Starting from the Sturt Gorge Gate 12 carpark on Broadmeadow Drive, Flagstaff Hill, this walk takes you on a circuit within Sturt Gorge Recreation Park via the River, Fire, Wattle and Lomandra tracks. Sturt Gorge Recreation Park has a large network of shared-use mountain bike and walking trails, a spectacular rugged gorge with internationally recognised geological significance, cascading waterfalls, rockpools and creeks. This scenic and peaceful hike takes in the rugged beauty of Sturt Gorge while passing through a variety of vegetation communities along the way. Walk among the steep slopes of grey box grassy woodlands and Sturt tillite rock formations, and look out for the diverse range of native animals that come to drink at the waterholes along the river. Koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, kookaburras, cockatoos and rosellas are often seen in the park. Be sure to check out the amazing views over the gorge from the lookouts at the top of the Sturt River dam wall, near the end of the walk. This is an adventurous trail, with many river crossings and some rock scrambling. Take care on the trail surfaces, which are uneven and rocky in some areas, with narrow and slippery sections and occasional steep inclines and descents. After rain the rivers water levels may rise, and the stepping-stones across the river crossings may become submerged. There are no facilities in the park, so be sure to carry sufficient water, food and supplies for the entire hike. 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.
Warning This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills. Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.
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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.
Keep left onto Flagstaff Road and drive for another 3.2 km
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Black Road and drive for another 1 km
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Glenalvon Drive and drive for another 620 m
Turn left onto Vincent Boulevard and drive for another 185 m
Keep right onto Gorge Street and drive for another 100 m
Turn right onto Broadmeadow Drive and drive for another 450 m
Turn sharp left onto Parriana Track and drive for another 7 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Parriana Track & Broadmeadow Drive Start heading along Parriana Track (a vehicle track).
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Parrianna Link Trail & Lomandra Trail) continue straight, to head along Parrianna Link Trail.
After another 370 m (at the intersection of River Trail & Parrianna Link Trail) turn sharp right, to head along River Trail.
The starting point of an alternate route. Take this alternate route if you want to get closer to the cascading waterfalls of Strut River. To take the alternate route turn right here. Details below.
After another 380 m continue straight, to head along River Trail.
After another 90 m pass the waterfall (45 m on your right).
After another 160 m continue straight, to head along River Trail.
After another 310 m turn right, to head along River Trail.
After another 220 m continue straight, to head along River Trail.
After another 115 m (at the intersection of Fire Track & River Trail) turn left, to head along Fire Track (a vehicle track).
After another 155 m veer right, to head along Fire Track.
After another 290 m (at the intersection of Fire Track & River Trail) turn left, to head along River Trail (a walking track).
After another 530 m (at the intersection of Little River & River Trail) turn right, to head along Little River.
After another 680 m (at the intersection of Little River & Sidewinder) continue straight, to head along Little River.
After another 60 m (at the intersection of River Trail & Little River) turn sharp right, to head along River Trail.
After another 400 m (at the intersection of Gunners Run & River Trail) continue straight.
After another 100 m (at the intersection of Gunners Run & River Trail) continue straight, to head along River Trail.
After another 330 m turn left, to head along River Trail.
After another 25 m turn right.
After another 30 m turn right.
After another 550 m (at the intersection of Witowirra Fire Track & Marri Fire Track) turn right, to head along Witowirra Fire Track.
After another 240 m (at the intersection of Wattle Trail & Witowirra Fire Track) veer right, to head along Wattle Trail.
After another 130 m (at the intersection of Wattle Trail & Marriyerli Fire Track) turn right, to head along Wattle Trail.
After another 185 m continue straight, to head along Wattle Trail.
After another 490 m turn right, to head along Wattle Trail.
After another 155 m turn left, to head along Wattle Trail.
After another 145 m (at the intersection of Lomandra Trail & Fire Track) turn right, to head along Lomandra Trail (a walking track).
After another 9 m head through/around the gate.
After another 620 m (at the intersection of Parrianna Link Trail & Lomandra Trail) turn left, to head along Parriana Track (a vehicle track).
After another 30 m come to the end.
Take this alternate route if you want to get closer to the cascading waterfalls of Strut River.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 100 m come to the waterfall.
After another 130 m come to the end.
At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Fire Track & Wattle Trail Start heading along Fire Track (a vehicle track).
After another 80 m continue straight, to head along Fire Track.
After another 70 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 145 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Sturt Gorge Circuit via the River Trail
Grading
Class 5/6
Very challenging
Length
6.8 km
Time
2 h 30 min to 3 h
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
No facilities provided (5/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Bushwalk
2 h 30 min to 3 h
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After another 30 m (at the intersection of Parrianna Link Trail & Lomandra Trail) continue straight, to head along Parrianna Link Trail.
After another 90 m pass the waterfall (45 m on your right).
After another 155 m veer right, to head along Fire Track.
After another 9 m head through/around the gate.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 145 m to the main route.