A Calming Walk Hiding in Plain Sight
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
The first thing I noticed was the calm. I took a deep breath and my heart rate slowed down.
One minute I was walking through the eastern suburbs. The next, I was surrounded by towering trees, lush greenery and the gentle sound of Second Creek.
The bustle of suburbia simply disappeared.
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve is tucked behind the homes of Stonyfell, only eight kilometres from Adelaide, yet somehow it feels miles away.
I lived in Burnside for more than 35 years and never knew it was there.
Named after Michael Perry AM, a former Burnside councillor, alderman and mayor, this peaceful reserve did not happen by accident. The land once formed part of Clifton Lodge, a grand home built in 1852. Over time, the area beside Second Creek became overgrown and neglected.
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
Bringing it back took a team effort.
The City of Burnside worked with Boral, Conservation Volunteers Australia and local volunteers. Green Adelaide has also worked with council along Second Creek. Today, the reserve contains more than 350 native plant species.
There is no rush here.
The paths gently wind through the reserve, giving you time to notice the birdlife, creek crossings, unusual plants and quiet spots to stop. The magnificent presentation adds to that feeling of escape.
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
The gardens are beautifully maintained, and the signs give you just enough of the story without getting in the way of the walk.
Everything feels considered.
The main path is comfortable underfoot and suitable for seniors, families and anyone wanting a gentle walk rather than a full-blown hiking expedition. It also holds up well in different weather conditions, with benches, picnic tables, toilets and drinking water along the way. The shorter loop is approximately 1.7 kilometres, while a longer four-kilometre walk follows Second Creek through Willowbridge and several smaller connecting reserves.
It is also genuinely dog friendly.
Dogs must be kept on a lead, but bags and specially designed bins are supplied, including a “Doggie Dunnie Station.” It is a small detail, but another sign that someone has thought carefully about how people use this space.
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
Its history remains part of the walk. Hidden beside the trail is a small stone building that looks like an old bush hut. It was actually the pump shed used by Clifton Lodge to source water, with remnants of the original pump still nearby.
That is part of its charm. Nothing screams for attention. You simply keep discovering things, at your own pace.
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve feels like a gift to the community, a piece of nature preserved for everyone.
Beautifully cared for.
Quiet enough to slow you down.
And tucked away where you’d least expect it.
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
Photo Credits: Brett Partington
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