Onkaparinga Gorge Trek is a 21km, grade 5 hike located in Onkaparinga River National Park, South Australia. The hike should take 1-2 days to complete.
Hike overview
Challenge yourself with a thrilling trek through Onkaparinga Gorge, suitable for experienced bushwalkers during summer. Immerse yourself in the remoteness as you navigate between towering cliffs, serene waterholes, and ancient river red gums.
This is an advanced hike demanding strong navigational skills and route-finding abilities. You'll need to navigate around obstacles, waterholes, and cliffs. Be aware that some sections lack established trails. During winter and after heavy rains, the unmarked route becomes inaccessible.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 133 m
Min elevation: 5 m
Total climbing: 499 m
Total descent: -598 m
Tips
For the latest seasonal information and to lodge a Trip Intentions form, contact the Belair National Park Office at (08) 8278 5477.
Trail location
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Getting there
The park is locatÂed 35km south of AdeÂlaide, the main walkÂing trails are on the northÂern side of the gorge accessed from PigÂgott Range Road. There is also pubÂlic transÂport to this park from the AdeÂlaide city centre.
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
In OnkaÂparinga RivÂer NationÂal Park, diverse hikÂing trails take you to cliff tops with magÂnifÂiÂcent views, or down to perÂmaÂnent rock pools teemÂing with life. You’ll see rugged ridge tops and the narÂrow rivÂer valÂley of the specÂtacÂuÂlar OnkaÂparinga Gorge. This park proÂtects some of the finest remainÂing pockÂets of remÂnant vegÂeÂtaÂtion in the SouthÂern AdeÂlaide region. WherÂevÂer you go, you’ll be among native wildlife such as birds, koalas, kanÂgaÂroos and posÂsums — you may even spot an echidÂna. Areas of the park were used as farmÂland for many years, so you can also disÂcovÂer herÂitage-listÂed huts and the ruins of housÂes built in the 1880s. Shared-use trails also offer opporÂtuÂniÂties for mounÂtain bike ridÂers and horse ridÂers to enjoy the rugged beauÂty of the park.
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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
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.
3 Reviews on “Onkaparinga Gorge Hike (21km)”
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