Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the rugged beauty of the Onkaparinga Gorge Hike, a challenging 17km trail in Onkaparinga River National Park, south of Adelaide. This Grade 5 trail takes seasoned bushwalkers through towering cliffs, serene waterholes, and ancient river red gums, demanding strong navigational skills. Best tackled in summer when water levels are low, this remote adventure offers an enjoyable journey through unmarked paths and river crossings.

Length:

17km

Duration:

1-2 days

Grade:

Style:

One way

Max elevation: 130m

Min elevation: 5m

Total Ascent: 549m

Start: Baker Gully Track

End: Church Hill Rd

Onkaparinga River National Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Clarendon

From state capital: 29.5km

Latitude: -35.13967771108706

Longitude: 138.60640168369122

Overview

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Important info

WARNING: The Onkaparinga Gorge is a demanding Grade 5 hike requiring a full day or overnight commitment. This is an unmarked route with no designated trail. Strong navigational skills, a GPS device, and PLB are essential for completing this adventure. Only experienced bushwalkers should attempt this hike.

Hike overview

Onkaparinga Gorge Hike: A Challenging Adventure for Experienced Bushwalkers. The Onkaparinga Gorge Hike is a demanding, full day or overnight adventure designed for experienced bushwalkers. This 17km, grade 5 hike traverses the entirety of Onkaparinga River National Park, a short drive south of Adelaide, following the Onkaparinga River from east to west.

Be prepared for a remote and rugged experience. The hike primarily follows the riverbed itself, with no formed or maintained paths. You'll navigate towering cliffs, serene waterholes, and ancient river red gums, encountering obstacles, water crossings, and sections without established trails. Strong navigational skills and route-finding abilities are crucial for completing this challenging trek.

Importantly, this hike is only recommended during the summer months when the water levels are low. High water can render the route inaccessible and dangerous due to difficult or impossible river crossings.

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Walk map and GPX file
Onkaparinga Gorge Hike (17km)

Total distance: 16275 m
Max elevation: 130 m
Min elevation: 5 m
Total climbing: 549 m
Total descent: -643 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Onkaparinga River National Park.

While Onkaparinga River National Park itself sits roughly 35 kilometres south of Adelaide, the Onkaparinga Gorge Hike begins at a more specific location: Baker Gully Track. To reach this trailhead, you can drive. Head south on Main South Road until you see signs for Hackham. Take the exit and follow the signs to Onkaparinga River National Park. From there, follow Piggott Range Road until you reach the designated carpark for Baker Gully Track. Public transport isn’t available directly to the trailhead, so a car is the most convenient option.

Get there with Google Maps

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

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 walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Onkaparinga River 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
Onkaparinga Gorge Hike (17km)

9 Reviews on “Onkaparinga Gorge Hike (17km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

Just received this comment so thought I would share it here: Trail is completely missing. Had to bail out halfway. Go on this hike if you wanna kiss snakes on all fours for 8+ h, or swim the entire way.

05/07/2024, 17:43

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Alicja Alice

and also one of the most spectacular ones

24/03/2022, 05:24

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1. Sascha Hovens
  
  Emma Mickle add it to the list
  
  24/03/2022, 05:24
  
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2. Sascha Hovens
  
  Emma Mickle nahh you’re my fav
  
  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

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

Important info

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Onkaparinga Gorge Hike (17km)