Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the challenging and diverse Mambray Creek Alligator Gorge Circuit in Mount Remarkable National Park, a 14km, Grade 5 hike perfect for seasoned bushwalkers. This one-way 5-hour journey weaves through river red gum forests and native pine woodlands, offering a chance to marvel at the Hidden Gorge and The Battery. Start at the Mambray Creek Campground and finish at Alligator Gorge, but remember to plan your route, check the weather, and pack essentials for a safe and enjoyable trek.

Length:

14km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Mambray Creek Campground

End: Bluegum Flat Carpark

Mount Remarkable National Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Wilmington

From state capital: 301km

Latitude: -32.838270198335636

Longitude: 138.04133802993306

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Hike overview

Challenge yourself on the Mambray Creek Alligator Gorge Circuit, a demanding 14km hike for experienced hikers. This 5-hour adventure immerses you in the beauty of Mount Remarkable National Park.

Follow the course of Mambray and Alligator Creeks, exploring the diverse landscapes of river red gum forests and native pine woodlands. The hike offers flexibility: choose a challenging one-way 14km hike for a long day, or extend your experience into a multi-day adventure by camping at designated campsites along the route.

Break up your journey and explore further. Consider venturing off the main trail to discover Hidden Gorge and The Battery. For a truly epic challenge, take on the Black Range.

You can choose to start at Mambray Creek Campground and finish at Alligator Gorge, or vice versa. Plan your route carefully, check weather conditions before you go, and pack plenty of water and supplies for the distance you choose to cover.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

Tips

Dogs are not permitted in this park.
The park is also closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Mambray Creek Alligator Gorge Circuit Hike (14km)

Total distance: 13794 m
Max elevation: 0 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 0 m
Total descent: 0 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Mount Remarkable National Park.

The park is located 45km north of Port Pirie. Access is from National Highway One via Mambray Creek. You can also reach Alligator Gorge via a scenic but sometimes challenging drive starting 1km south of Wilmington on Main North Road. This road is very steep and unsuitable for caravans, camper trailers, and buses. Alternatively, walk into the park from the adjacent town of Melrose, nestled at the foot of Mount Remarkable.

Please note: There are no public roads that pass through Mount Remarkable National Park. Horrocks Pass and Port Germein Gorge are the nearest public roads to the park for crossing the Flinders Ranges east to west.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Booleroo Centre, Gladstone, Hawker, Laura, Melrose, Port Germain, Port Germein, Quorn, Stirling North, Wilmington, Wirrabara

About the region

Within easy reach of Adelaide, Mount Remarkable National Park is an ideal place for a family getaway. There's plenty of diverse wildlife to spot, and campgrounds with good facilities make it a comfortable base for exploring.

The park is a popular destination for bushwalking, with trails for all ages and abilities. Hike to the 960-meter summit of Mount Remarkable for incredible views overlooking the Willochra Plain and Spencer Gulf.

The Willowie area offers a network of mountain biking and walking trails that meander through the foothills of the Mount Remarkable Range. Choose from short and longer trails of varying difficulty. These trails wind through the native forest and peaceful woodlands, echoing with bird calls and crossing numerous water courses. Keep an eye out for historical reminders like old farm buildings and equipment scattered throughout the trails.

The mild temperatures from April to October are the most comfortable for walking and enjoying the park's spectacular wildflowers. Summers are warm to hot with little rain, so take plenty of water if you choose to hike during those months.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Mount Remarkable National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

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

Reviews
Mambray Creek Alligator Gorge Circuit Hike (14km)

10 Reviews on “Mambray Creek Alligator Gorge Circuit Hike (14km)”

Overall rating

Alicja Alice

Alligator gorge is A M A Z I N G!!!

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Monique Tukana

Grace Capasso Keren Dugdell surprised we didn’t find this while we were lost ?

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Noeline Overall

Hidden gorge within there is a 17 km circuit, awesome hike!

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Jeeves Jayatilleke

What makes this a grade 5 hike?

24/03/2022, 05:24

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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

Mambray creek alligator gorge circuit hike (14km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Mambray Creek Alligator Gorge Circuit Hike (14km)