It runs from Parachilna Gorge, in the Flinders Ranges via the Adelaide Hills to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula and is approximately 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) in length.

[1] From north to south, the route of the trail may be summarised by the following landmarks in order: Parachilna Gorge - Flinders Ranges National Park - Hawker - Quorn - Mount Remarkable National Park - Melrose - Crystal Brook - Spalding - Burra - Kapunda - Adelaide Hills - Deep Creek Conservation Park - Cape Jervis Due to bushfire risk, large sections of the trail are closed annually from December through to April.

There are many places to stay along the trail and hardy walkers who walk the track from beginning to end typically do so in about 60 days.

The trail passes cliffs, farmland, natural bushland, forests, vineyards, and grazing land.

The trail was first suggested by Warren Bonython in 1969 but design was stalled by several years due to government politics and issues with private land owners.