Burnside is one of Adelaide’s most beautiful suburbs, offering leafy streets, open parklands, and direct access to some of the city’s most popular walking trails. From a gentle loop around Hazelwood Park to the iconic climb up Waterfall Gully, walking is part of daily life here, and it’s a fantastic way to stay active, reduce stress, and boost overall wellbeing.
But while walking is low-impact compared to running, the wrong footwear, uneven terrain, or underlying foot issues can still lead to discomfort or injury. That’s why combining regular walks with good podiatry habits helps Burnside locals enjoy every step.
Here are three walking trails in Burnside for all types of walkers, and how to keep your feet healthy while exploring them.
Hazelwood Park: A community favourite
At the heart of Burnside lies Hazelwood Park, a much-loved green space with shady gums, playgrounds, and the Burnside Swimming Centre nearby. Its flat, well-maintained paths are ideal for families with prams, older adults, or anyone looking for a gentle stroll. A couple of laps can easily add up to 2–3 km, making it a perfect spot for hitting daily step goals.
Even though the terrain is forgiving, walking on paved surfaces can still trigger heel pain, shin splints, or arch fatigue if shoes aren’t supportive. Choose cushioned walking shoes with firm arch support, and if you have flat feet, high arches, or bunions, consider custom orthotics for extra comfort.
Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty: Adelaide’s toughest climb
For walkers seeking a challenge, the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit trail is a good one. This steep 3.9 km path climbs through Cleland Conservation Park, past waterfalls and rugged bushland, before reaching Mt Lofty summit and rewarding you with sweeping city views. It’s one of Adelaide’s most walked trails, but also one of the most demanding.
The uphill climb puts constant pressure on the Achilles tendon, arches and forefoot, while the downhill return can bruise toenails or worsen ingrown nails if toenails aren’t trimmed. Unsupportive shoes only increase the risk of blisters, ankle sprains, or plantar fasciitis flare-ups.
Before tackling this trail, stretch your calves and arches, wear sturdy shoes with strong grip and shock-absorbing soles, and pace yourself. Afterward, roll your arches over a tennis ball to ease pressure and tension. With preparation and the right footwear, Waterfall Gully is a safe and invigorating way to combine fitness and nature.
Mount Osmond Reserve: rolling hills and stunning views
If you want something between a flat stroll and a summit climb, Mount Osmond Reserve is the perfect middle ground. With panoramic views across Adelaide and the Hills, and a peaceful bushland setting, it’s popular with walkers, dog owners, and fitness enthusiasts looking for moderate but rewarding exercise.
The undulating terrain is fantastic for building strength in your feet and ankles, but it can also expose weaknesses in balance or stability. Side slopes and uneven ground increase the risk of ankle sprains or overuse injuries.
To get the most out of Mount Osmond walks, wear shoes with firm ankle support and grippy soles. Strengthening exercises like single-leg balance or resistance-band ankle work can also reduce injury risk. If you’ve had ankle sprains before, our podiatrists may recommend exercises at home to develop extra stability.
At Sanders Podiatry, we help Burnside residents stay active
Walking is one of the best ways to stay active, but recurring pain in your heels, arches, or toes isn’t something to ignore. Left untreated, problems like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or toenail issues can turn enjoyable walks into painful chores.
- Footwear advice tailored to your walking style and favourite trails
- Biomechanical assessments to detect gait issues early
- Custom orthotics for comfort and injury prevention
- Treatment plans for ongoing pain or injuries
Keep exploring Burnside’s walks, without the foot pain
From a gentle family stroll at Hazelwood Park to the challenge of Waterfall Gully or the rolling climbs of Mount Osmond, Burnside offers some of Adelaide’s most rewarding walking experiences. With the right preparation and podiatry support, your feet can stay healthy for every step of the journey.
If foot pain is holding you back, book an appointment at Sanders Podiatry, your local team supporting the Linden Park and Burnside community to walk stronger, longer, and healthier.
Book an appointment today at our Linden Park Podiatry clinic – your local podiatrists in the heart of Burnside. Sanders Podiatry Linden Park – 08 8379 1456.