Circumnavigation Adelaide

During our hikes in Adelaide we often noticed trails marked  with

Adelaide 100 sign.

Adelaide 100 is a loop trail developed by Walking SA, currently built and marked.

Inspired by it, our group leader Bernie developed an alternative which is different but has some similarities with The Adelaide 100.

Bernie’s circumnavigation trail mainly uses linear park and a combination trails in conservation parks. The walks will feature some soft linear park walks and even some suburban street and road walking.

The walk has 4 sections :

Circumnavigation Adelaide Day 1

Crafers to Duck Inn

Walk from Crafers via Cleland park, Waite, Belair park and Olave Hill Road to the Duck Inn. Total distance is 22 km.

Park the car at Duck Inn with the address, 393 Main Road, Coromandel Valley SA 5051.

Start the walk at Crafers, follow Main Street past Crafers Church of Epiphany, heading to Cleland Conservation Park. Walk a small distance on Birriee, than Mireen track to Measday Lookout.

Turn left to Tunnel track, along Mount Barker Road towards Brown Hill Creek. Continue on Yurrebilla track to Belair Conservation Park.

Circumnavigation Adelaide
Walking towards Brownhill Creek

In Belair, walk on Lodge Track, Echo Track, follow Minno Creek. Cross the Valley Drive, walk on Kaloola Track, then Warri Parri Ridge Track. Cross Upper Sturt Road and continue walking on Olave Hill Road.

Circumnavigation Adelaide
Belair Railway Dam

The last section is a combination of road walking. Turn Left to Turner Ave, Myrtle Road, right on Magarey Rd, left to Main Road to Duck Inn.

Circumnavigation Adelaide Day 2

Duck Inn to Lockleys Hotel

Walk from Duck Inn via Sturt River Trail / Linear Park, West Beach, Torrens Linear Park to the Lockleys Hotel for a total distance of 29 km.

 Park the car at Lockleys Hotel with the address 493 Henley Beach Rd, Fulham.

During this section, expect a variety of walking experiences. An easy and pleasant linear path walking, a few kilometres of challenging riverside walking, some difficult slopes, a few streets, some esplanade and some Torrens Linear Park.

Walk on Sturt River trail from Coromandel Valley to Horner’s Bridge.

Horner’s Bridge was built in 1866 and was the first bridge across the Sturt on the Adelaide to Goolwa Road.

The River trail follows Sturt River through Sturt Gorge to Riverside Reserve Bedford Park. There are 3 creek crossings which were challenging this rainy year due amount of water in the river. Do not cross the river if the water levels are high.

Circumnavigation Adelaide
Sturt River

 Along the river, red gums, spiny flat sedge provide food shelter for birds, frogs, butterflies.

After crossing Main South Road, Southern Express Way through the underpass, to Sturt road continue to walk on Sturt River Linear Park.

Circumnavigation Adelaide
Southern Express Way Underpass

Warriparinga or Sturt River Linear Park is a shared trail between South Road and Anzac Highway.

The Kaurna people have leaved in the Marion area for thousands of years.  The name comes from Sturt River which named Warripari by Kaurna people.

The walk meanders through playgrounds and historic sites. One historic site acknowledges that on 28 December 1836, the colony of South Australia was proclaimed and established by Captain John Hindmarsh RN.

Circumnavigation Adelaide Day 3

Lockleys to Rezz

Walk from Lockleys Hotel via Torrens Linear Park to The Rezz Hotel for 27Km.

Park car at the Rezz Hotel with the address, 20 Hamilton Terrace, Newton 

This walk is almost entirely along the Torrens Linear Park.

River Torrens was known to Kaurna people as Karrawirra Parri which means Red Gum Forest River.

River Torrens, lined with River Red Gums and reed beds is 85 km long and flows from Mt. Lofty Ranges near Mt. Pleasant to the sea at West Beach.

Torrens Lake is located in the heart of Adelaide and was created in 1881 with the construction of Torrens Weir. The walking trail was completed in 1997.

Off the trail you can visit Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and Festival Theatre, Adelaide Convention Centre.

Circumnavigation Adelaide
Park Adelaide city

From 1920, The South Australians enjoyed swimming at “Macks”, the pool at the bend in the Torrens at Gilberton. In 1970 the pool was closed due to pollution. Today you can still see the steps that lead down to the remnants of the old pool. A notice board displays information regarding the old pool “macks”

Exit from Torrens River trail on Silkes Road. Then walk on Reservoir Road, enter Thordon Park walk on the trail around Thordon Park Reservoir. Exit the park at Hamilton Terrace to reach The Rezz.

Circumnavigation Adelaide
Thordon Park Water Tower

Circumnavigation Adelaide Day 4

The Rezz to Crafers

Walk from Rezz to Morialta, then Yurrebilla trail to Clelend and to Crafers for a total distance of 27Km.

Park at the Crafers Hotel, 8 Main St, Crafers 

This walk is the most challenging of the 4 sections, with considerable vertical gain and some rough terrain to negotiate.

