Starting from the Sundews Lookout Carpark on Piggott Range Road, Onkaparinga Hills, this walk takes you on a circuit via the Nature, Echidna and Sundews Ridge tracks. Starting with the Nature Trail, this hike takes you though beautiful pink gum and grey box woodland. Reaching the Echidna Trail, a narrow track takes you over moderate slopes, passing by the charming stone ruins of an old cottage. On the eastern section of the trail you’ll have fabulous views of the gorge, and in winter and spring there are stunning displays of orchids along the way. The hike continues along the Nature Trail to Sundews Lookout, from where there are views of the rocky outcrops and the river flowing through the Onkaparinga Gorge. The hike is mostly on flat tracks, with plenty of shaded areas along the way. Some of the tracks are quite narrow, with slightly rocky and overgrown sections. The hills are gentle, and there are large directional signs throughout. 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 on to Panalatinga Road Off-Ramp then drive for 380 m
Keep left and drive for another 210 m
Keep left and drive for another 2.2 km
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Chandlers Hill Road and drive for another 1.3 km
At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Happy Valley Drive and drive for another 215 m
Turn slight left onto Happy Valley Drive and drive for another 3.2 km
Turn right onto Piggott Range Road and drive for another 2.6 km
Turn left onto Piggott Range Road and drive for another 2.2 km
Turn left and drive for another 15 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the Sundews Lookout Carpark on Piggott Range Road(225 metres east of intersection with Upper Penneys Hill Road), head towards the toilet with a distinct multicolored wall along the concrete. Turn left as you step off the concrete, and follow the dirt towards the metal-fenced hip-height gateway with a “Sundews Trails” sign on it with a blue arrow on top, skirting the fenceline to your right. Pass through the gap and follow the gravel/dirt path towards the green informational signposts. Pass by the said signposts and head towards the metal pole with green directional signs next to the picnic table. Keep going the same direction and pass by the picnic table and pole, keeping them to your left as the dirt path narrows down and forms a fire trail. Follow the trail into the woodland to continue along Nature, Echidna and Sundews Ridge Circuit.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Dam Track & Sundews Track) continue straight, to head along Sundews Track.
After another 145 m (at the intersection of Sundews Track & Nature Trail) continue straight, to head along Nature Trail (a walking track).
After another 100 m continue straight, to head along Nature Trail.
After another 800 m veer right, to head along Nature Trail.
After another 100 m turn left.
The starting point of an alternate route. A shorter alternate route skipping most of the Echidna Hike Track. To take the alternate route turn right here. Details below.
After another 335 m continue straight, to head along Echidna Hike.
After another 920 m (at the intersection of Echidna Hike & Waterfall Spur) continue straight, to head along Echidna Hike.
After another 295 m continue straight, to head along Echidna Hike.
The alternate route finishes here. Turn right to rejoin the main route at the 3.2 km waypoint. Details below.
After another 490 m continue straight, to head along Echidna Hike.
After another 530 m (at the intersection of Echidna Hike & Gorge Access Trail) continue straight, to head along Echidna Hike.
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Nature Trail & Echidna Hike) turn left, to head along Nature Trail.
After another 720 m continue straight, to head along Nature Trail.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. A highly recommended side trip taking you to Sundews Lookout, providing you with great views over the river as mentioned in the description. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 440 m turn right.
After another 235 m continue straight.
After another 1 km (at the intersection of Sundews Ridge Hike & Sundews Track) continue straight, to head along Sundews Ridge Hike.
After another 980 m continue straight, to head along Sundews Ridge Hike.
After another 360 m (at the intersection of Dam Track & Sundews Ridge Hike) turn left, to head along Dam Track (a vehicle track).
After another 110 m (at the intersection of Sundews Track & Dam Track) turn left.
After another 25 m come to the end.
A shorter alternate route skipping most of the Echidna Hike Track.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 160 m come to the end.
At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.
A highly recommended side trip taking you to Sundews Lookout, providing you with great views over the river as mentioned in the description.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 115 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 115 m to the main route.
An optional side trip taking you to the riverside of Onkaparinga River.
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Echidna Hike & Gorge Access Trail Start heading along Gorge Access Trail (a walking track).
After another 950 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 950 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Nature, Echidna and Sundews Ridge Circuit
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
7.7 km
Time
2 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Bushwalk
2 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min
1 h 15 min to 2 h
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Turn around and retrace your steps back the 115 m to the main route.