Best trails in Onkaparinga River National Park

This easy-to-moderate hike links together the Sundews trail network with the Punchbowl Lookout network. The path follows the cliff tops above the Onkaparinga River all the way to the Punchbowl Lookout. The views over the gorge and the rocky outcrops lining the river are stunning, especially at sunrise and sunset. As with most of the park, you'll likely spot some wildlife along the way. The return near the road is along a fire trail which is wide and compact gravel, the rest of the trail is...

Gazing out over the rugged cliffs of the Onkaparinga Gorge, this circuit offers a poetic journey through one of Southern Adelaide’s most significant natural corridors. You’ll begin with the Nature Trail, winding through a gentle box woodland where the breeze often carries the scent of golden wattle. The journey then transitions into the Echidna Hike, which offers a touch of history as it passes the stone ruins of 1880s cottages—remnants of the area's past as pastoral farmland. A short...

This return walk brings you to one of the main attractions of Onkaparinga River National Park: The Punchbowl. The path the lookout is wide, packed gravel and suitable for prams. Beyond the lookout the trail becomes more technical and steeply descends to the river and the Punchbowl Water Hole. Make sure you have good footwear to avoid slipping on the descent, especially when wet. There is a lot of wildlife within the park that you could see on this walk, like echidnas, kangaroos, goats, and...

Spectacular views of the Onkaparinga Gorge and a solid chance to spot local wildlife make this loop a standout choice south of Adelaide. Beginning near the main facilities, the track leads you first to the Sundews Lookout, offering a brilliant vantage point over the rocky outcrops and the river winding far below. Unlike some of the deeper gorge hikes, this route sticks primarily to the ridge tops, meaning you get the sweeping vistas without the gruelling descent all the way to the water. The...

Rolling hills and ancient river gums define this immersive journey through the heart of McLaren Vale’s rugged backcountry. Starting on the southern side of the gorge, the path begins with a gentle wander through some of the region's most pristine native vegetation. As you move along the ridgeline, you are treated to expansive views over the deep sandstone cliffs before the track takes a more technical turn, descending toward the tranquil banks of the Onkaparinga River. Down in the gorge, the...

Take a cruisy stroll along the Echidna Hike, one of the more gentle trails in Onkaparinga River National Park. This lovely walk meanders through the bush over rolling hills, making it a great option for a casual day out. The track gives you a wonderful sense of being immersed in nature, especially in the sections that are a little bit overgrown. Don’t expect a major rock scramble; the path is only slightly rocky in spots, so you can focus on the peaceful surroundings and look for wildlife....

This longer loop covers a large area of the Eastern section of Onkaparinga River National Park just south of Adelaide. From the main Sundews car park head out on the Nature Hike and continue the extension by taking the left trails at junctions. You'll complete the Echidna Hike (with seasonal waterfall detour) and then connect to Bakers Gully Firetrail. You'll need to do some off-trail bush bashing along the park boundary on the south side to connect again to the Bronzewing Track which...

Breathtaking gorge views and an adventurous riverside scramble define this high-value loop through Onkaparinga River National Park. By linking the Onkaparinga Gorge and Sundews Ridge tracks, this route offers a diverse experience that transitions from sweeping cliff-top lookouts to the rugged heart of the river valley. The journey begins with a visit to Sundews Lookout, where you can soak in the scale of the gorge before tackling the descent. Be prepared for a challenge; the path down to the...

From historical ruins to sweeping gorge views, this loop in the eastern section of Onkaparinga River National Park packs a lot of variety into a short distance. The trail winds through woodlands of Pink Gum and Grey Box, where you might spot Western Grey Kangaroos grazing or a koala dozing high in the branches. If you are lucky, you may even encounter the trail's namesake shuffling through the undergrowth, particularly near dusk. While often considered a family-friendly stroll, be prepared...

This track offers some of the most spectacular gorge views in South Australia. The path takes you to two amazing lookouts, Sundews and Punchbowl, where you can gaze down at the 30-metre-high cliffs and the permanent waterhole in the river below. This bushwalk lives up to its name, as it's one of the best places near Adelaide to see echidnas. You will also likely spot western grey kangaroos and koalas in the grey box and red gum woodlands. In spring, the park is also known for its beautiful...