Mount Remarkable National Park

Mount Remarkable National Park is a gem of the Southern Flinders Ranges, offering lush tree-lined gorges, rugged ridges, and accessible wilderness just a few hours’ drive north of Adelaide. Centered around the 960-metre Mount Remarkable itself, the park provides a variety of landscapes – from the deep red sandstone ravine of Alligator Gorge to the rolling foothills and valleys carved by Mambray Creek. Alligator Gorge is one of the park’s star attractions: a walking trail and boardwalk descend into this narrow chasm where towering rock walls (striped in orange and red) loom overhead, and features like The Narrows and The Terraces showcase unique rock formations. In spring, the gorge’s moist environment blooms with wildflowers, and permanent pools may reflect the gorge walls. It’s a photographer’s delight and easily accessible via a short walk from the Alligator Gorge carpark.

The park’s main section near Mambray Creek (just off Highway 1 near Port Germein) offers excellent bushwalking and camping. Visitors can embark on the Mount Remarkable Summit Hike from the historical town of Melrose, a moderately challenging 12 km return trek that winds through sugar gum woodlands to panoramic summit views over Spencer Gulf and surrounding ranges. Wildlife is abundant – western grey kangaroos, euros (rock wallabies), emus, and goannas are commonly seen, especially around dawn and dusk in the Mambray Creek campground where they graze unbothered by campers. Birdwatchers might spot elegant parrots, kookaburras, or wedge-tailed eagles soaring above the cliffs.

Facilities: Mount Remarkable NP has several access points, each with facilities to enhance your visit. Mambray Creek campground is a popular, family-friendly site with spacious campsites (suitable for tents, caravans), toilets, hot showers, picnic tables, and fire pits (seasonal fire restrictions apply). A communal shelter with a rainwater tank and gas BBQs is available, and short walking trails radiate from the campground (like the Daveys Gully loop, an easy walk with views). At Alligator Gorge, there’s a day-use area with picnic tables, BBQ facilities and toilets near the carpark, as well as a lookout. Note, vehicle entry to the Alligator Gorge area is via a steep narrow road (not suitable for large caravans). Over on the Melrose side, Bartagunyah and Melrose have trailheads where hikers can start the Mount Remarkable ascent or the Heysen Trail which passes through the park. No playgrounds are present (the park’s natural setting provides the entertainment), and dogs are not allowed in this national park. Park entry fees apply for vehicles (paid online or at self-registration stations), while hikers entering on foot from Melrose do not incur a fee.

Access: The park is about 250 km north of Adelaide. The two main entrances are via Mambray Creek (near Baroota along Highway 1, with sealed access to the campground) and via Melrose (a historic town on the park’s west, accessible by bitumen road). Alligator Gorge is accessed from the town of Wilmington by a 13 km paved but winding road. Within the park, a network of trails caters to various fitness levels – from short 1 km nature walks to multi-day hikes. Mountain biking is also popular around Melrose (outside the park boundaries there are MTB trails). Campers and bushwalkers should be self-sufficient with water and supplies, especially in summer when temperatures can be very hot.

Mount Remarkable National Park truly lives up to its name – whether you’re exploring the cool depths of Alligator Gorge, enjoying a barbecue under shady river red gums at Mambray Creek, or conquering the summit for a “remarkable” view, this park offers a rewarding taste of the Flinders Ranges’ southern beauty.