Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 114m
Min elevation: 10m
Total Ascent: 132m
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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 114 m
Min elevation: 10 m
Total climbing: 132 m
Total descent: -132 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.
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.
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.
Gallery
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Suggest an edit
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
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.





