Starting from the Gate 25 car park near the Chapel Hill Winery at the end of Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale, this walk takes you on a circuit past the Chapel Hill Lookout via the Chapel Hill Lookout Trail. This short and easy loop meanders across the gentle slopes of the upper Onkaparinga Gorge, passing through grassy woodlands that are being restored by the Friends of Onkaparinga Park, with views of the surrounding vineyards. Plenty of kangaroos can be seen along the way, as well as some of the spectacular birdlife that resides around the gorge. The lookout offers extensive views into the river gorge below, with a seat for walkers to pause and enjoy the scenery. The walk begins from the Chapel Hill picnic ground, which has toilets, barbecues and a shelter. It is located near the Chapel Hill Winery. This loop consists of gently undulating fire tracks and walking trails, suitable for most fitness levels. 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.
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.
Turn left onto Chaffeys Road and drive for another 1.8 km
Keep left onto Chaffeys Road and drive for another 150 m
Continue onto Chapel Hill Track and drive for another 2 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the Gate 25 car park near the Chapel Hill Winery at the end of Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale, head through the gate, passing a large 'Onkaparinga River National Park' sign. Follow the track through the picnic area, passing a small pink 'Chapel Hill Lookout Trail' sign (to your left). Further ahead, you'll reach a fork in the track marked with another identical pink sign. From there, head left and continue the Chapel Hill Lookout Loop (clockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Chapel Hill Track.
Find the car park at the start.
After another 55 m continue straight.
After another 110 m continue straight.
After another 175 m turn right, to head along Chapel Hill Lookout Trail.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Last stretch to the lookout. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn around when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 345 m turn right, to head along Chapel Hill Lookout Trail.
After another 210 m (at the intersection of Chapel Hill Track & Chapel Hill Lookout Trail) turn right, to head along Chapel Hill Track (a vehicle track).
After another 450 m continue straight, to head along Chapel Hill Track.
After another 85 m continue straight, to head along Chapel Hill Track.
After another 60 m come to the end.
Last stretch to the lookout.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Chapel Hill Lookout Trail.
After another 80 m come to a viewpoint.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 80 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Chapel Hill Lookout Loop
Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length
1.5 km
Time
30 min to 45 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)