The park contains the remains of the Highercombe Hotel, which operated in the 1850s to serve travelers on the original road to the goldfields.
It is one of the few locations in the Adelaide metropolitan area where the endangered southern brown bandicoot remains relatively stable.
The park's geology features prominent quartz outcrops that were subject to minor gold prospecting attempts in the mid-19th century.
The site was officially declared a Recreation Park in 1989 to protect its ecological value while allowing public access.
It is home to significant populations of western grey kangaroos which are frequently active at dawn and dusk.
The park elevation ranges from approximately 150 to 450 meters above sea level, creating distinct microclimates.
Several old almond orchards remain within the park boundaries, a relic of the area's agricultural history.
Anstey Hill Recreation Park is a 362-hectare protected area situated at the edge of the Mount Lofty Ranges in Adelaide’s northeast. The park preserves a mosaic of grey box grassy woodland and is a critical habitat for the endangered southern brown bandicoot. The landscape is defined by steep, rugged terrain, historic stone ruins, and extensive trail networks used for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. Visitors can explore relics of the colonial era, including the remains of the Old Highercombe Hotel and various quartz mining sites. The park serves as a biological corridor, linking suburban Adelaide with the higher-altitude habitats of the Adelaide Hills.
The elevated lookout points overlooking the Adelaide Plains and the ruins of the Old Highercombe Hotel.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots, as trails can be steep, rocky, and slippery.
Bring a topographic map or use a GPS app, as many trails intersect and signage can be inconsistent in remote sections.
Carry at least two liters of water, as there are no potable water stations inside the park.
Do not attempt the more strenuous loop trails without adequate fitness, as the vertical gain is significant.
The park may be closed on days of extreme fire danger; check the National Parks and Wildlife Service website before departure.
Keep dogs on a lead at all times, remain on marked trails to prevent erosion and habitat destruction, and take all rubbish home.
