Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the rugged beauty of South Australia's Onkaparinga River National Park on the Old Noarlunga Circuit, a challenging 3.5km Grade 4 hike. The trail offers an exciting mix of rock scrambles, narrow tracks, hill ascents, and river views. Start your adventure at the pedestrian bridge in Old Noarlunga, but keep an eye out for the tricky turn at Old Coach Track near Gate 30. Perfect for experienced bushwalkers seeking an enjoyable 2-hour adventure.

Length:

3.5km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 114m

Min elevation: 10m

Total Ascent: 132m

Start: Onkaparinga Pedestrian Bridge

End: Onkaparinga Pedestrian Bridge

Onkaparinga River National Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Old Noarlunga

From state capital: 36.6km

Latitude: -35.1803459707143

Longitude: 138.50406199693683

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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.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

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Walk map and GPX file

Old Noarlunga Circuit Walk (3.5km)

Total distance: 3704 m
Max elevation: 114 m
Min elevation: 10 m
Total climbing: 132 m
Total descent: -132 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Aldinga Beach, Christies Beach, McLaren Vale, Noarlunga Centre, O'Sullivan Beach, Old Noarlunga, Port Noarlunga, Reynella, Seaford, Willunga

Getting to the trailhead in 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.

Get there with Google Maps

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

Looking for hikes and trails in Onkaparinga River National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

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.

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

Old Noarlunga Circuit Walk (3.5km)

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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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Old Noarlunga Circuit Walk (3.5km)