Hidden Gorge Circuit

5 h, 8 h to 2 days

16.9 km
circuit

↑ 488 m
↓ -489 m

Hard track
Starting from the car park at the end of Park Road, Wilmington, this walk takes you on a circuit within Mount Remarkable National Park via the Mambray Creek and Hidden Gorge tracks. The hike begins near the Mambray Creek Campground, winding through native pine forest lining Mambray Creek, past pools of permanent water. The trail passes the Hidden Gorge Campsite before entering the ever-narrowing Hidden Gorge, where you’ll walk between steep red-rock cliff walls. You can spend a night at this great spot next to the creek and make this a multi-day walk. Follow the track up to the Battery, and enjoy panoramic views over Spencer Gulf on one side and Mount Remarkable summit on the other side. Maps are available at the trailhead, and the path is well signed. Keep a lookout for small blue arrows along the way that are nailed onto rocks and trees. There are also metal poles at roughly 500m intervals that state the remaining distance on the hike. The parking area has plenty of space with public toilets and barbeques, making it perfect for a family trip. Although 17km may sound long, the first half of the trail is relatively flat aside from a few hops over the creek. The second half is a slow incline to the ridge, where it flattens out again along the top before hitting a steady decline back towards the car park. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended, and walking poles may be helpful for the numerous creek crossings along the way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-32.8383342,138.0410531)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Augusta Highway, A1
  • Turn on to Park Road then drive for 6 km
  • Turn slight right and drive for another 80 m
  • Turn left and drive for another 5 m
  • Turn left and drive for another 20 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
Starting from the car park at the end of Park Road, head towards the green metal gate along the dirt path. Pass through the gap next to the gate and move towards the informational signpost with a green roof. Pass by the said signpost keeping it to your left and follow the dirt track, moving directly away from the car park. Continue straight until you come to the 3rd intersection(approximately 60 metres after you pass the signpost). At the intersection, veer right and follow the dirt track into the woodland to continue along Hidden Gorge Circuit.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 30 m continue straight, to head along Mambray Creek Track.
There is a toilet (about 80 m back from the start).
After 110 m pass the BBQ (10 m on your left).
After another 10 m head through/around the gate.
Then pass the sign (15 m on your left).
At the intersection of Daveys Gully Walk & Mambray Creek Track continue straight, to head along Mambray Creek Track.
After another 7 m (at the intersection of Mambray Creek Track & Baroota Creek Walk) continue straight, to head along Mambray Creek Track.
After another 45 m (at the intersection of Mambray Creek Walk & Mambray Creek Track) continue straight, to head along Mambray Creek Walk (a walking track).
After another 530 m (at the intersection of Mambray Creek Track & Mambray Creek Walk) continue straight, to head along Mambray Creek Track (a vehicle track).
After another 900 m veer left, to head along Mambray Creek Track.
After another 240 m continue straight, to head along Mambray Creek Track.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to Sugar Gum Lookout, passing by Scarfes Hut on the way. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 1.2 km (at the intersection of Mambray Creek Track & Hidden Gorge) continue straight, to head along Hidden Gorge (a walking track).
After another 125 m pass the water tap (10 m on your right).
After another 150 m continue straight, to head along Hidden Gorge.
Keep right.
After another 295 m continue straight, to head along Hidden Gorge.
After another 3.5 km (at the intersection of Hidden Gorge & Kingfisher Track) continue straight, to head along Hidden Gorge.
After another 130 m come to the "Hidden Camp" (35 m on your right).
After another 4.7 km (at the intersection of Battery Ridge Track & Hidden Gorge) continue straight, to head along Hidden Gorge (a vehicle track).
After another 560 m (at the intersection of Battery Ridge Track & Hidden Gorge) continue straight, to head along Hidden Gorge (a walking track).
After another 4.1 km (at the intersection of Mambray Creek Track & Hidden Gorge) turn sharp right, to head along Mambray Creek Track (a vehicle track).
After another 245 m (at the intersection of Mambray Creek Track & Mambray Creek Walk) veer right, to head along Mambray Creek Track.
After another 45 m (at the intersection of Baroota Creek Walk & Mambray Creek Track) continue straight, to head along Mambray Creek Track.
After another 7 m (at the intersection of Mambray Creek Track & Daveys Gully Walk) continue straight, to head along Mambray Creek Track.
After another 15 m come to the end.

An optional side trip taking you to Sugar Gum Lookout, passing by Scarfes Hut on the way.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Hidden Gorge & Mambray Creek Track Start heading along Mambray Creek Track (a vehicle track).
After 40 m pass the water tap (10 m on your right).
After another 285 m (at the intersection of Mount Cavern Trek & Mambray Creek Track) continue straight, to head along Mambray Creek Track.
After another 205 m continue straight, to head along Mambray Creek Track.
After another 40 m come to the "Scarfes Hut" (45 m on your right).
After another 10 m pass the water tap (55 m on your right).
After another 510 m come to the end.
"Sugar Gum Lookout".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.1 km to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Hidden Gorge Circuit


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 16.9 km
Time 5 h, 8 h to 2 days
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There is one 7.1 km from the start.

Hut: There is one 3 km (plus an extra 570 m along side route) from the start.

Toilet: There is one -49 m back from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
-49 m[toilet]
Hut
3 km + 570 mScarfes Hut
Camp site
7.1 kmHidden Camp
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Articles
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