Hidden Gorge
Last weekend we made a second visit to Hidden Gorge in Mt. Remarkable National Park which is in the Southern Flinders Range. The park has several gorges. Alligator Gorge located at the northern end of the park is probably the most famous, but Hidden Gorge is my favorite. Hidden Gorge is located in the middle of the park and is only accessible by foot from either of the car parks at Alligator Gorge or Mambray Creek. It is about the same distance, 7 km one way, from either entry point and from both sides it can be completed as an 18+ km loop.
In either case, I would suggest starting the hike by climbing up The Battery which is a long ridge with extensive views over the upper Spencer Gulf--it spans the distance between Alligator Gorge and Mambry Creek--and return via canyon floor so that you get the climb out of the way first and your return is a relatively flat walk.
View from The Battery
The over-all hike is rewarding with an opportunity to pass through groves of native pines, sugar-gums, and red gums. There are also several waterholes that attract birds, 'roos, wallabies, and monitor lizards. However, the highlight of the hike has to be the remote Hidden Gorge, with its striking "sun-burned" quartzite walls. The trail follows an ancient water course that has sliced through ancient sandstone leaving towering cliffs on both sides of the path. As you zigzag your way down the rocky creek bottom be sure to look for the rippled rocks, the remnants of tidal currents of a long ago ocean. The return journey to the car is relatively anti-climatic after the gorge, but there are several fresh water springs along the Mambray Creek which form mini-oasises in the canyon bottom.
Canyon Wall
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I have really been enjoying these posts about the hikes in your area. The walls are so amazing and it is great to also have a view of the bay.
ReplyDeleteHave a great trip. I hope it won't be too cold. I haven't noticed it because it has gradually gotten cooler. It has been pretty rainy in contrast to the drizzle. Take care.
Marta, Hidden Gorge is one of my favorite hikes ever, I am glad you are enjoying the posts about what SA has to offer.
ReplyDeleteI have arrived in the Pacific Northwest, after a very long trip, but it is not too cold.
Looks like a great hike! p.s. where exactly is the place in the photo from your blog header?
ReplyDeleteHi Maya, beautiful photos. This looks like such a cool hike with amazing scenery! Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteQuickroute, it is a hike that is often overlooked and I would highly recommend it. My blog header is a photo of Crater Lake located at Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. Right after making it up out of the crater, I tripped on the very flat part and lost a finger nail. Didn't stop me from hiking, but I wasn't able to bag Cradle Mountain--it was a rock scramble on top and you needed both hands!
ReplyDeleteKathy, thanks for taking the time to stop in and read my blog when you are busy getting ready for your trip. Safe travels!