As of April 2020, general public access to Sacred Canyon has been restricted. Visitors can now experience the site only through guided tours led by Adnyamathanha guides. These tours are offered through Wilpena Pound Resort and provide a richer, more informed understanding of the engravings and their significance. Hearing directly from Adnyamathanha people adds meaning that cannot be found in guidebooks or signs, making the experience both respectful and deeply enriching. Bookings can be made online or by calling 1800 805 802.
Sacred Canyon (Ginal Engraving Site), located within the Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park, is a place of deep cultural importance to the Adnyamathanha people, the Traditional Owners of this land. Hidden within a quiet gorge, it offers a rare opportunity to view ancient rock engravings that hold stories passed down through countless generations. These petroglyphs—carefully etched into the smooth sandstone walls—are part of a living culture, not relics of a forgotten past. They continue to hold meaning for the Adnyamathanha today and are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1998.
The walk itself is a gentle 800-metre return track, typically taking around half an hour. Beginning from a small carpark, the trail follows a dry, gum-lined creek that winds its way towards the heart of the gorge. As you make your way along the path, the setting feels both grounded and timeless, with river red gums casting filtered light onto ochre-coloured rocks and gravel. The gorge gradually narrows and, before long, the first engravings begin to appear on the rock faces.
If you take your time and look closely, you’ll see intricate designs carved into the stone—animal tracks, geometric circles, waterholes, and human figures. Emu and kangaroo prints can be found alongside more abstract patterns, each telling part of a story that speaks to place, movement, and survival in this arid landscape. The carvings were made by pecking or rubbing the rock surface with stone tools, a slow and deliberate process. Some of the older images have weathered with time and are best seen in the softer light of early morning or late afternoon.
Higher up, near the waterfall at the end of the gorge, you may notice additional engravings—less obvious but just as powerful in their quiet presence. While walking through the area, keep an eye out for echidnas that sometimes forage along the creek bed. The entire experience is calm and unhurried, offering space for quiet reflection.
Out of respect for the cultural significance of the site, visitors are asked not to touch the engravings. Preserving these markings ensures that future generations—both Adnyamathanha and non-Indigenous visitors—can continue to learn from and connect with this special place.
- Gravel Track
- Sandy Track
- Rough Track
- Well Marked Track
- Heritage
- Aboriginal Art
- Gorges
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Total distance: 811 m
Max elevation: 463 m
Min elevation: 439 m
Total climbing: 37 m
Total descent: -37 m
Getting to the trailhead: Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.
Sacred Canyon is accessed via a 15-kilometre unsealed road, suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. The turn-off lies 19 kilometres south-east of Wilpena, off the main road between Hawker and Blinman. Toilets are available at the trailhead carpark.
Closest towns to this walk: Blinman, Copley, Cradock, Hawker, Leigh Creek, Parachilna, Quorn, Wilpena Pound
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
Ancient and rugged mountain landscapes, peaceful tree-lined gorges, and a seasonal wealth of wildlife combine to make Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park one of South Australia's iconic destinations. Covering approximately 95,000 hectares, the park includes the Heysen Range, Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges, and the vast amphitheatre of mountains known as Wilpena Pound. Visitors can experience native wildlife, rich cultural heritage, impressive geological features, and a range of activities including bushwalking, four-wheel driving, birdwatching, photography, and mountain biking. Mild temperatures from April to October make this period the most comfortable for bushwalking and cycling, while summer temperatures can range from 30ºC to 45ºC.
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park has a rich and complex cultural heritage, combining Aboriginal and pastoral history. The park is co-managed by a board consisting of Adnyamathanha and Department for Environment and Water representatives. The Adnyamathanha people, meaning "hills or rock people," are the traditional custodians of the park, with a connection to the land that stretches back thousands of years. Visitors can view ancient rock paintings and engravings at Arkaroo Rock, Sacred Canyon, and Perawurtina Cultural Heritage Site.
Rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, peaceful creeks lined with river red gums, and abundant wildlife are just the beginning of what awaits at one of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations.
Looking for more walks in or near Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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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1 Review on “Sacred Canyon (Yura Mulka) Walk (800m)”
I really enjoyed this short walk—it was such a pleasant surprise. We were in the area hiking around Wilpena Pound and came across Sacred Canyon without really planning to. At the time, it was still open to the public, so we were able to wander in on our own. The walk itself was easy and peaceful, following a creek bed lined with gums into a quiet gorge.
What really stayed with me were the rock engravings. You start noticing them along the gorge walls—emu tracks, kangaroo prints, circles and lines carved into the stone. Some were faint, but once you spotted a few, more and more seemed to appear. It was one of those places that invites you to slow down and take it all in.
We didn’t have a guide when we visited, so while the engravings were fascinating to see, I’m sure we missed a lot of the deeper meaning behind them. I’d love to go back again one day and experience the walk through a guided tour with an Adnyamathanha guide. It would add so much more context and make the visit even more meaningful. Definitely a special place, and well worth including if you’re in the area.