From where you left previous walk, Hamilton Terrace the Rez, head towards Morialta Conservation Park following a myriad of streets. Turn left on Gorge Road, right on Manresa Ct., right on Maryvale Road, cross Montacute road, turn right on Orbona st. and left to Cartlyne road.

Circumnavigation Adelaide
Rhinos

Walk in Morialta Park on Moores track, Third Fall track, and Colonial drive to Norton Summit.

Circumnavigation Adelaide
View from Colonial drive

After some road walking on Lobethal road, enter Giles Conservation Park, and follow Ridge track, Yurebilla trail to Greenhill road, entering in Cleland via Yereng track.

Circumnavigation Adelaide
Carminow House and Tower

Walk on Wine Shanty track, Nilee track, turn right to continue on Mt. Lofty road, than Warre track, Heysen trail to Reynolds drive. Exit the park via Summer Hill Drive. Walk along Mount Lofty Summit road, Cox creek road to reach Crafers main road.

All up about 27K of walking and expect 7- 8 hours.

Celebrate completing your Adelaide circumnavigation at Crafers Hotel.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges Walks

The post describes walks in remote Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges, which are situated in Northern Flinders Ranges.

The Gammon Ranges have been shaped by geological processes over hundred millions of years. There is plenty interest for geologists and bushwalkers, due to its rugged, arid, ancient area of a stunning beauty.

The walks vary from scrambling over boulders in creek beds, climbing Mt. Warren Hastings for panoramic views, walking through dramatic rock formations and beautiful gorges. You will encounter springs, waterholes, old mines and huts, numerous sites of geological significance.

Even this area is more arid, there is abundant vegetation, from giant river red gums, Acacia species, Eremophila, Australian hop bush, Curlee Mallee and Sturt desert pea.

Yellow footed rock wallabies, Kangaroos, Bearded Dragon, Wrens have been spotted on our tracks.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Bearded Dragon

The local Aboriginal people are Adnyamathanha, who currently live at Nepabunna. The aboriginal name for Gammon Ranges is Arkaroo, the name of legendary snake.

Access

We set camp at Balcanoona Shearers’ Quarters, which is 700 km north of Adelaide. You can reach Balcanoona from Copley (110km to the west) or Blinman (135km). The road from Blinman to Balcanoona was in better condition and more scenic.

Fuel is available at Hawker, Copley, Leigh Creek or Arkaroola. Arkaroola is 33 km from Balcanoona to the north.

Balcanoona Shearers’ quarters is a large stone building adjacent to park headquarters, basic but comfortable. It has 8 rooms with 4 x queen size beds and 4x 2 beds. You need to bring sleeping equipment. There is another room which is the Managers Quarters.

Facilities are 4 toilets and showers, large well equipped kitchen, large common room, electricity, laundry with washing machine, barbeque area.

There is no mobile phone or email coverage at Balcanoona. There is a free public phone.

Information about Balcanoona Shearers’ Quarters can be found at:https://flindersandoutback.com.au/listings/accommodation/balcanoona-shearers-quarters/

The post describes 7 walks which have been done during our stay. Leaflets with the map and description of the walk can be found at Balcanoona, Arkaroola and at the trailhead of the walk. The walks are well signed and described.

Italowie Hike

Italowie is Adnyamathanha Aboriginal word meaning “water in the hole”.

From the Italowie Gap Trailhead, the walk follows Italowie creek, through the tillite walls of the Balcanoona Range. Walking over the dry creek bed lined with red gums and tea trees, crossing the creek few times you reach the junction with Mt. McKinley springs track. Turn left to walk to beautiful Italowie Gorge. Upstream you find a pool at the bottom of dramatic steep Gorge, which can’t be traversed.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Waterhole Italowie Gorge

Return few hundred meters and go around the hill to explore the gorge from the opposite site.

During the walk you pass sites of geological significance, Paralana Fault, Bolla Bollana Tillite,Three Formations of dolomite, dark tillite and quartzite, Ironstone.

In this area, during 1930s Depression, RM Williams set up camp and made leather saddles and boots for pastoralists. His business is famous now throughout the world.

Oppaminda-Nudlamutana Hike

The walk starts at Arkaroola Village Trailhead. Follow the road past the campground. Reaching checkpoint N2, continue on Oppaminda Trail. The track is cut through Skillogalee Dolomite and runs along the boundary between, Arkaroola and Gammon Ranges.

Reaching checkpoint N3 near the fence, which dates since Arkaroola boundary was fixed, turn right. You head now to Mount Warren Hastings summit N5, which provides 360 degrees views over the Gammon Ranges.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
View from Mt. Warren Hastings

Head to checkpoint N4 which is below to summit, follow the trail down to the junction with Oodnaminta-Nudlamutana track, unused vehicle track. The walk will be tedious up and down the track. After passing Nudlamutana Hut, a solid stone structure, you will reach the junction with Arkaroola Road.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Nudlamutana Hut

Veer right to heat to Munyallina trailhead the end of walk. On this last section look for the site of the closed Wooltana bat cave, from where the solidified bats droppings guano, was mined to be used as fertiliser.

This is a linear track of 15.2 km with an elevation of 263 m. You need cars at each trail head.

