South Australia (Adelaide Region)

The park features a deep gorge ( for the Mt Lofty Ranges) with the biggest river flowing west off the Mt Lofty ranges. There are a number of walks which are well maintained and at this time of the year feature native orchids.

There is also a waterfall on the river proper with a number of small cascades on the numerous small tributaries running to the river. The river has cut down to glacial deposits that are aged at about 500my. These are geological monuments in themselves.

There is provision for abseiling and for the more energetic,reasonably fit walker the bottom of the gorge is a challenge; especially when the river is flooding.

Currently this park is being rehabilitated by the NPWS and a large volunteer group. The area was originally used for pastoral and logging pursuits and is infested with olives through much of its length. However, because of its relative size it is possible to walk in a bushland setting for three + hours without sighting more than the occasional olive tree.

There is a large population of western grey kangaroo, echidna and the occasional koala moves through the area as well. The bird population is large with over 180 different species identified by members of the volunteer group some of whom are members of the RAOA. Reptiles are well represented by brown and red bellied snakes, lizards and skinks of all sizes.

This park has a sister park - the Onkaparinga Recreation Park. This park is on the western side of the Main South Road and like the National Park straddles the river. In this case the park is the estuary; making the Onkaparinga park systems the only system in the Adelaide region where a walker can walk from the Mt Lofty range ecosystem to the sea.

A feature if the Recreation park are the personmade wetland lakes of which there are five. The largest complex has an island and a duckboard trail through the swamp areas. The river itself is a haven for birds and fish. Apart from walking the visitor can picnic, fish etc.,