Shepherds Hill Recreation Park 2

Shepherds Hill Recreation Park covers 77 hectares or nearly 200 acres. William John Shepherd originally farmed the land from 1853 to 1864 and there are still some signs of early settlement. This is the entrance from Ellis Avenue but there is another entrance with a Carpark off Ayliffe’s Road.

As usual you can click on any image to see it full sized.

Remains of an Almond Orchard

Stone ruins

There are plenty of different tracks to choose from, some are designed for Mountain Bikers others are shared walking/riding tracks as well as larger Fire Tracks.

Tracks are clearly labeled

Heading to the Ridge Track which has the longest flat section.

Bike Track

Fire Track

Some tracks require momentum to get up!

Going down is fun

There seem to be more ups than downs!

Grey Box Trees are native to the area but there are a variety of trees and plants.

Dandelions

These are a favourite of the Wanderer Butterflies

Gum Trees

Low, shrubby Wattles

Feral Olive Trees

Creek – side flower

Patterson’s Curse or Salvation Jane

“Torso” by Nature

Apart from Mountain Bikers, bird watchers and walkers the park also provides a venue for the Pony Club and The Eden Field Archers.

Watch out for the Red Flag!

Targets amongst the trees

Pony Club area in the background

 

If you’re in an environment like this you can’t ignore the wildlife.

Currawong

Female Grass Parrot

Female Wren

Male Superb Fairy Wren

Galah

Australian Magpie

Rainbow Lorikeet

Brown Wanderer or Monarch Butterfly

Koala or two

 

When you’ve made your way to the top of the hill you get a 360 deg view.

View from Maggie’s seat, Adelaide CBD is in the background about 10 kms away

 

If you’re interested in seeing more of nature in SA you can find some on another blog here.

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