Weetootla Hike

Weetootla Camp trailhead is 7.1 km from Balcanoona. Most of walking will be near creek banks of Balcanoona Creek. Weetootla Gorge cuts through Balcanoona Range compose of tillite. Dark red cliffs and tillite boulders are well displayed at Hells Gate.

At junction of Balcanoona and Wortupa creek, checkpoint B2 turn right following Wortupa Creek to checkpoint M1 near Weetootla Spring.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Weetootla Spring

Continue on the Monarch Mine trail, which takes you through steep hill past the old mine, checkpoint M3.

The Monarch Mine operated from 1906 to 1908 when 12 tons of copper ore were extracted. The walk continues downhill to the junction of Balcanoona Creek to Grindell Hut road, checkpoint B5.

Take a short detour to Grindell Hut to find the sad story that is haunting the old hut which is behind the new Grindell Hut.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Walking towards Grindell Hut
Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Old Grindell Hut

The one room stone hut was the home of John Grindell. John Grindell in 1918,wrongly suspected that his son- in -low, George Snell, stole his cattle. He shot George and cremated his body. John’s crime was discovered and was convicted of murder.

Return to checkpoint B5, follow the track to checkpoint B2 to close the circuit. Return on the same route to Weetootla trailhead.

Loch Ness Well to Bunyip Chiasm Hike

This is a spectacular walk in Gammon Ranges. Drive from Grindle Hut to Loch Ness Well from where you start the walk. From Loch Ness Well walk along the creek. After 1 km you arrive to a fork in the creek, take the west one the smaller from both two. After 2 km from the Well, the creek enters a gorge and the scenery becomes spectacular.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Loch Ness Creek

After another 2 km. you reach a narrow chiasm which is the entry to a grander section to the Bunyip Chiasm. The entry has a conveniently placed log to aid climbing to enter through the narrow chiasm.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Loch Ness entry to the Bunyip Chiasm

Due to wet weather, we did not climb over the slippery log, but we admired the great sight, where the chiasm narrows right down and disappears in the distance.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Loch Ness Gorge

Acacia Ridge Hike

Acacia Ridge is of Blue Mine Conglomerate, one of the oldest sediments of the Adelaide Geosyncline. The ridge walk provides you with panoramic views as far as Lake Frome. Also on display are seven species of Acacia, delicate pink flowered Fringe-myrtle and Green Fuchsia bush.

The walk as described in leaflet, is 5.6 km along the ridge starting at Arkaroola Station Trailhead CP A2 to Arkaroola Village trailhead A1. From checkpoint A3 there is a short walk of 200 m to the summit.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Fascinating ochre rocks of Gammon Ranges

The recorded GPS track shows a loop walk of 12 km. I do not advise to walk the loop as there is an unmarked section through the bush, where you can easily get lost if you don’t know the direction you are going.

The best way is to arrange a lift through Arkaroola management to be dropped at the Arkaroola Station trailhead A2

Bararrana Hike

The 13 km walk was done clockwise and does not follow strictly the walk described in leaflet. This walk had an abundant display of beautiful Sturt Desert Pea.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Patches of Sturt Desert Pea on Bararrana walk

You can start the walk at Welcome Mine trailhead and car park. At Welcome mine was extracted high grade copper ore in 1860 which was send to Port Augusta and than shipped in Wales.

The walk follows an old vehicle track, enters a little gorge at checkpoint B6, creek crossing. After rain Bararrana Waterhole extends to this point.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Walking on Bararrana Gorge

Follow along Arkaroola creek to reach Stubbs Waterhole.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Stubbs Waterhole

Stubbs Waterhole, with the still water reflects the green foliage of gum trees and blue sky. Notice the quartzite erratics, large water rounded pebbles, in the tillite rock walls. Return via Welcome pound to the Welcome mine.

Mawson-Spriggina Hike

Mawson-Spriggina is a 8 Km circuit that starts at Arkaroola Village.

Passing the motel units, following the trail markers, the walk heads west along Mawson Valley. Soon you will reach the first geosite, rocks of the Oppaminda Formation with dolomitic soil. Curlee Mallee eucalyptus will grow here, in the soft dolomitic soil.

Geosite 2 Wortupa Quartzite is close to geosite 3 Blue Mine Conglomerate. The walk is above creek for most part. The plug pegmatite, granitic rock Sitting Bull, can be seen in the distance. The name was given by geologist and explorer Douglas Mawson.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
Sitting Bull

Soon you will approach The Pinnacles, another granitic intrusion formation.

Geosite 5 Breccia surrounding The Pinnacles and Geosite 6 is Skillogallee Dolomite with shiny marble.

The track continues uphill with views from the ridge down into a valley floor of a landscape model of Spriggina, with fossilised segmented flatworms.

At start of the Spriggina Ridge, there are two astronomical observatories domes. Arkaroola skies are exceptionally dark due to its distance from any town and lack of pollution. You can book a tour in the village.

