jana meerman alligator gorge mount remarkable australia-05

Alligator Gorge is a gorgeous hike in Mount Remarkable National Park, just southeast of Port Augusta in South Australia.

→ Check out my complete guide to visiting Port Augusta on the Eyre Peninsula!

We're currently living full-time in our campervan, a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter, and exploring Australia, with a plan of "driving the lap" (completing the entire perimeter of the country). I first visited Australia in 2019, following the classic backpacker route, mostly visiting big cities, staying in hostels and traveling by public transport. This time, with the freedom of our campervan, we're trying to hit the lesser known spots and go slower.

For thousands of years, the Ngadhuri and Nukunu peoples lived on this land. Their name for what is today known as Mount Remarkable is Wangyarra meaning "running water".

Mount Remarkable was first spotted by Edward John Eyre in 1939/40 for whom the nearby Eyre Peninsula is named who proclaimed:

from the lofty way it towered above the surrounding hills I named it Mount Remarkable.

The area around Mount Remarkable, standing at 961 metres tall, has been protected since 1952. Three wildlife reserves: Alligator Gorge, Mambray Creek and Mount Remarkable were combined in 1972 and became Mount Remarkable National Park. It continued to expand with further areas added as years went on.

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How to Get to Mount Remarkable National Park

Alligator Gorge is one of the most well-known trails in Mount Remarkable National Park, a beautiful national park just southeast of Port Augusta.

By car: The best way to reach Alligator Gorge in Mount Remarkable National Park is with your own wheels. Driving takes about an hour from Port Augusta or three and a half hours from Adelaide. South Australia National Park fees apply for Mount Remarkable; at the time of writing it was AUD $14.40 per vehicle, payable online.

Parking for Alligator Gorge is at the roundabout on Alligator Gorge Road. The road is fully paved within the national park to reach the parking lot.

By shuttle: From Adelaide, you can pre-arrange a shuttle bus specifically for bush-walkers which does drop-offs to Mambray Creek, Alligator Gorge, Melrose (the closest town to the national park) and Quorn.

By guided tour: There are a few guided tours that include visits to Mount Remarkable National Park. Big Heart Adventures offers multi-day trekking tours, including women-only groups. Park Trek offers a five-day Flinders Rangers hiking adventure, including Alligator Gorge.

Where to Eat Near Mount Remarkable National Park

After a day being out in the mountains, there is nothing we love more than a big plate of delicious curry. I have two Indian restaurants I can recommend near Mount Remarkable National Park; one to the south and one to the north.

In Port Pirie, about an hour and a half south of Alligator Gorge, we had a great dinner at the Indian Food Depot. The inside decor is a little empty but don't be discouraged because the food is delicious!

In Port Augusta, about an hour northwest of Alligator Gorge, have a delicious Indian meal at Curries by Beard Brothers. The service was excellent and I can highly recommend the paneer butter masala, their fluffy butter naan and their creamy mango lassi. Yum!

Alligator Gorge Hike Details

When: year-round, unless the national park is closed due to weather (check alerts on their website homepage)

Where: the start of this hike begins at the roundabout on Alligator Gorge Road. The road is fully paved within the national park to reach the parking lot.

Difficulty: intermediate

Length: from the start of the trail, we hiked a 3.3km loop trail (sign says 2km, but we tracked it) through Alligator Gorge which took us about an hour

Directions: from the parking lot on Alligator Gorge Road, follow the sign for the Gorge Circuit Hike down 250 steps into the gorge. The trail then follows the sign to the left for The Narrows along the creek - including some creek crossings - all the way to Bluegum Flat before hiking back up the hill, following the sign for the Gorge Lookout carpark.

You also have the option to hike the entire gorge which is about 9km and more strenuous. For this trail, turn right to Alligator Gorge Hike instead of left to The Narrows once you reach the base of the 250 steps.

→ Check out my exact route on Strava!

Bathrooms: yes, at the parking lot

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Jana Meerman

Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.

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