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.
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.
Total distance: 16275 m
Max elevation: 130 m
Min elevation: 5 m
Total climbing: 549 m
Total descent: -643 m
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
3 Reviews 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
Chad Ownsworth Dave Loechel … what are the chances either of you would give this a go?
Emma Mickle add it to the list
Emma Mickle nahh you’re my fav