Continue downhill cross the camp ground and follow the main road to the village

Griselda Hill Hike

Griselda Hill is situated a few hundred meters from Arkaroola Village. The hill was named after the second wife of Reg Sprigg. The family bought the pastoral lease of Arkaroola with 7000 sheep.

The trail begins in Arkaroola village out of front of the Mining Museum. Follow Arkaroola Road and turn right onto a rocky dirt track. It is a steep climb with a rocky scramble to the top, where you are rewarded with 360 degrees views.

The track is 1.3 km with 100 meters ascent and takes about 1.5 hours.

Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges walks
View of Arkaroola village from Griselda Hill

Other walks in Flinders are described at : https://aussietrailwalker.com/walks-from-quorn/

MOUNT BULLER WALKS

Modern ski resort in winter, Mount Buller does not lose its beauty in summer with carpets of wild flowers, refreshing mountain streams, fern gullies and alpine panoramas.

The post describes 6 walks in Mount Buller and Mount Stirling.

Mount Buller and Mount Little Buller

The first walk was to Mount Little Buller and Mount Buller .

 Mount Buller (1805 elevation) was named by explorer and surveyor Major Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell after Charles Buller, an acquaintance in the Colonial Office. The Aboriginal name for the mountain is Bulla Bulla meaning “good” (Blake, Les 1977. Place names of Victoria. Adelaide: Rigby. pp.182, 50.

At the Mount Buller summit we were spoiled with 360 degrees vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Walk Description

The walk is a mixture of tracks, including some ski runs. From Stirling Road, turn left on the Village Circuit, walk down the Canyon Rope Tow, Standard Road, down on Bull Run to Bull Run Skiosk.

Mount Buller Walks
Bull Run Canteen
Mount Buller Walks
On Little Buller Spur Trail

From here continue on Whiskey Creek Trail to the junction with Little Buller Spur Trail. Continue on Little Buller Spur trail to reach Little Buller summit after a steep rocky climb. Retrace your steps back to the junction with Whiskey Creek Trail. Continue uphill along Wombat run or Little Buller Spur Trail, to Summit nature walk, pass the Ski Patrol. A steep detour to the summit for sweeping views from 1805 at the firewatch hut. From the summit stroll down to the village along Summit Nature walk and Athletes walk.

Mount Buller Walks
Mount Buller Summit

Total distance 10 km with an ascent of 458 meters.

Delatite River and Klingsporn Bridle Track

Next walk was a combination of two tracks, Delatite River Trail and Klingsporn Bridle Track to Mount Buller village. The walk started from Mount Buller Road on Plough Shed Track to reach Delatite river trail. We followed the beautiful scenic walk along the Delatite River with cool, ferny glades and 14 log crossings over the river. This was followed by heading up on the narrow trail Klingsporn Bridle Track to Mount Buller Village. Reaching the Picnic Ground at Mirimbah, cross Mount Buller Road to Loch Street. Start ascending from the trailhead of 8.65 km Klingsporn Bridle Track to Mount Buller village. The historic trail was cut in 1913 to provide summer access for the sheep to Mount Buller grassy slopes.

Total distance was 7.5 km with an ascent of 1035 meters.

Mount Buller Walks
Log Crossing over Delatite River

Howqua River

The longest day was 24 km walk along Howqua River. The walk began at Seven Mile Flat, than Eight Mile Flat, following the High Track to Ritchie’s Hut. Ritchie’s Hut was built in 1947 by Bob Ritchie and Fred Fry for fishing. During the Great Divide Fire in 2006-2007, the hut was destroyed. Volunteers from Victoria High Country Hut Association with help from other groups rebuilt the hut in 2008-2009. Ritchie’s Hut was featured in the television series ” A River Somewhere”.

Mount Buller Walks
Ritchie’s Hut

We continued our walk to Pikes Flat where we had lunch. We retraced our steps back to Ritchies Hut and to the High-Low Junction.

Following the Low Track after 12 invigorating river crossings, we returned to Seven Mile Flat. Despite encountering 4 snakes, we fell in love with this walk, the splendour of the Howqua River, with its impressive bends and clear cooling water.

Total distance of the walk 24 km with an ascent of 682 meters.

Mount Stirling

Mount Stirling Circuit

The walk took us from tall, tranquil forests, through the gnarled snow gums and alpine huts. Among the abundance of wild flora, we encountered varieties of daisies, blue bells, everlastings, rice flower shrubs and hyacinth orchids.

Gang- Gang cockatoo could be heard in the forests and swifts were catching insects in their flights above us. From Mount Stirling summit we took a short walk to see the toughest tree in Australia. The snow gum is more than 300 years old and sits solitary at 1725 meters, well above the tree line.

Mount Buller Walks
Mount Stirling Summit
Mount Buller Walks
The Toughest Australian Tree

Walk Description

The walk starts at Telephone Junction Box, Chairmans Ridge Trail, turning right on Upper Baldy Trail. Turn right at Fork Creek Trail. After few hundred meters continue on Wombat Drop to reach Stirling Trail. Passing King Spur Hut, you can enjoy views of Mount Cobbler in the East framed by snow gums. Continue on the Stirling trail to GGS hut.

