for local flora and fauna, making it a delightful destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors frequently report sightings of fairy wrens and a variety of other interesting birds, particularly around the dam in the northern section. The park's natural setting provides ample opportunities for birdwatching and appreciating the local ecosystem.

Beyond the avian life, keep an eye out for butterflies flitting through the woodland. While less common, there have been anecdotal reports of koala sightings, adding an element of excitement for those hoping to spot iconic Australian wildlife. The park's undisturbed woodland and varied terrain contribute to its rich biodiversity.

It's important to note that the park is a natural environment, and while it offers a peaceful retreat, it's also home to wildlife. Respect the animals by observing them from a distance and not disturbing their habitats. The presence of cows in the surrounding areas also adds to the rural charm of the landscape.

You may also like