Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore a slice of the Heysen Trail with a moderate 14km hike to the summit of Mount Remarkable, starting from the main street of Melrose. This trail offers a gentle climb, intriguing remnants of a 1980s plane crash and the chance to conquer a summit. With an anticipated second trail opening, hikers can enjoy a loop walk, offering fresh perspectives on the return journey. Perfect for bushwalkers seeking an engaging day out.

Length:

14km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 957m

Min elevation: 419m

Total Ascent: 915m

Start: The Monument

End: The Monument

Mount Remarkable National Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Melrose

From state capital: 267km

Latitude: -32.8232080832423

Longitude: 138.18432929667196

Overview

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7,637 views

Hike overview

Hike along some of the Heysen Trail up to the summit of Mount Remarkable. The trail is gently graded as it contours up to the summit.

You can start the trail from the main street of Melrose, walking up to the Monument on the bitumen road past the caravan park. When walking across the scree slopes watch out for the remnants of a small plane that crashed here in 1980.

During 2016 a new second option trail was constructed, which is anticipated to be open in late 2016. The trail begins 1km from the Monument Trailhead, and takes a newly constructed alternate 6.3km route from the new junction to the summit (compared to the existing trail which meanders up to the summit over 5.4km from that new junction). The new trail will allow people to walk to the summit as loop, heading up one trail and returning via the other.

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
Mount Remarkable Summit Hike (14km)

Total distance: 14085 m
Max elevation: 957 m
Min elevation: 419 m
Total climbing: 915 m
Total descent: -915 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 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.

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
Mount Remarkable Summit Hike (14km)

6 Reviews on “Mount Remarkable Summit Hike (14km)”

Overall rating

Trail Hiking Australia

How remarkable!!

18/07/2024, 21:43

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Steve Crocker

this was a great walk. Several areas of loose scree but decent sized rock and quite secure under foot. The hike is always going up but the slope is gentle for the most part and the last kilometre (ie north path) is an easy walk through bushland with no drop offs on either side.
At the top there are benches to picnic and rest on and there are some distant views of Spencer’s gulf through the trees in places, but it is the overall beauty of the walk and the views from the path that are standouts.
I went on a 19C sunny day and found the going easy enough but energising. I’m a fit hiker but I am 70 – so younger hikers should be able to match my 1hr 30 minutes each way with the monument as starting point

29/08/2023, 21:54

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Fantastic, sounds like a fun day out. I think you have set the challenge for all those young ones.
  
  02/09/2023, 11:56
  
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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

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
Mount Remarkable Summit Hike (14km)