Turn right on Howqua Gap and soon you arrive at Mount Stirling Summit to enjoy the stunning views over the High Country. Short walk from here to the toughest tree in Australia. Continue on Howqua Gap Trail, turn right on Bluff Spur trail. Soon you reach Bluff Spur Memorial Hut. Return via Bluff Spur trail and Baldy Loop, Circuit Road to Telephone Box Junction. Total distance is 12.26 km with an ascent of 456 meters.

Mount Stirling and Mount Winstanley

This is a longer circuit that includes Mount Stirling and Mount Winstanley summit.

From Telephone Junction Box we went in reverse to Mount Stirling Summit, Circuit Road, Baldy Loop, Bluff Spur Trail, Stirling Trail to Cricket Pitch Shelter. continue on Stirling Trail, King Saddle, Hut Loop to Razorback Hut. Take Razorback Trail to Mount Winstanley. To summit Mount Winstanley the track is overgrown up to the waist. Is best to return via Number 3 Road to return to Razorback Hut and Hut Trail to Telephone Box Junction.

Total distance was 20 km with ascend of 740 meters. It will be much longer if you follow Number 3 road.

West Ridge Track

This is a scenic, exciting ridge walk to Mount Buller. From Doughty Road the West Ridge Track ascends to the summit of Mt. Buller. You have a lot of uphill to do, 900 meters to reach the summit, over a rugged terrain involving rock scrambling and loose scree.

Mount Buller Walks
Walking on steep West Ridge Trail

The trail climbs to a grassy spur which twists its way up through snowgums to the top of Round Hill. As you gain height the trail becomes rocky with the final section steeply to the top.

Mount Buller Walks
Rock Scrambling on West Ridge trail

Reaching the summit you enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

The walk continued to Mt. Buller village and Schuss Lodge.

For information on Mount Buller walks check https://www.mtbuller.com.au/Summer/activities/walk-hike

There are numerous popular walks in Victoria. One of my favorites are in Mount Grampians.

Mount Stapylton, Grampians National Park at https://aussietrailwalker.com/mount-stapylton/

Walks From Quorn

Quorn is the gateway to the southern Flinders Ranges. The post describes five walks from Quorn, Dutchman’s Stern, Devil’s Peak, Warren Gorge, Mount Brown and Alligator Gorge.

Quorn

Quorn gets its name from an English village in Leicestershire.

The town  was initially planned for grain growing. First colonists crops suffered from draughts.

Failing as a grain growing town and with discovery of copper further north, Quorn became a railway town.

Pichi Richi railway line opened in 1879 and run from Port Augusta to Quorn. The railway has been extended to Alice Spring in 1929 and became known as Central Australia Railway.

This was a 1241 km narrow gauge railway and the first train had 12 carriages and 60 first class and 60 second class passengers.

The service was prone to delays, caused by flash floods, damage to bridges or of the railway from the rain. The railway became less profitable and was closed in 1980.

The southern part of the line, between Port Augusta and Quorn was preserved by volunteers and is known now as Pichi Richi Tourist Railway. A journey on the Pichi Richi railway starts at Quorn Railway station every Saturday from Easter to the end of October.

Quorn is a great place to visit. The town remains with old pub, stone built mill, bakery and Pichi Richi railway.

Walking Trails from Quorn

Warren Gorge

Warren Gorge is a loop walk that takes you along the gorge, campground and Smoke-Oh Lookout. It is a beautiful walk to stretch your legs.

Warren Gorge Walk
Hikers on the Warren Gorge Trail

The walk is 5 km long and takes 2 hours.

You walk through the creek, flanked by majestic River Red gums, through rockery ground and on the ridge that offers great views.

The beautiful colored rocks capture the sunlight in the evening, creating a vibrant landscape.

The trail is marked with white circles on the trees.

Access

Warren Gorge is 21 km from Quorn on the Arden Vale Road. After 20 km turn left onto Warren Gorge Access.

There is a vehicle entry of 5 dollars.

Dutchman’s Stern

Dutchman's Stern
Dutchman’s Stern

The walk starts at the carpark. From the trail head, first walk over the paddocks and then follow the Dutchman’s Stern Hike which is a 10.6 km circuit. Total ascent is 416 meters and takes about 5 hours.

The trail meets Heysen trail at check points 4 and 2. Ensure that you stay on the Dutchman’s Stern Hike trail.

The summit offers spectacular views over the Spencer Golf and surrounding ranges.

Walks from Quorn
At Dutchman’s Stern summit

At the Dutchman’s Stern you notice 2 types of rocks displayed, the ridge with hard rock ABC range quartzite and softer Branchina siltstone on lower slopes.

In spring you will find along the way, lots of wild flowers, orchids, Sun orchids , native bush daisies, Garland Lily, Sugar gums, Golden wattle. Walking on the trail, you can see Kangaroos, birds, lizards, goats.

Access

You need to drive out of Quorn on the Arden Vale Road for 6.7 km. At the Dutchman’s Stern sign post, turn left and continue for 3km to car park. The trailhead is there.

