Concrete lining inside Eden Hills Railway tunnel — Detailed view of the concrete lining at the new Eden Hills Railway tunnel, showcasing structural support and construction materials.

Construction of the new Eden Hills tunnel with heavy machinery and workers — Ongoing construction work at the new Eden Hills tunnel featuring heavy machinery and construction workers on site.

Construction site of Eden Hills tunnel showing earth excavation and machinery — Image depicting construction activities including earth excavation and machinery at the Eden Hills tunnel project.

Eden Hills Country Fire Service Station building in South Australia with fire trucks parked outside — Exterior view of Eden Hills Country Fire Service Station in South Australia showing fire trucks and the station building

Train exiting Eden Hills tunnel on Adelaide Hills railway viaduct — Train passing through Eden Hills tunnel on the Adelaide Hills railway viaduct, scenic view by G Brooks

Eden Hills railway tunnel under construction — Black and white historical image showing the construction of the Eden Hills railway tunnel as part of S.A. Large Print Album volume 3 collection

Construction of Eden Hills railway tunnel with workers and machinery — View of Eden Hills railway tunnel under construction showcasing workers, machinery, and tunnel excavation.

Map of Bellevue Heights area showing Eden Hills subdivision — Detailed map illustrating the Bellevue Heights area with the Eden Hills subdivision highlighted

South Australian Railways freight train with 500 class steam locomotive no. 502 at Eden Hills — South Australian Railways freight train led by 500 class steam locomotive no. 502 passing through Eden Hills, South Australia, captured in 1953.

South Australian Railways F 242 locomotive hauling a passenger train at Eden Hills in 1952 — Historic image of South Australian Railways F 242 locomotive pulling a passenger train at Eden Hills, South Australia, dated 5 May 1952.

Watiparinga Reserve, Adelaide

What it is

Watiparinga Reserve is a 32-hectare nature reserve in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Its steeply wooded slopes, creeks and restored grassy woodland provide habitat for diverse native plants and animals. The reserve is also crossed by the Adelaide to Melbourne railway line and contains the original railway tunnel.

The name “Watiparinga” comes from the Kaurna language and means “plenty of water” or “middle creek” (Blackwood Action Group). The reserve lies in the Hills Face Zone and includes the Watiparinga and Walkers Creeks.

History

Indigenous heritage

Watiparinga is part of the cultural landscape of the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains. The creeks were likely important sources of water and held symbolic significance. River Red Gums along the creeks bear scars where bark was cut to make traditional utensils, evidence of the area’s use for crafting and sustenance.

European settlement and conservation

The land was part of the Ashby family’s Wittunga farming operation. Edwin Ashby, an ornithologist and conservationist, acquired it in 1911 (Wikipedia). The property had previously been grazed.

His daughter, Alison Marjorie Ashby, inherited Watiparinga and planted thousands of Australian native plants in the late 1950s. In 1957, she donated the land to the National Trust of South Australia, with the stipulation that it be preserved in its natural state. She is also identified as Miss Alison Ashby MBE.

A major fire in 1934 burned hundreds of acres of orchards and bushland and threatened many homes. A severe fire in 1961 completely burnt out Watiparinga.

Since 1973, the Watiparinga Management Committee, made up of local residents, has worked on pest-plant eradication, woodland regeneration and fire-risk management. Enid Lucy Robertson, Edwin Ashby’s granddaughter, began a land-regeneration project in the 1970s. The Watiparinga Reserve Management Plan she helped develop in 1984 became a prototype for other small and medium-sized nature reserves in urban areas. She received a Heritage Award in 1986 (Wikipedia).

A heritage agreement with the South Australian government was signed in 1993, dedicating the land to conserving native flora and fauna. In 1996, the reserve was added to the Register of the National Estate. The National Trust of South Australia manages the reserve, and support from the South Australian Native Vegetation Council’s Heritage Agreement Grants program has assisted weed control and habitat restoration.

What to see

Woodland, plants and wildlife

The reserve is a Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) grassy woodland, with native grasses and wildflowers beneath the trees. Its vegetation is typical of the grassy woodlands of Adelaide’s plains and foothills and offers a glimpse of the landscape that existed before European settlement.

