Phoenix Circuit Hike
4 km circuit
1 h to 1 h 30 min
Phoenix Circuit Hike
4 km
Circuit

Walk
1 h to 1 h 30 min

Run
30 min to 45 min

Starting from the Barossa Goldfields car park on Allendale Road, Barossa Goldfields, this walk takes you on a circuit around the Barossa Goldfields section of Para Wirra Conservation Park via the Phoenix Circuit Hike. This moderately challenging loop explores the former mine workings of the Barossa Goldfields at the northern end of Para Wirra Conservation Park, where gold was first discovered in 1868. The walk initially heads past Bowden's Cottage, which was restored from a historic stone ruin. It houses a small museum that tells the gold-mining story of the area. From there, the track continues through grassy hills of blue gum woodland past the Battery site, which was used to extract gold from the quartz but operated only once in 1898, then passes the Tramway Tunnel, which was used to cart gold-bearing quartz from the Menzies Mine to the stamp battery. Further ahead, the track passes the Menzies Mine and the ruins of the Steam Winding House, then crosses a creek and passes the Belle of the Barossa Mine, an unsuccessful quartz reef mine from 1895, before returning to the car park. Interpretive signs along the track provide information about the area's mine shafts, mine workings and former township. Walkers should stay on the track as there are dan­ger­ous mine shafts in the area. This loop consists of wide and narrow, gently undulating fire trails and walking tracks, with uneven natural surfaces and compacted natural surfaces, suitable for moderate fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights
Birdwatching
Heritage
Pets
Ruins
Views

Environment
Natural

Transport options
To start
Car