Devil’s Peak

Devil's Peak
Sunrise over Devil’s Peak

Devil’s Peak is 697 meters high. The ancient rock is formed of pound of quartzite, approximate 700 million years ago.

The name was given to the Peak, as seen from Quorn it resembles the face of the Devil lying on back, looking towards the heaven.

The walk is 1.3 km long one way and takes 2 hours return. The trail gets steeper as you approach the peak and requires some rock scrambling.

There are 2 lookouts, one “nerve point” and the other on the left. Your efforts will be rewarded with a perfect panorama, 360 degrees view over the Flinders Ranges. From the summit you will see, Mount Brown towards south-east.  North in view are Elder Ranges and Wilpena pound and west Richi Pichi ghost town.

Walks from Quorn
Devil’s Peak Lookout

The colors of the Devil’s Peak and surrounding views at sunrise are of spellbound beauty, with hues of yellows, red sky, oranges, gold rocks and purple and green ranges.

What a wonderful and privileged experience.

Access

From corner West and South Terrace Quorn, drive on Richmans Valley Road for 2,7 km. Then, turn right on the dirt road heading South which ends in the car park after 6.1 km.

Mount Brown

Robert Brown, naturalist aboard Matthew Flinders’ Investigator led a party of 3 and summit Mount Brown on 10th March 1802.

Mount Brown summit hike

The walk starts at Olive Grove Trailhead. The walk was done clockwise and took 5 hours with a total distance of 15.5 km. Total ascent was 614 meters.

From Olive Grove Trailhead follow Mount Brown Summit hike which is well marked with yellow signs and checkpoints.

Mount Brown
Waukarie Falls

From checkpoint 1 near the Waukerie Falls start a gentle climb to reach checkpoint 6, ridge junction with great views over Willochra Plain. Continue on marked trail. At checkpoint 4 take the spur track to Mount Brown summit, which is 2 km return.

Mount Brown summit checkpoint 5, has a lookout erected in the honor of Robert Brown. The views from the summit are towards Mount Remarkable, Devil’s Peak, Dutchman’s Stern, and Horseshoe Range.

On the summit there is a solar powered radio station and a trigonometrical station.

Return to Checkpoint 4 and follow Heysen trail to return to the car park.

Access

Mount Brown is 14 km south of Quorn. At the Quorn Mill follow the signs to Richmond Valley and Waukarie Falls.

Alligator Gorge

Walks from Quorn
Alligator Gorge

On the way back to Adelaide is worth a visit to Alligator Gorge in Mount Remarkable Conservation park, a place of stunning beauty.

From car park, you walk on Alligator Gorge Road, turning left on Ring Route. You need to turn right on Alligator Gorge Trail.

Follow the creek which twists its way in the gorge.

Alligator Gorge
Reflection in the Gorge

The reddish brown quartzite walls, contrast with the green native pines and the gums.

Continue on the Terraces, which are platforms series of seabed. You can see ripples on the rock, 600 millions old in the shallow basin.

Leave the Terraces trail and continue on the Narrow Gorge trail to exit to the car park.

You can see Rock wallabies, grey kangaroos, Euros and numerous orchids in spring. The rare Peregrine Falcon has his home in the area.

Access

From Quorn drive towards Wilmington on Horrocks Highway/ Main North Road, turning on Alligator Gorge Road. Follow Alligator Gorge Road to the car park.

Other resource for information on walking trails in this region are : https://www.walkingsa.org.au/

https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/

For other walks in Flinders Ranges check out my posts:

Flinders Ranges, St. Mary Peak Loop

Flinders Ranges, Rawnsley Bluff Hike

Boat Harbor Circuit

Located within Deep Creek Conservation Park, Boat Harbor Circuit hike is another alternative to Deep Creek Circuit hike.

The walk is for fit, experienced hikers and rewards you with spectacular views of Kangaroo Island and The Pages Islands.

Description of the hike

The walk starts at Pages Lookout and follows the Heysen Trail to gradual descent to Boat Harbor Beach.

Following Heysen Trail on Boat Harbor Circuit
Heysen Trail Marker
Crossing Boat Harbor Creek
Crossing the Boat Harbor Creek
Walking on rocky side of the beach
Walking on the rocky side of the beach

From Boat Harbor Beach continue on Heysen trail, following the coastline to Tunkalilla Beach.

Walking towards Tunkalilla Beach
Walking towards Tunkalilla Beach

After spending some time on the beach, retrace your steps back to Boat Harbor Beach.

Walking towards Boat Harbor Beach Road
Walking towards Boat Harbor Beach Road

Continue on Heysen trail, until reaching the sign for Boat Harbor Circuit. From here the walk is mainly on fire tracks and steep uphill.

Boat Harbor Circuit Marker
Boat Harbor Circuit Hike Marker

Take the Boat Harbor Beach Road, turning left at Boat Harbor Block Track.

At the intersection with Tapanappa Road turn left and follow Tapanappa Road.

Turn left again at Pages Track to return at Pages lookout.

The hike has a total distance of 13.8 km and a duration of 5 hours and a half. Total ascent was of 408 meters.

