Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Set in South Australia's Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, the Sturt Gorge River Trail Circuit is a 7.1km loop trail starting and ending at Edgar Street Carpark. A short drive from Bedford Park, and just 13.4km from Adelaide, this challenging Grade 4 trail takes you through the park's lower western section, with river crossings, a Kaurna camp oven and stunning Adelaide Plains views. With steep inclines and challenging sections, it's perfect for seasoned bushwalkers and mountain bikers looking for a robust workout within a striking natural setting.

Length:

7.1km

Duration:

3.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 174m

Min elevation: 62m

Total Ascent: 276m

Start: Edgar Street Carpark

End: Edgar Street Carpark

Sturt Gorge Recreation Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Bedford Park

From state capital: 13.4km

Latitude: -35.028911374180694

Longitude: 138.5671100708614

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Hike overview

Explore the rugged beauty of the Sturt Gorge with the Sturt Gorge River Trail Circuit. This 7.1-kilometre loop trail, classified as moderately challenging (grade 4), offers an adventurous journey through the park's lower western section and takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete.

The trail follows the course of the Sturt River along the River Trail, presenting several river crossings along the way. A unique highlight is a Kaurna camp oven nestled within a small cliffside cave. The path then ascends out of the gorge via the Lomandra Trail, rewarding you with scenic views across the Adelaide Plains. Your descent leads you back into the gorge through the Spring Creek Trail, completing the loop.

This adventurous route winds through the Sturt River valley, showcasing the gorge's natural beauty. While the trail can connect Horner's Bridge with Adam's Orchard Trail, ultimately leading to Main South Road and beyond, remember that some sections are designated for walking only. Be aware that the path includes steep inclines and particularly challenging sections - keep an eye out for warning markers. Due to the physical demands of the trail, bushwalking or mountain biking experience and a moderate level of fitness are recommended.

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

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Sturt Gorge River Trail Circuit Hike (7.1km)

Total distance: 7175 m
Max elevation: 174 m
Min elevation: 62 m
Total climbing: 276 m
Total descent: -275 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Sturt Gorge Recreation Park.

Easily accessible by car, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park lies approximately 13 kilometres south of Adelaide. While vehicle access is restricted within the park itself, numerous pedestrian entry points provide convenient access. These entry points are scattered around the park’s perimeter, offering various starting points for your exploration. For instance, you can enter from Broadmeadow Drive, Black Road, or Bonneyview Road in Flagstaff Hill; The Boulevard in Bellevue Heights; or Craigburn Road in Craigburn Farm. Plan your route based on the area you’d like to explore first, and lace up your walking shoes to discover the wonders of Sturt Gorge Recreation Park.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Explore the ancient wonders and natural beauty of Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. Internationally recognized for its geological significance, the park boasts the nationally threatened greybox grassy woodland vegetation, once widespread across southern Australia. A geological marvel, the park is also home to sturt tillite, a rock formation believed to be 800 million years old, formed from glacial material left behind by a prehistoric ocean.

The recent addition of Craigburn Farm has significantly expanded the park's area. Transformed into a major revegetation site, it now offers a haven for mountain bikers and hikers. Explore a network of well-maintained trails, encountering the park's oldest rock formations amidst flourishing grasslands and open woodlands.

Cycling enthusiasts can choose between designated mountain bike trails or explore the park's public access roads. Hikers can traverse the park's scenic slopes and shrublands, keeping an eye out for the diverse native fauna that frequent the waterholes lining the Sturt River.

For an optimal experience, consider visiting during autumn or spring. While summer offers warm weather, it can also be hot and dry. However, if you visit after a period of heavy rain, you might be rewarded with a vibrant display of wildflowers and the delightful sounds of frogs in the flowing creeks.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

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

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

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

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.

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Sturt Gorge River Trail Circuit Hike (7.1km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Sturt gorge river trail circuit hike (7. 1km)

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

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Sturt Gorge River Trail Circuit Hike (7.1km)