WARNING: The Onkaparinga Gorge is a demanding Grade 5 hike requiring a full day or overnight commitment. This is an unmarked route with no designated trail. Strong navigational skills, a GPS device, and PLB are essential for completing this adventure. Only experienced bushwalkers should attempt this hike.
Onkaparinga Gorge Hike: A Challenging Adventure for Experienced Bushwalkers. The Onkaparinga Gorge Hike is a demanding, full day or overnight adventure designed for experienced bushwalkers. This 17km, grade 5 hike traverses the entirety of Onkaparinga River National Park, a short drive south of Adelaide, following the Onkaparinga River from east to west.
Be prepared for a remote and rugged experience. The hike primarily follows the riverbed itself, with no formed or maintained paths. You'll navigate towering cliffs, serene waterholes, and ancient river red gums, encountering obstacles, water crossings, and sections without established trails. Strong navigational skills and route-finding abilities are crucial for completing this challenging trek.
Importantly, this hike is only recommended during the summer months when the water levels are low. High water can render the route inaccessible and dangerous due to difficult or impossible river crossings.
While Onkaparinga River National Park itself sits roughly 35 kilometres south of Adelaide, the Onkaparinga Gorge Hike begins at a more specific location: Baker Gully Track. To reach this trailhead, you can drive. Head south on Main South Road until you see signs for Hackham. Take the exit and follow the signs to Onkaparinga River National Park. From there, follow Piggott Range Road until you reach the designated carpark for Baker Gully Track. Public transport isn't available directly to the trailhead, so a car is the most convenient option.
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A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
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.
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.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
1 Review on “Onkaparinga Gorge Hike (17km)”
Just received this comment so thought I would share it here: Trail is completely missing. Had to bail out halfway. Go on this hike if you wanna kiss snakes on all fours for 8+ h, or swim the entire way.
and also one of the most spectacular ones
Emma Mickle add it to the list
Emma Mickle nahh you’re my fav