From the beginning, you are spoiled this time of the year, with stunning vegetation. We saw orchids, Nodding Greenhoods and Mayfly, Wattles, Grevilleas along the coastal vegetation.

Along the coast, we spot dolphins playing in the ocean. Sleeping lizards were lying along the fire track. Kangaroos peering through the bushes, were watching us.

How to get to Pages Lookout

To enter Deep Creek Conservation park, you need permit which can be purchased online from https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/book-and-pay/parks-passes

From Adelaide you can reach Tapanappa road via Inman Valley or via Delamere.

Entering Deep Creek Conservation Park, drive on Tapanappa Road towards Tapanappa campground.

Just before the campground, turn left on Pages track to arrive at Pages Lookout.

2. Newland Head Coastal Walk at https://aussietrailwalker.com/newland-head-coastal-walk/

3. Aaron Creek hike at https://aussietrailwalker.com/aaron-creek-hike/

4. Cobbler Hill Marrano Circuit at https://aussietrailwalker.com/cobbler-hill-marrano-creek-circuit/

Sturt Gorge Walk

Situated in between suburbs, Bellevue Heights, Flagstaff Hill, Craigburn Farm, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park offers a multitude of walking and bike trails with some areas dog friendly walking trails.

Sturt Gorge Walk
Dog friendly walk

The walk features three different views of the Sturt River Flood Control Dam. Sturt river named by Kaurna people Warriparri is one of the Patawalonga’s tributary. The Dam was built in 1965 with the aim to prevent Sturt River from flooding properties in Marion and Glenelg suburbs.

Sturt Gorge Walk description

The walk starts from the car park at Blackwood Football Club, on Craigburn Road, Craigburn Farm.

Follow along the Craigburn Road, take the Sidewinder trail, the Little River trail.

Turn left to follow the track down to the Sturt River Flood Control Dam.

Sturt Gorge Walk
Sturt Gorge Dam First View

After soaking in the views of the dam, retrace your steps, turning left to continue on the track to the dam. You can take the walkway on top of the dam to admire the views over the gorge.

Sturt Gorge
Sturt Gorge Walk
Walking on the Dam

The third view is less accessible and not advisable as it not marked and involves crossing through muddy rocky area. Walkers need to take extra caution in this area.

Sturt Gorge Walk

Retrace your steps back and continue on the path along the Sturt River, to continue on Parrianna Track. Return on Gorge trail, through Magpie Gully to the Blackwood Football Club.

The walk is 9.1 km and takes about 3 hours.

Interesting facts

In 2017, walkers reported platypus sightings in the creek. One of the hypothesis, was he was an escapee from Warrawong Sanctuary in Mylor.

In 1927 two 16 years old boys, drowned in the Sturt River, at the Cave Hole, a popular swimming spot upstream from where the flood control dam is now situated.

Local community erected a memorial in the form of a drinking fountain, east of the Blackwood roundabout, in the honour of one of the boys, Frank Collins who drowned trying to save his friend.

Friends of Sturt Gorge organisation, is a good resource for information regarding Sturt Gorge Conservation Park

Website link https://fosg.org.au

Explore other walks in Sturt Gorge Park https://aussietrailwalker.com/craigburn-farm-little-river-hiking-trail

Chapmans Boobook

A hike with 2 distinct loops which involves Chapmans track in Morialta and Boobook track in Black Hill. A very scenic walk, with good training close to Adelaide.

Description

The walk starts at Montacute Road entrance to Chapmans Track, Morialta which is about 2km up from Maryvale Road.

First loop follows tracks in Morialta Conservation Park. After entering the small gate, follow the track and climb the Chapmans Track. The climb is a category 2 climb of 12.7% grade with a gain of 180 meters and a length of 1.42 km.

Chapmans Boobook
Walking on Chapmans Track
Chapmans Boobook
Up the Chapmans Track

Turn right at Moores track, then again right to Fox Hill Track, that takes you down to Montacute Road.

Chapmans Boobook
View from Moores Track
Chapmans Boobook
Walking towards Fox Hill Track

Cross Montacute road and start the second loop in Black Hill Conservation Park.

Take the Orchard trail, then turn left on Orchard track. At the junction with Eagle Track, take the left track, Kestrel Track, then continue on Falcon track and Boobook track.

This is the second climb of category 3, 6.8 % grading with a gain of 180 meters with a length of 2.64 km.

Chapmans Boobook

Exit to Black Hill Road, turn left to go downhill on the steep Orchard Track and return to Montacute Road via Orchard trail.

This was a rewarding walk with stunning views, kangaroos and koala spotted on the tracks. We have seen pockets of Garland lily on some trails but I was told there are weeds.

The total distance is of 9.24 km with an elevation of 464 meters and takes about 3.5 hours.

Internal links:

https://www.aussietrailwalker.com/morialta

Scott Creek Walks

Scott Creek is situated in Dorset Vale, 28 km South-East from Adelaide and has an extensive network of walking trails. Scott Creek is a biodiverse environment with wooded slopes and gullies. During winter months, bandicoots, possums, rabbits could be seen. In the park there are numerous natives such as Sticky hop bush, Fringe- lily, Heath Tea Tree and Golden pennant, eucalypts. Orchids flower can be abundant in spring. Most common orchids are spider orchid and wax lip orchid.

