Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Sturt Gorge with the Sturt Gorge River Trail. This moderately challenging (grade 4) 9.8-kilometre one-way adventure winds its way through the valley of the Sturt River, taking roughly 4 hours to complete. The trail offers a glimpse of the gorge's natural wonders, including cascading waterfalls, flowing creeks, and dramatic rocky gorges.
Be prepared for an adventurous journey, as the trail involves nine river crossings and sections of rock scrambling. Following heavy rainfall, the river level may rise, submerging the stepping stones used for these crossings. Experience in bushwalking or mountain biking, along with a moderate level of fitness, is recommended for tackling this trail due to its physical demands. Keep an eye out for warning markers along the route, particularly regarding steep inclines.
The River Trail follows the course of the Sturt River, offering various starting points. You can begin on Main South Road and enter through the Riverside Reserve, following Adam's Orchard Trail from the end of Riverside Drive in Bedford Park. Alternatively, start your journey at Edgar Street in Bedford Park. Follow the trail consistently until you reach the eastern end of Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, where it emerges on Coromandel Parade near Horner Bridge. This historic bridge, built in 1886, was the first to span the Sturt River.
Since this is a one-way trail, plan your return trip accordingly. You can either arrange transportation to pick you up at the end point, or retrace your steps along the same route, resulting in a total distance close to 20 kilometres. Public transport via Adelaide Metro buses is also an option. Catch a bus from Stop 37B on Coromandel Parade to Stop 28 on Main South Road to return to your starting point.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
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Total distance: 9751 m
Max elevation: 183 m
Min elevation: 41 m
Total climbing: 369 m
Total descent: -239 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Aberfoyle Park, Bedford Park, Belair, Blackwood, Coromandel Valley, Eden Hills, Flagstaff Hill, Happy Valley, Marion, Sturt
Getting to the trailhead in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park.
Easily accessible by car, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park lies approximately 13 kilometres south of Adelaide. While vehicle access is restricted within the park itself, numerous pedestrian entry points provide convenient access. These entry points are scattered around the park’s perimeter, offering various starting points for your exploration. For instance, you can enter from Broadmeadow Drive, Black Road, or Bonneyview Road in Flagstaff Hill; The Boulevard in Bellevue Heights; or Craigburn Road in Craigburn Farm. Plan your route based on the area you’d like to explore first, and lace up your walking shoes to discover the wonders of Sturt Gorge Recreation Park.
Explore the ancient wonders and natural beauty of Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. Internationally recognized for its geological significance, the park boasts the nationally threatened greybox grassy woodland vegetation, once widespread across southern Australia. A geological marvel, the park is also home to sturt tillite, a rock formation believed to be 800 million years old, formed from glacial material left behind by a prehistoric ocean.
The recent addition of Craigburn Farm has significantly expanded the park's area. Transformed into a major revegetation site, it now offers a haven for mountain bikers and hikers. Explore a network of well-maintained trails, encountering the park's oldest rock formations amidst flourishing grasslands and open woodlands.
Cycling enthusiasts can choose between designated mountain bike trails or explore the park's public access roads. Hikers can traverse the park's scenic slopes and shrublands, keeping an eye out for the diverse native fauna that frequent the waterholes lining the Sturt River.
For an optimal experience, consider visiting during autumn or spring. While summer offers warm weather, it can also be hot and dry. However, if you visit after a period of heavy rain, you might be rewarded with a vibrant display of wildflowers and the delightful sounds of frogs in the flowing creeks.
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Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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.
6 Reviews on “Sturt Gorge River Trail Walk (9.8km)”
I did a walk there yesterday. Beautiful scenery, lots of different views, plenty of photo opportunities. Just lovely!!!
Ryan Mallen
Samantha Lane Sam Matt