Trail Fast Facts
Old Noarlunga Circuit is a 3.5km, grade 4 hike in Onkaparinga River National Park, South Australia. This hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Old Noarlunga Circuit provides a challenging 3.5 kilometre loop hike for experienced walkers (grade 4) within Onkaparinga River National Park, South Australia. This trail offers a taste of the Gorge Trek, incorporating a single rock scramble and sections of narrow walking track. The route ascends a hill alongside a pipeline before a steeper descent back to the Onkaparinga River.
Careful navigation is required at Old Coach Track near Gate 30, as the continuation of the walking trail is easy to miss. Look out for the path branching left after the second stobie pole. If you do miss the turn, you can continue along Old Coach Track until rejoining the river and retrace your steps from there.
A pedestrian bridge across the Onkaparinga River in Old Noarlunga now provides a convenient starting point for this hike.
Track Grade
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 114 m
Min elevation: 10 m
Total climbing: 132 m
Total descent: -132 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Reaching the trailhead for the Old Noarlunga Circuit is straightforward thanks to the new pedestrian bridge in Old Noarlunga. While a car is recommended, on-site parking may be limited. If driving from Adelaide, follow the M1 Freeway south towards Victor Harbour Road. Turn left and continue onto Quarry Road for approximately 1.5 kilometres. Turn left again onto Barytes Road and proceed until the road ends at its junction with Sheoak Road (Gate 29). Here you can find limited parking on the side of the road. Alternatively, continue across the bridge into Old Noarlunga town and locate the pedestrian bridge over the Onkaparinga River. This will be your starting point for the hike.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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 trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.