Outer Circuit Scott Creek East

Walk on Dorset Vale Road then turn left on Matthew Road.

Enter Scott Conservation Park and walk on Neville Road.

Turn left on Curranwong Ridge Track, follow the track, turning right at the intersection with Yacca Track.

Continue walking turning right at the intersection with Bronze Wing Track, then turn right on Gurr Road, turn Right on Mount Bold Ridge, turn right on Shingle Back Track, turn right again on Neville Road to return to car park.

                 Inner Circuit Scott Creek East

 

 

The second circuit is slightly shorter and similar with the first one. The difference is that from Mount Bold Ridge , turn right on Stringybark Track.

 

Scott Creek
Walking on the Stringyback Track

Scott Creek Western Side

Park at the Almanda Mine Car Park, Dorset Vale Road, Cherry Gardens.

From the Almanda Mine car park take the indistinct path up hill towards the Quarry.

Turn left and continue on Quarry Ridge Track, then turn right to follow the creek.

Cross the creek uphill to reach Green Hooded track, turn right at Thorley Road, continue to Frith Road and enter park across the road through the gate.

Follow the track and turn left before reaching the paddock, follow trail west, cross the creek and then head south east towards Marshall Road.

Follow the track along the direction of Marshall Road, then turn right and continue on the path, past unusual buildings of Pangkalilla to reach the trail at the creek crossing.

Retrace the trail than head towards Frith Road , enter through gate 21 and return via Almanda Track to the car park.

Most of the track is not marked and is best to download the GPS track for easier navigation.

Scott Creek walks
Pangkallila building

Scott Creek Exploration

From Almanda Mine car park on Dorset Vale Road, cross the road and take the Mine Shaft Track, turn left on Echidna track, turn left on Dorset Vale Road and continue on Eys Working Track and return to Mine Shaft Track to close the loop.

The second loop follows the creek then continues up the hill. It is unmarked trail and my advise is to avoid it unless you have GPS track.

Return to Almanda Mine car park. From here take the indistinct track uphill to the Quarry and turn left and follow the Quarry Ridge Track. Turn right and follow the creek, cross the creek and go uphill to reach the Green Hooded Track. Continue on the Green Hooded Track all the way to Quarry and then turn left following the track to the intersection with Almanda Track where you turn right to return to the car park.

Waite Sheoak Trail

The walk on Sheoak Trail in Waite Conservation Park, is a pleasant, scenic experience with great city views.

The walk starts at Waite Campus Park. Walk on Hartley Grove and head towards Wild Dog Trail. After a steep climb and well deserved break to admire the city views, take the Pultanaea Hill Trail. At gate 89 take the new update Sheoak Loop Trail that takes you to an geologically interesting quarry, with ripples from sea-floor of 700 millions years ago.

Waite Sheoak Trail

Turn right on Yurebilla trail, continue on Southern Boundary track, then Springfield track. Again turn right on Yurebilla trail, then Old Coach Road and down on Wild Dog Trail to return to car park.

Waite Sheoak Trail

Distance walked is 9 km and takes 3 hours. Admire on the track the new interpretative signs in the Quarry, with significant geological features, the abundant flora of natives, Clematis vitalba or Old Man’s Beard, Orchids in spring, Sundew, Pink Fingers to name a few. Another attraction was a small cave, which can be explored by young children. On the walk we encountered kangaroos and deer.

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park is a small park, nestled in Adelaide Hills, nearby township of Longwood, a gem for bush walkers. The post describes walking trails in the conservation park.

The park has a mix of trails and fire tracks with lots of bush walking opportunities, suitable for families and children. Walks take you through majestic Stringybark forests and pink, blue gums.  The park is habitat for endangered Southern brown bandicoot. Native birds such Scarlet robin, Golden whistler and Rosella can been seen and heard throughout the park.

The park was named in honour of former SA Governor Sir Mark Oliphant contribution to conservation.

Bush walking

Mark Oliphant trailhead is at gate 1, 178 Scott Creek road Heathfield SA5153

The below loop walk was an exploration through Mark Oliphant conservation park following the main tracks Lofty track, Loftia track, Nioka track, Honey eater track, Thronbill track.

Description of the walk

The walk starts at gate 1 and follows the main tracks in Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, exploring the different exits and includes some no through tracks. The total distance was 10 km and the duration was 2 hours and 30 minutes. The walk is mainly on fire tracks and some small trails which can be indistinct and overgrown in some places. Total ascent was 223 meters.

Alternative walks

National Parks and Wildlife service website suggests the following trails:

1. Skink Trail Loop 3 km which starts at gate 1

2. Bandicoot Trail loop 4.5 km which starts at gate 1

3. Waterfall hike loop 2 km which starts at gate 12 and follows Thornbill track. The waterfall is large amphitheatre but does no flow often.

A description of these trails can be found on the website Walking SA at

https://www.walkingsa.org.au/

Happy walking !