Watiparinga has more than 170 indigenous plant species, including 50 of state or regional significance. Plants include Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) and various Eucalyptus species. The reserve also has 57 indigenous bird species; seven are classified as uncommon, rare or vulnerable in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Birds found here include noisy miners, honeyeaters, grey currawongs, galahs, Superb Fairy-wrens, Red Wattlebirds and Rainbow Lorikeets. Vulnerable fauna include yellow-tailed black cockatoos, Cunningham’s skinks and bearded dragons. The reserve also provides habitat for mammals, reptiles and insects, some of them rare or threatened because of habitat loss.

Railway, trails and views

The Adelaide to Melbourne railway line passes through the reserve. The original single-track tunnel, in use from 1883 to 1919, remains in place. Steep, rugged hillsides and rock formations offer panoramic views over Adelaide and the coastline.

Walking trails range from gently sloping routes to steep, winding tracks leading to the rail tunnels at the bottom of Watiparinga Gorge. The Gloucester Avenue trails follow a fire track through O’Dea Reserve down to Pasadena.

Photography

Photographic subjects include the River Red Gums along the creeks, Grey Box woodland, the gorge’s steep slopes, birdlife, the original railway line and tunnel, and views from higher trails. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting conditions.

Practical visiting information

Hours, entry and access

The reserve is described as open every day from dawn to dusk; another listing gives daily hours of 8 AM to 6 PM. It is closed on total fire ban days.

Entry is free. Donations to support conservation are appreciated.

The reserve has wheelchair-accessible paths and facilities.

Entry points and restrictions

Access points include:

Dale Road in Eden Hills, where the entrance has the original National Trust Plaque.
Gloucester Avenue in Belair, including the end of the avenue opposite Mitcham Council Reserve.
Eurilpa Street and Baeckia Place in Eden Hills.
Shepherds Hill CP via the Viaduct Track.

Mountain bikes are not permitted in the reserve, and dogs must be kept on a leash.

Events, tours and community involvement

The reserve is described as hosting special events throughout the year, including guided nature walks, birdwatching tours and educational workshops; it is also described as occasionally hosting special events and guided tours. Check the National Trust of South Australia’s website or local community boards for current event and tour information.

The Watiparinga Management Committee and local residents help maintain the reserve through volunteer activities, including planting native species, removing invasive plants and conducting guided walks about its ecological and historical significance (Blackwood Action Group).

Tips

Spring and early summer are described as ideal visiting seasons, when the weather is pleasant and flora is in bloom.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Bring water, especially in hot weather, and apply sunscreen.
Stay on designated trails, avoid trampling vegetation and take rubbish with you.
For birdwatching, bring binoculars and a bird guide.
Interpretive signs and available booklets provide information about the reserve’s flora, fauna and history.
Bring a camera to capture the scenery, wildlife and cultural landmarks.

Nearby places and activities

Belair National Park, Wittunga Botanic Garden and Blackwood Forest Recreation Park offer further opportunities for hiking, picnicking and learning about the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Warriparinga Cultural and Historical Tour Nearby, this tour is led by First Nations guides through Warriparinga Wetlands. It includes visits to sacred sites and insights into Kaurna heritage, traditions and customs.
Carrick Hill On Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield, this historic property has gardens and scenic views. It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4:30 pm; entry to the grounds is free.
Waterfall Gully Open daily from sunrise to sunset with free entry, it has walking trails and waterfalls.
Adelaide Oval Tours of the sports venue operate daily. Tickets start at $25 per person.
SALA Festival Running throughout August, the festival showcases local artists and their work at venues across South Australia. Ticket prices vary.
Spring Sensation Gourmet Weekend Held in the Barossa Valley from August 31 to September 2, the event features gourmet food and wine experiences. Ticket prices vary.
SteamRanger Heritage Railway Scenic train rides run from Mt Barker through the Adelaide Hills to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Tickets start at $23 per person one way, with return fares from $35.

FAQ

What are the visiting hours for Watiparinga Reserve?
It is listed as open daily from dawn to dusk and also as open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. The reserve is closed on total fire ban days.

Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free, and donations for conservation are appreciated.

Are guided tours available?
Guided tours and special events are offered. Check the National Trust of South Australia’s website for schedules. The nearby Warriparinga Cultural and Historical Tour offers an Indigenous cultural experience.

What are some nearby attractions?
Nearby places include Belair National Park, Wittunga Botanic Garden and Blackwood Forest Recreation Park.