The Punchbowl Link Trail is a moderately challenging 6 kilometre loop hike within Onkaparinga River National Park, South Australia. Designed for walkers with a moderate level of fitness (grade 3), the trail is anticipated to take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. This scenic loop rewards hikers with breathtaking views into the Onkaparinga Gorge from a new lookout above the Punchbowl.
The well-defined trail winds its way along gullies before reaching the Punchbowl Lookout. Here, walkers can connect with the Punchbowl Lookout Walk for the return journey to Piggott Range Road. This section follows a separate track alongside the road before ending at the Sundews Carpark. Alternatively, a more direct return option following the same path out is available, extending the total distance to 6.2 kilometres.
The starting point for the Punchbowl Link Trail is conveniently located at the Sundews Carpark near Gate 11 on Piggott Range Road. This carpark offers bitumen surfacing and amenities including new toilets.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 5972 m
Max elevation: 243 m
Min elevation: 149 m
Total climbing: 157 m
Total descent: -157 m
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Reaching the trailhead at Sundews Carpark is straightforward. Located on Piggott Range Road in the Onkaparinga Hills, the carpark is accessible by car. If you are driving from Adelaide, head south on the M1 Freeway and follow signs for Stirling/Mount Barker Road (B33). Continue for approximately 40 kilometres until you reach the turnoff for Sturt Valley Road. Follow Sturt Valley Road until it intersects with Ironbank Road, then turn left and continue onto Cherry Gardens Road. From here, turn left again onto Main Road and take a slight right onto Sugarloaf Road. A sharp left turn onto Chandlers Hill Road is followed by a right turn onto Grants Gully Road. The final turn is right onto Piggott Range Road, where you will find Gate 11 and the Sundews Carpark on your left.
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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Onkaparinga River National Park
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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!
