Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 280m
Min elevation: 219m
Total Ascent: 93m
Hike overview
The Echidna Circuit Walk is a scenic 3 kilometre loop trail located within Onkaparinga River National Park, South Australia. Classified as grade 2, this path is suitable for most walkers and takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete. Winding through attractive pink gum, grey box and sheoak bushland, the trail traverses moderate slopes offering glimpses of seasonal wildflowers, including orchids, during winter and spring. Hikers can also expect to encounter historical ruins and scenic outlooks over the gorge, providing a rewarding workout alongside the natural beauty.
The starting point for the Echidna Circuit Walk is a small carpark situated beside Piggott Range Road at Gate 12. This trail conveniently connects with the neighbouring Nature Hike, allowing for a longer 7 kilometre adventure for those seeking a more extended exploration of the park.
Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 280 m
Min elevation: 219 m
Total climbing: 93 m
Total descent: -93 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Onkaparinga River National Park.
Accessing the Echidna Circuit Walk is straightforward. The trailhead is located at a small roadside carpark beside Gate 12 on Piggott Range Road within Onkaparinga River National Park. For those travelling from Adelaide, follow the M1 Freeway south towards Stirling/Mount Barker Road (B33). Continue for approximately 40 kilometres until the Sturt Valley Road turnoff. Take Sturt Valley Road until it intersects Ironbank Road. Turn left and proceed onto Cherry Gardens Road. Turn left again onto Main Road and then take a slight right onto Sugarloaf Road. A sharp left turn leads to Chandlers Hill Road, followed by a final right turn onto Grants Gully Road. Your destination, Piggott Range Road, will be on the left. Locate Gate 12 and the carpark will be conveniently situated beside it.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Aldinga Beach, Christies Beach, McLaren Vale, Noarlunga Centre, O'Sullivan Beach, Old Noarlunga, Port Noarlunga, Reynella, Seaford, Willunga
About the region
Explore Onkaparinga River National Park's Rugged Beauty. Onkaparinga River National Park offers a diverse range of adventures. Hike to clifftops for stunning views or descend to permanent rock pools teeming with life. Witness the rugged ridges and the dramatic Onkaparinga Gorge, a haven for native vegetation. Spot koalas, kangaroos, birds, and maybe even an echidna.
Discover the park's rich history. Explore heritage-listed huts and ruins of 1880s houses, remnants of the area's past as farmland. Shared trails welcome mountain bikers and horse riders.
Located just 35km south of Adelaide, the park caters to all interests. Explore the main walking trails on the north side of the gorge, accessible via Piggott Range Road. Public transport is also available from Adelaide's city center.
Choose a scenic spot by the river or enjoy a more formal picnic area with amenities, barbecues, and stunning views. The area near gate 25 offers a shaded picnic ground with shelters, perfect for a relaxing meal. Nearby wineries provide the opportunity to pair your picnic with a delicious South Australian red wine.
The Pink Gum Campground at the park's eastern end provides 11 campsites, including caravan-friendly options. Amenities include toilets, washing facilities, and fire pits (usable outside fire ban seasons).
Important Note: The park closes on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger. Please check fire danger ratings before visiting.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Onkaparinga River National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.





