South Australia · Attraction
Onkaparinga River National Park
Gorge walks through ancient bush
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Just east of McLaren Vale's vineyards, the Onkaparinga River carves a dramatic gorge through 15 square kilometres of remnant eucalypt forest and native grassland. This national park offers some of the best accessible hiking south of Adelaide, with trails ranging from a gentle riverside stroll to a full-day gorge circuit. Kangaroos, echidnas, and over 27 species of native orchids make it a genuine wildlife experience.
The park's main northern access point is on Piggott Range Road, Onkaparinga Hills, where a car park provides the starting point for most walking trails. Six named routes cover everything from easy ridge walks with sweeping views across the Fleurieu Peninsula to more challenging descents into the gorge, where permanent rock pools and cliff faces up to 30 metres tall draw rock climbers and walkers alike. Mountain biking is permitted on shared-use trails, and the river section near Port Noarlunga is popular for kayaking.
Entry to the park is free for day visitors. Pink Gum Campground within the park offers campsites with toilets and fire pits for those who want to stay overnight. The park can close on days of catastrophic or extreme fire danger, so visitors should check the CFS fire danger rating before heading out, particularly in summer months.
Scenic views
