
Totness Recreation Park
Rugged protected area with hiking trails, a dam & local plant & wildlife species. Divided into two distinct sections.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife

Totness Recreation Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rugged protected area with hiking trails, a dam & local plant & wildlife species. Divided into two distinct sections.
"A gem in the Adelaide Hills, offering both serene dam walks and challenging rugged trails."

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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for fairy wrens, other native birds, butterflies, and potentially koalas. A true nature escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Totness Recreation Park
Wildlife Spotting & Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
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
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
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
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
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
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.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit