Mount Remarkable National Park

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Closures and safety

This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.

You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.

Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:

• Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
• Current CFS warnings and incidents
• Information on what to do in the event of a fire.

Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.

Visitor information, bookings and park management:

Clare Natural Resources Centre
Phone: (+61 8) 8841 3400
Email: mrnp@sa.gov.au

Emergency contacts:

Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero - 000

Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance

National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – After-hours duty officer
Phone: 0417 883 678

Injured wildlife:

Within the park
Please contact Clare Natural Resource Centre on (08) 8841 3400 or the after-hours duty officer on 0417 883 678 (outside of business hours)

Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group

The mild temperatures from April to October are the most comfortable for walking. It’s also the best time of year to see wildlife and admire the park’s spectacular native flora.

Summers are warm to hot with little rainfall. During the summer months, temperatures range from 30-45°C, making walking more challenging. Make sure you take plenty of water on walks in this area.

The park is located 45km north of Port Pirie. Access is from National Highway One via Mambray Creek.

Alligator Gorge can be reached via a picturesque – but sometimes challenging – drive commencing 1km south of Wilmington on Main North Road. This road is very steep and is unsuitable for caravans, camper trailers and buses.

You can walk into the park from the adjacent town of Melrose, which lies at the foot of Mount Remarkable.

Please note: There are no public roads that pass through Mount Remarkable National Park. Horrocks Pass and Port Germein Gorge are the nearest public roads to the park where you can pass over the Flinders Ranges in an east-west direction.

Parks are for all to enjoy, we would love to hear from you about your experience in nature. You can share your comments, pictures and videos with us and others by tagging #AccessNPSA and @NationalParksSA on Facebook,  Instagram or email us.

Mambray Creek

Parking

There are no dedicated accessible parking spaces at Mambray Creek but there is generally enough parking space near trailheads and campsites

Toilets

There is one accessible toilet at the campground and is a left hand toilet. The paths to the toilet are compact gravel and dolomite.

There is one accessible shower at the campgrounds with a flip down seat however it has a fixed shower head (an adjustable head will be installed in the future).

Camping

The Mambray Creek campground, has 54 campsites with some suitable for caravans.

Most of the campsites are wheelchair accessible. They are on flat ground with a compacted gravel or dirt surface. Campsites 13, 15, 16, 18, 30 and 34 are closest to the toilet and shower blocks.

Trails

Wirra Water Loop Track (1.6km)

An interpretive section of the Mambray Creek Walk explains the importance of water in the area as you explore rocky river beds.

The trail is compacted gravel, it is an undulating path with short steep sections throughout so some people may require assistance. The walk can be extended by incorporating the Mambray Creek Walk , which starts at the day visitor car park.

Alligator Gorge

Parking

There is one dedicated accessible parking space at Alligator Gorge.

Toilets

There are 2 pit toilets which are accessible, one is a left hand toilet and one is a right hand toilet. The path to the toilet is compact gravel.

Picnic area

The picnic tables are accessible for unpowered (smaller) wheelchairs

Trails

There are unfortunately no trails that are accessible to those in wheelchairs or severe mobility impairments however the views on the drive in to Alligator Gorge are spectacular and worth the visit. 

TrailRider all terrain wheelchair

To access more trails in the park you can take a tour on a trail rider by contacting In The Flinders.

Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.

As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.

Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or call the information line on (+61 8) 8204 1910.

Dogs are not permitted in this park.

Discover which parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park tool or read 12 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.

There is a variety of facilities available in the park.

Wheel chair accessible toilets, baby change room and hot showers can be found in the Mambray Creek campground.

Basic toilets facilities are available at the Baroota Ruins campground, Mambray Creek Day Visitor Area, Grays Hut, Blue Gum Flat and at Alligator Gorge.

Picnic and barbeque facilities are available at the Mambray Creek Day Visitor Area and Blue Gum Flat.

Non-potable rain water is available at numerous locations throughout the park. Please note that water availability is dependant on seasonal rainfall and you should always carry your own drinking water. Please refer to the park map for further information on the location of water points within the park.

Communal fire places are available at the Baroota Ruins, Mambray Creek, Native Pines and Red Gums campground grounds. Collection of firewood is not permitted in the park and you must bring your own firewood with you. Campfires are not allowed during the fire danger season.

There are no rubbish bins in the park and you must take your rubbish with you when you leave.

• Read about the 5 treasures in Mount Remarkable National Park on the Good Living blog.  
• Get some ideas by reading 10 things to see and do at Mount Remarkable National Park from the Good Living Blog.
• Check out Nature Play SA's 40 things to do in Mount Remarkable National Park.
• Explore what other nature and outdoor activities are available in this area on the South Australia Tourism website.  

• Mobile phone coverage can be patchy and unreliable in this park, especially if you are in low-lying areas.

• Remote area travel information
• Parks management plans
• Trails SA
• SA Marine Parks

Outback Road Report

1300 361 033 (24-hour automated service)
Northern and Western South Australian Outback Roads Temporary Closures, Restrictions and Warnings Report

• Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.

You will see animals everywhere in Mount Remarkable and many of them are not shy. Goannas lurk on rocks as you walk by, emus trot through the camps and along the tracks, and kookaburras mock you while you cook dinner. You may even spot an elusive echidna. A birdwatcher’s delight, the park has 117 native bird species including brightly coloured variegated wrens, Australian ringneck parrots and wedge-tailed eagles.

Flora and fauna species lists

To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the 'Create Simple Species List' tab under 'Flora Tools' or 'Fauna Tools'  in NatureMaps. 

Phytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora), otherwise known as root-rot fungus, is killing our native plants and threatens the survival of animals depending on plants for food and shelter.

This introduced fungus can be found in plant roots, soil and water. Help stop the spread by using hygiene stations, staying on tracks and trails and by complying with all Phytophthora management signs.

• Phytophthora brochure

Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state. 

There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations.  At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.

In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.

Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia. 

• DEW Park management
• DEW Aboriginal partnerships

Further inspiration:  

• 10 things to see and do at Mount Remarkable National Park
• Ranger Tips: Mount Remarkable National Park
• How to spend a day in South Australia's Mount Remarkable National Park

An extensive network of bushwalking trails gives visitors the opportunity to experience the dramatic scenery, spectacular geological landforms and native wildlife of the Southern Flinders Ranges.

These trails cater for all ages and levels of fitness, varying in length and difficulty from challenging overnight treks and the long distance Heysen Trail to the easier and shorter walks at Alligator Gorge and Mambray Creek.

Please note: Overnight hikes in Mount Remarkable National Park are not permitted during the Fire Danger Season, usually 1 November to 30 April.  During this period, hike-in campsites are closed.  The hike-in campsites can not be booked online.  Please contact the Natural Resource Centre - Clare to arrange your stay.

Natural Resource Centre - Clare
Phone: (+61 8) 8841 3400
Email: mrnp@sa.gov.au

Easy walks

• Ali Lookout Walk (15 mins return, 400m)

  A short and easy walk with spectacular views of Alligator Gorge below.

  Access: Alligator Gorge.

• Gorge Lookout Walk (20 mins return, 600m)

  A short and easy walk with spectacular views of the Alligator Basin.

  Access: Alligator Gorge.

• Mambray Creek Walk (1 hr return, 3km)

  An easy walk through Red River Gums and native pine forest. The trail links the Day Visitor Area and the Mambray Creek Campground.

  Access: Mambray Creek.

• Wirra Water Loop (30 mins return, 1.6km)

  This interpretive section of the Mambray Creek Walk explains the importance of water in the area as you explore rocky river beds.

  Access: Mambray Creek.

Moderate hikes

• Alligator Gorge Ring Route Hike (4 hrs return, 9 km)

  Follow the full length of Alligator Gorge. Uneven and loose gorge floor.

  Access: Alligator Gorge.

• Baroota Hike (2 hrs return, 6km)

  Follow the Mambray Creek Walk then continue along a natural trail to visit Baroota Ruins, the Old Baroota Cemetery and the Baroota Ruins Campground.

  Access: Mambray Creek.

• Daveys Gully Hike (1 hr return, 2.4km)

  Easy gradient. Great views into the Alligator Basin and across Spencer Gulf to Whyalla.

  Access: Mambray Creek.

• Gorge Circuit Hike (2 hrs return, 2km)

  A popular hike for most abilities through Alligator Gorge. Steep steps and uneven gorge floor. Slippery when wet.

  Access: Alligator Gorge.

• Hidden Gorge Hike (7 hrs return, 18km)

  Discover narrow gorges and magnificent views from the high Battery Ridge. Uneven gorge floor.

  Access: Mambray Creek.

• Mambray Creek to Alligator Gorge Hike (5 hrs one way, 13km)

  Best planned as a two day hike if returning, or get picked up at the end.

  Access: Mambray Creek or Alligator Gorge.

• Mount Remarkable Summit Loop (5 hrs return, 12.2km)

  Magnificent views of the Willochra Plain. Relatively easy access to the summit.

  Access: Melrose.

• Sugar Gum Lookout Hike (3 hrs return, 8km)

  An easy hike along the valley of Mambray with a short but strenuous climb to the lookout.

  Access: Mambray Creek.

Hard hike

• Melrose via southern summit trail (2 hrs return, 6.5km)

     Views of Melrose and the Willochra Plain out towards Booleroo Centre. 

• Northern summit trail (2 hrs return, 6.5km)

      Views out to the north of Melrose over the Willochra Plain towards Wilpena Pound and glimpses of Spencer Gulf. 

• Heysen Trail - Grays Hut section (1 hrs return, 4km)

       Grays Hut is a small building for Heysen Trail walkers to stay overnight. It has a sleeping platform, toilet and rainwater tank. 

• Melrose Nature Hike (3 hrs return, 4.7km)

     A hike on private land visits the points of historical and natural interest around Cathedral Rock. Great views of Melrose. Access: Melrose. 

Treks

• Black Range Trek (Mambray Creek to Alligator Gorge: 1 day, one way, 22km. Mambray Creek to Mount Remarkable: 1 day, one way, 20km.)

  A demanding trek, please use a topographic map. Discuss your plans with an emergency contact person who will know if you don’t return at the designated time.

  Access: Mambray Creek, Alligator Gorge or Melrose (via the Mount Remarkable Summit Hike).

• Heysen Trail

  Part of the Heysen Trail passes through Mount Remarkable National Park. If you plan to walk the Heysen Trail, use topographic maps or the Heysen Trail Northern Guidebook. When walking on the Heysen Trail through private land, please keep to the trail. The Heysen Trail is closed during the fire danger season.

The Willowie Forest trail network is a soft adventure, mountain bike trail opportunity that can also be used by walkers. The historical forest access tracks offer cyclists the chance to ride trails of varying distance from the smaller Echidna loop to the longer Monitor Loop that follows along the foothills of the Mt Remarkable Range.

You can ride your bike on public roads and any specific cycling trails and tracks on offer in this park. 

Please obey signs and use the trail classifications and descriptions, where available, to select trails suitable to your ability. Many trails are shared, so always keep an eye out for others. Generally, cyclists give way to pedestrians. Please be considerate of all trail users at all times.

• Cycling and mountain biking in parks

Easy

• Echidna Loop (1.7km loop)

  A short loop from the car park that circles formerly cleared cropping land of the farm. 

• Possum Loop (4.2km loop)

  A loop trail that heads north out to the park boundary then connects to the Melrose – Wilmington Rail Trail and returns south to the car park.  

• Monitor Loop (6.5km)

  A loop trail which meanders along the foothills of the Mount Remarkable Range. The trail crosses several shallow watercourses and reaches the highest areas of Willowie Forest.  

• Kookaburra Trail (2.5km)

• The Kookaburra Trail provides the chance to travel from the Rail Trail through the native bushland and connect with Kookaburra Creek Bush Retreat that neighbours the park. 

• Melrose - Wilmington Rail Trail (15km)

  The rail trail is a partially completed redevelopment of the former railway between Melrose and Wilmington. When finished the trail will provide an off-road walking and cycling link between the towns.

Camping

Campsites need to be booked prior to arrival.

Book online to reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance.

FAQs about booking online

Mambray Creek campground

Suitable for: tents, camper trailers, camper vans and caravans

Facilities: wheel chair accessible toilets, baby change room, hot showers and communal fireplaces 

A well-established campground with 54 campsites set among the river red gums. The sites are level with offer various levels of shade and protection from the wind.

Baroota Ruins campground

Suitable for: tents, camper trailers, camper vans and caravans

Facilities: toilets and communal fireplaces 

Located near the western entrance to the park, this campground has 11 sites that offer various levels of shade and protection from the wind.

Walk-in camping (closed during fire danger season)

Suitable for: tents

Facilities: none

There is 11 walk-in campsites available for hikers in the park. These campsites are not accessible by vehicles and are closed during bushfire danger season (usually November to April). These campgrounds can not be booked online. Please contact the Natural Resource Centre - Clare on (+61 8) 8841 3400 to organise your stay.

Native Pines and Red Gums group campgrounds

Suitable for: tents

Facilities: toilets, communal area and fire pit

Two large group campsites ideal for school, community and family groups. Native Pines can fit 40 people, and Red Gums 60 people. Call the Clare Natural Resources Centre to book. 

Natural Resource Centre - Clare
Phone: (+61 8) 8841 3400
Email: mrnp@sa.gov.au

Accommodation

Alligator Lodge

Maximum Guests: 10 

Configuration: 3 bedroom with lounge, kitchen and bathroom

Bedding configuration: Bedroom 1, 1x queen bed, Bedroom 2, 1x queen bed, Bedroom 3, 3x bunk beds

Please provide your own bed linen, pillows, blankets, towels and tea towels. Crockery, cutlery and kitchen utensils are supplied. The lodge is solar powered and is designed to run small appliances only, eg. radio/cd player. Bathroom facilities include shower cubicle, bath and separate toilet.

Book online

Mambray Creek Cabin

Maximum Guests: 4

Configuration: Open Plan Bedroom/Living Area

Bedding configuration: bunk beds

Please provide all bedding, linen, pillows, towels, tea-towels and your esky. All cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery is provided. This cabin is operated with solar electricity for lighting only there are no power points.

Book Online

Mount Remarkable National Park - a ranger's perspective

Russell Martin, Ranger at Mount Remarkable, fills us in on the dramatic landscapes, breath taking views and extensive walking trails within the park.

Want to help?

To find out how you can help in this park or nearby, please visit Natural Resources Northern and York – Volunteering.

Want to join others and become a Park Friend?

To find out more about Friends of Parks groups please visit Friends of Parks South Australia.

You could join others to help look after a park. You can take part in working bees, training and other events.

Become a Campground Host

Combine your love of camping with doing a good deed by becoming a volunteer campground host in this park.

A campground host is a volunteer who stays at the park either for a specific peak period, like the Easter break or a long weekend, or an extended period of time (up to a few months) to support park rangers. 

If you are passionate about the environment, a keen camper, like to meet people from all around the world, and are a happy to help, then hosting could be right up your alley. 

• SA’s Campground Hosts Program

The international Trail Users Code of Conduct is to show respect and courtesy towards other trail users at all times.

Ensure that you:

• when hiking, wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen
• be aware of weather conditions and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day
• make sure you have appropriate weather proof clothing
• carry enough water to be self-sufficient
• please be respectful of other users at all times
• stay on the designated trails and connector tracks for your own safety, and prevent the spread of declared weeds to other areas in the park
• ensure someone knows your approximate location and expected time of return
• take appropriate maps.
• Walk, hike or trek - what's the difference?

Trail Users Code of Practice

To protect the surrounding environment and to ensure the safety of all riders and shared trail users, please be aware of the international Trail Users Code of Practice when using shared trails. Important points to remember include:

• plan your ride
• comply with all signs
• ride only on formed tracks/trails
• share the trail - obey give way rules
• avoid riding in wet, muddy conditions
• ride lightly and leave no trace or rubbish
• control your bike within your limits
• clean your bike to avoid the spread of weeds or plant diseases
• carry sufficient food and drinking water
• respect the rights of others
• tell others about the code

When camping in a National Park, it's important to remember the following:

• Always let someone responsible know your travel plans, especially when travelling in remote areas. It's a good idea to let them know when you expect to return.
• Check the weather forecast before you leave, including overnight temperatures on the Bureau of Meteorology. Even during very mild weather, the nights can get very cold. 
• The quality and quantity of water cannot be guaranteed within parks. Please bring plenty of water and food to be self-sufficient.
• Always camp in designated sites (where applicable) - do not camp beneath trees with overhanging branches, as they can drop without warning. It's also a good idea to check that there are no insect nests nearby.
• Check to make sure you're not camping in a natural waterway, flash floods can happen anytime.
• If camp fires are permitted, you must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Extinguish your camp fire with water (not sand or dirt) until the hissing sound stops.
• Ensure that you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.

Can I have a fire or barbecue?

• Wood fires and solid fuel fires are permitted in Mambray Creek & Baroota Vehicle Campgrounds (except between 1 November 2019 to 9 April 2020). They are prohibited throughout the year in all other areas of the park. 
• You must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within national parks is prohibited.
• Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted through the year, other than on days of total fire ban.
• Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions  for this park.

Closures and safety

This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.

You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.

Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:

• Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
• Current CFS warnings and incidents
• Information on what to do in the event of a fire.

Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.

Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.

Please ensure that you:

• leave your pets at home
• do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
• do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park
• leave the park as you found it - there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take your rubbish with you. 
• abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)
• respect geological and heritage sites
• do not remove native plants
• are considerate of other park users.

• Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.

Vehicle entry needs to be paid prior to arrival.

Click through to the online booking page for vehicle entry fees.

Book Online

Book online to buy day entry for your vehicle.

FAQs about booking online

Where can I book and pay in person?

If you are unable to book and pay online you can do so, in person, at these booking agents across the state.

For online bookings enquiries please email:

Natural Resource Centre - Clare
Phone: (+61 8) 8841 3400
Email: mrnp@sa.gov.au

Campsites need to be booked prior to arrival.

Click through to the online booking page for more details about individual campgrounds and fees.

Book online

Book online to reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance.

FAQs about booking online

Book and pay in person

If you are unable to book and pay online you can do so, in person, at these booking agents across the state.

Walk-in camp sites

Please note that walk-in camp sites can not be booked online. Please contact the Natural Resource Centre - Clare to organise your stay.

For online bookings enquiries please email:

Natural Resource Centre - Clare
Phone: (+61 8) 8841 3400
Email: mrnp@sa.gov.au

If you intend to visit often, you may like to purchase any of the below park passes.

12 month vehicle entry for a single park

Is this your favourite park? If you visit more than five times a year, it's more economical to purchase a 12 month vehicle entry for a single park pass.

• Buy a 12 month vehicle entry for single park pass now
• Buy in person at a Park Pass outlet
• Park Passes FAQs

2 and 12 month vehicle entry for multiple parks pass

Are you wanting to explore a number of SA’s national parks? Purchasing a 2 or 12 month vehicle entry for multiple parks pass can offer you value for money and convenience.

The 2 and 12 month vehicle entry for multiple parks pass entitle you to vehicle entry for not just this park, but up to an additional 10 parks as well!

• Buy a Park Pass now 
• Buy a park pass in person
• Park Passes FAQs

There are no other fees or permits associated with this park.