Unearth the secrets of Mount Remarkable National Park on the Hidden Gorge Circuit, a challenging 18-kilometer loop hike. This rewarding adventure, taking roughly 7 hours, unveils two spectacular natural wonders: the narrow Hidden Gorge and the panoramic Battery Ridge.
Begin your journey at either the Mambray Creek Day Visitor Carpark or Campground. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Mambray Creek as you stroll past refreshing permanent water pools and native pine forests. The path then leads you past Hidden Gorge Campsite, where you can consider setting up camp for a multi-day adventure.
Prepare to be awestruck as you enter the dramatic Hidden Gorge. Towering red rock walls flank your path as you navigate the ever-narrowing passage. Upon emerging, a well-maintained trail takes you up The Battery, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking, expansive views overlooking the Spencer Gulf.
The adventure continues as you follow the fire track for 1 kilometer before rejoining a single-track trail. This winds its way back to the Mambray Creek carpark, completing the loop. Excellent signage with markers every 200 meters ensures you stay on track throughout your exploration.
For the truly adventurous:
Consider extending your exploration by continuing on to Alligator Gorge after conquering The Battery.
Plan a multi-day adventure by setting up camp at Hidden Camp.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- Dogs are not permitted in this park.
- The park is also closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
Total distance: 16803 m
Max elevation: 498 m
Min elevation: 152 m
Total climbing: 501 m
Total descent: -501 m
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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.
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 to the trailhead: Mount Remarkable National Park.
The park is located 45km north of Port Pirie. Access is from National Highway One via Mambray Creek. You can also reach Alligator Gorge via a scenic but sometimes challenging drive starting 1km south of Wilmington on Main North Road. This road is very steep and unsuitable for caravans, camper trailers, and buses. Alternatively, walk into the park from the adjacent town of Melrose, nestled at the foot of Mount Remarkable.
Please note: There are no public roads that pass through Mount Remarkable National Park. Horrocks Pass and Port Germein Gorge are the nearest public roads to the park for crossing the Flinders Ranges east to west.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Booleroo Centre, Gladstone, Hawker, Laura, Melrose, Port Germain, Port Germein, Quorn, Stirling North, Wilmington, Wirrabara
Within easy reach of Adelaide, Mount Remarkable National Park is an ideal place for a family getaway. There's plenty of diverse wildlife to spot, and campgrounds with good facilities make it a comfortable base for exploring.
The park is a popular destination for bushwalking, with trails for all ages and abilities. Hike to the 960-meter summit of Mount Remarkable for incredible views overlooking the Willochra Plain and Spencer Gulf.
The Willowie area offers a network of mountain biking and walking trails that meander through the foothills of the Mount Remarkable Range. Choose from short and longer trails of varying difficulty. These trails wind through the native forest and peaceful woodlands, echoing with bird calls and crossing numerous water courses. Keep an eye out for historical reminders like old farm buildings and equipment scattered throughout the trails.
The mild temperatures from April to October are the most comfortable for walking and enjoying the park's spectacular wildflowers. Summers are warm to hot with little rain, so take plenty of water if you choose to hike during those months.
Looking for more walks in or near Mount Remarkable National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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5 Reviews on “Hidden Gorge Circuit Hike (18km)”
Challenging hike with a full pack, a large amount of creek crossing requires good foot wear. Hidden camp is lovely, we were lucky enough to have it to ourselves for the night, very peaceful. We hiked in from the carpark via Battery Ridge, making the walk out from Hidden Camp to the carpark, the next day an easy 3-4hr walk.