Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore South Australia's beauty on the Tatendi Circuit, a 6km loop trail in Onkaparinga River National Park, located near McLaren Vale. This grade 4 hike offers a challenging descent into the Onkaparinga Gorge, revealing stunning landscape views and opportunities to spot local wildlife around lush waterholes. Starting and ending at the Chapel Hill Winery, this 3-hour walk is perfect for seasoned bushwalkers. Remember to check route details at the trailhead to make sure you're prepared for this thrilling bushwalk.

Length:

6km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 172m

Min elevation: 22m

Total Ascent: 297m

Start: Chapel Hill Winery

End: Chapel Hill Winery

Onkaparinga River National Park

South Australia

Nearby town: McLaren Vale

From state capital: 41.2km

Latitude: -35.17027838083728

Longitude: 138.55252674601402

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Hike overview

The Tatendi Circuit is a 6-kilometer loop trail within Onkaparinga River National Park, South Australia. This challenging hike (grade 4) is ideal for experienced hikers and takes roughly 3 hours to complete.

The trail offers a steep descent into the Onkaparinga Gorge, providing stunning views of the landscape. The river itself boasts lush greenery with reeds and old gum trees lining its banks, and you might encounter several large, permanent waterholes along the way.

While the description details the challenging Tatendi Circuit, the park offers options for all skill levels. Be sure to consult the park map or signage at the trailhead for alternative routes with varying difficulty levels.

There may be slight discrepancies between the official online maps and trailhead signs regarding route options and distances. Familiarise yourself with all the available information before you embark on your hike.

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Walk map and GPX file

Tatendi - Onkaparinga Gorge Circuit Hike (6km)

Total distance: 5977 m
Max elevation: 172 m
Min elevation: 22 m
Total climbing: 297 m
Total descent: -296 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Aldinga Beach, Christies Beach, McLaren Vale, Noarlunga Centre, O'Sullivan Beach, Old Noarlunga, Port Noarlunga, Reynella, Seaford, Willunga

Getting to the trailhead in Onkaparinga River National Park.

Getting to the Tatendi Circuit trailhead is straightforward. If you’re driving, simply navigate to Chapel Hill Winery in McLaren Vale, South Australia. There’s a designated carpark at the Chapel Hill Picnic Ground, located opposite the winery itself. This picnic area boasts amenities like toilets, BBQs, and a shelter, making it a convenient spot to gear up before your adventure.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Onkaparinga River National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - 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.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Let someone know

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

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Tatendi - Onkaparinga Gorge Circuit Hike (6km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Tatendi - onkaparinga gorge circuit hike (6km)

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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

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Walk map and GPX file

Tatendi - Onkaparinga Gorge Circuit Hike (6km)