Grade 4

Upper Sturt Gorge River Circuit Hike (7.6km)

Sturt Gorge Recreation Park

South Australia

7.6km

3.5 hrs

Grade 4

Circuit

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the offbeat charm of South Australia's nature with the Upper Sturt Gorge River Circuit. This 7.6km, grade 4 trail, nestled in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, offers a hard-yet-rewarding 3.5-hour walk from Broadmeadow Drive (Gate 12) to the same spot. Close to Flagstaff Hill and just 18.9km from Adelaide, the circuit promises an adrenaline-fuelled journey with multiple river crossings and rock scrambling sections. Be prepared for a possible rise in river levels after heavy rainfalls. Recommended for experienced hikers, it's an unforgettable chance to discover the heart of South Australia's unique bushland.

Max elevation: 192m

Min elevation: 94m

Total Ascent: 276m

Hike overview



Content use


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.

Walk map and GPX file

Upper Sturt Gorge River Circuit Hike (7.6km)


Getting there


Getting to the trailhead: Sturt Gorge Recreation Park.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Aberfoyle Park, Bedford Park, Belair, Blackwood, Coromandel Valley, Eden Hills, Flagstaff Hill, Happy Valley, Marion, Sturt

About the region


Similar walks nearby


Looking for more walks in or near Sturt Gorge Recreation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Grade 4
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Grade 4

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

Suggest an edit


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.

Acknowledgement of Country

Upper sturt gorge river circuit hike (7. 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.

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