The Malloga Falls Hike is a rewarding full-day walk tucked away in the remote northern reaches of Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park. Stretching around 22 to 24 kilometres return, depending on the route taken, it typically takes about nine hours to complete. While it's not the most commonly travelled path within the park, those with a bit of experience and a sense of adventure will find it a memorable way to explore the quieter corners of the landscape.
Beginning near the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre at the end of Wilpena Road, the trail threads its way through Pound Gap. The walk is initially easy to follow, guiding you past the historic Hills Homestead, an old stone dwelling that speaks to the area’s pastoral past. From here, the track gently winds across the expansive floor of Wilpena Pound, surrounded by the amphitheatre of rugged ranges that define this ancient geological formation.
As you move further towards the north-west edge of the Pound, the track becomes a little more rugged and less defined, leading into the rocky terrain of Edeowie Gorge. This deep-cut gorge channels water out of the Pound towards the plains, though much of the year it lies dry. Malloga Falls, nestled at the head of the gorge, is a pair of adjacent rockfalls that only flow after significant rainfall. Even when dry, their weathered forms and the isolation of the surrounding landscape make for an evocative destination.
There are a few ways to approach the falls. The most direct option is an out-and-back route via Hills Homestead, covering approximately 22 kilometres. A slightly longer circuit version clocks in at 23 kilometres, while the most demanding option—via Tanderra Saddle—pushes the total distance to about 24 kilometres. Regardless of the route chosen, walkers should be confident with navigation, particularly beyond Cooinda Camp, where the trail grows fainter and rockier underfoot. While the track is generally discernible, it’s easy to lose if you’re not paying attention.
Before heading out, it’s essential to speak with staff at the Wilpena Visitor Centre to confirm the conditions and ensure your intended route is suitable. The trail is closed during the peak of summer—December through February—due to extreme heat, and dogs are not permitted in the park. With proper preparation, this hike offers a rich and immersive journey into one of the more secluded parts of the Flinders Ranges, where the scale and solitude of the landscape leave a lasting impression.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
- This trail is closed during summer months of December, January and February.
Mallonga Falls Hike via Hills Homestead (22km)
Total distance: 21704 m
Max elevation: 745 m
Min elevation: 543 m
Total climbing: 362 m
Total descent: -362 m
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Mallonga Falls Circuit Hike (23km)
Total distance: 22642 m
Max elevation: 949 m
Min elevation: 542 m
Total climbing: 665 m
Total descent: -665 m
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Mallonga Falls Hike via Tanderra Saddle (24km)
Total distance: 23581 m
Max elevation: 949 m
Min elevation: 542 m
Total climbing: 968 m
Total descent: -969 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: Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is located approximately 450 kilometres north of Adelaide in the central Flinders Ranges. To reach the park from Adelaide, take one of several routes to Hawker, then follow the signs to Wilpena. If traveling from Leigh Creek in the north, head south to Parachilna and enter the park from either the north or the west. Alternatively, you can head east from Leigh Creek towards Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, then follow the signs south to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. From Broken Hill, turn north at Yunta on the Arkaroola Road and follow the signs to Blinman.
The main road through the park and into Wilpena Pound is sealed, but unsealed roads with changing surfaces are common throughout the park and may be affected by weather conditions. All public roads are accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles, caravans, and trailers. Please drive slowly and respect other road users.
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: Beltana, Blinman, Copley, Cradock, Hawker, Leigh Creek, Parachilna, Quorn, Wilpena Pound
Ancient and rugged mountain landscapes, peaceful tree-lined gorges, and a seasonal wealth of wildlife combine to make Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park one of South Australia's iconic destinations. Covering approximately 95,000 hectares, the park includes the Heysen Range, Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges, and the vast amphitheatre of mountains known as Wilpena Pound. Visitors can experience native wildlife, rich cultural heritage, impressive geological features, and a range of activities including bushwalking, four-wheel driving, birdwatching, photography, and mountain biking. Mild temperatures from April to October make this period the most comfortable for bushwalking and cycling, while summer temperatures can range from 30ºC to 45ºC.
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park has a rich and complex cultural heritage, combining Aboriginal and pastoral history. The park is co-managed by a board consisting of Adnyamathanha and Department for Environment and Water representatives. The Adnyamathanha people, meaning "hills or rock people," are the traditional custodians of the park, with a connection to the land that stretches back thousands of years. Visitors can view ancient rock paintings and engravings at Arkaroo Rock, Sacred Canyon, and Perawurtina Cultural Heritage Site.
Rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, peaceful creeks lined with river red gums, and abundant wildlife are just the beginning of what awaits at one of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations.
Looking for more walks in or near Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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1 Review on “Malloga Falls Hike (22km)”
I absolutely loved this hike. We completed it as part of the longer circuit, which gave us the chance to really settle into the landscape and enjoy the sense of remoteness that builds the further you go. Getting deep into Edeowie Gorge was pretty incredible – the scale of the rock walls and the ruggedness of the terrain make it feel like another world entirely.
It would have been great to camp overnight at Cooinda Camp and spend more time exploring further into the gorge. There’s a real sense that you’re only scratching the surface on a day trip, and I can imagine there’s a lot more to discover if you had the time. If you’re up for a long day on foot and are confident with navigation, I’d definitely recommend doing the full loop. It’s a challenging hike, but well worth the effort for the solitude, scenery, and the experience of being out in a part of the park that few people seem to reach.