Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the unique beauty of South Australia on the Mount Schank Crater Rim Walk located near Mount Gambier. This moderate grade 3, 3.3km circuit hike takes you around the rim of a dormant volcano, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the crater and surrounding district. Explore further with side trails to the crater's base, and immerse yourself in geological history with informative panels at the starting point. Remember to bring sturdy shoes and pack essentials for this rewarding adventure.

Length:

3.3km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 107m

Min elevation: 24m

Total Ascent: 197m

Start: Mount Schank car park

End: Mount Schank car park

Mount Schank State Heritage Area

South Australia

Nearby town: Mount Gambier

From state capital: 461km

Latitude: -37.94087230465216

Longitude: 140.73048591613772

3,410 Total views

Overview

Route

Photos

Reviews

Similar

Weather

Hike overview

There are not a lot of hiking opportunities around Mount Gambier in South Australia but one short walk, worth a look is the Mount Schank Crater Rim Walk. It's around 3.3km in length including a side trail that takes you to the lowest point of the crater.

Mount Schank is a dormant volcano, originally errupting 4,500 years ago. A set of interpretive panels at the carpark provides information about the geology and history of this impressive landform. A toilet block and barbeque are adjacent to the carpark, but no other tourist facilities are provided in this area. While some visitors prefer to remain at the volcano's base, the walking track up its western side offers spectacular scenery of the surrounding district, with frequent rest stops along the way. This moderately challenging climb is rewarded at the top with a breathtaking 360 degree views into Mount Schank's crater. For the more adventurous there is a further track down into the bowl of the crater, and another track that follows its rim. A few hours should be set aside to complete all walk options, and hikers should ensure that they have suitable shoes and supplies.

Map and GPX file

Mount Schank Crater Rim Walk (3.3km)

Total distance: 3324 m
Max elevation: 107 m
Min elevation: 24 m
Total climbing: 197 m
Total descent: -197 m

Download file: Mount%20Schank%20Crater%20Rim%20Walk.gpx

Photo gallery

Access conditions

2WD Access
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Kalangadoo, Millicent, Mount Gambier, Nangwarry, Port MacDonnell

Getting to the trailhead in Mount Schank State Heritage Area.

Mount Schank is a prominent volcanic cone 10 minutes drive south of Mount Gambier, off the road to Port MacDonnell.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Mount Schank was named in December 1800 during an exploratory voyage along Australia's south-east coast by the ship HMS Lady Nelson. Mount Gambier was also spotted and named on the same voyage. It was declared a State Heritage Area on 11 June 1992. The features seen at Mount Schank today are the result of two phases of volcanic activity. The first stage developed a significant scoria cone with an ash ring (maar) to the south and a basaltic lava flow to the west. The later phase created the main cone, which buried the original scoria cone and overlapped the maar. Work by the University of Adelaide Physics Department has dated the original Mount Schank eruption to 4,500 years ago.

The Gambier limestone that forms the base layer for both Mount Schank and Mount Gambier contains abundant groundwater, which has played a role in determining the type of volcanic eruptions produced in each area. The craters at Mount Schank are at, or above, the level of the surrounding plain, and thus well above the groundwater table. This means that they have remained dry, unlike the Mount Gambier craters, which filled to become spectacular lakes

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Mount Schank State Heritage Area or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

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.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Mount Schank Crater Rim Walk (3.3km)

4 Reviews on “Mount Schank Crater Rim Walk (3.3km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

An interesting walk. Well worth exploring if you are on the area.

As of 1/1/2024, there is a sign at the entrance to this walk stating that fox baits have been set in the area and dogs should not be walked here.

01/01/2024, 14:09

Like
Log in to Reply

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Map and GPX file

Mount Schank Crater Rim Walk (3.3km)