Mount Remarkable National Park

Department for Environment and Heritage Mount Remarkable National Park

www.environment.sa.gov.au Mount Remarkable National Park Exploring the park Camping

Mount Remarkable National Park, in the southern Flinders Ranges, is a key conservation area with an intriguing mix With dramatic scenery, significant geological features, rich Mount Remarkable National Park is a great location for of flora and fauna from the arid north and the wetter cultural heritage and natural diversity, the park offers camping. Three different camping options are available. southern regions of South Australia. a wide range of recreational activities. Which do you prefer? 1. Mambray Creek Campground The 16 000 hectare park stretches from the coastal plain Enjoy an extensive walking trail network including the Heysen Trail. Some highlights: adjacent to Spencer Gulf, across the ranges, to Mount Set amongst majestic River Red Gums alongside Mambray Remarkable on the edge of the Willochra Plain in • Traverse rocky floors of towering red quartzite Creek, this large campground offers 54 unpowered, the east. gorges and glimpse the beautifully marked rare level sites. Tents, caravans and vehicles must be kept on designated sites. Amenity blocks, suitable for the disabled, Within easy reach of Adelaide, visitors can experience Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby. are centrally located with hot showers, flushing toilets the beauty of the southern Flinders Ranges from deep • Discover spectacular wildflowers in spring including and a baby change room. within red quartzite gorges, atop rugged mountain several threatened orchid species. ranges with dramatic views, or along creeks lined with Wood fires are an enjoyable part of camping at Mambray • Marvel at ancient geological features including: magnificent River Red Gums. Creek campground. To ensure others can experience The Narrows and The Terraces at Alligator Gorge, camp fires in future, please note: How to get there and Cathedral and Gibraltar rocks near Melrose. • Fires must be kept within designated fireplaces. Visitors can drive to three major access points where a • Discover early pastoral life at restored shepherd huts, network of walking trails provide access to most of the Old Baroota Station ruins and cemetery, and nearby • Children must be supervised around fires by a park. Mount Remarkable is accessible to walkers from Spring Creek mine. responsible person at all times. Melrose. Mambray Creek is 45 km north of Port Pirie off Camp near grand River Red Gums and relax • Collection of firewood in the park is prohibited. National Highway One. Alligator Gorge is reached via a while listening to Laughing Kookaburras. Firewood can be purchased at Mambray Creek picturesque drive commencing 1 km south of Wilmington or you are encouraged to bring your own. on Main North Road. Note that this steep road is Photograph the incredible diversity of native unsuitable for caravans and large buses. plants and animals, the rugged landscapes • Wood fires are not permitted during the Fire Danger and and spectacular views. Season usually 1 November to 30 April. Check CFS There are no public roads in the park. Horrocks Pass hotline 1300 362 361. and Port Germein Gorge are the nearest public roads A birdwatcher's delight, the park has 117 native to the park that pass over the ranges in an bird species including brightly coloured Bookings are required for all school holidays and long east-west direction. Variegated Wrens, Australian Ringneck Parrots, weekends from March to October. Rainbow Bee-eaters and Wedge-tailed Eagles. 2. Group Sites

Park Fees Red Gums and Native Pines are two large group sites Self Registration Day Visitors adjacent to the Mambray Creek campground ideal Entry and camping permits are required in Mount for school, community and family groups. Red Gums Day visitor areas are located at Blue Gum Flat and Remarkable National Park. Permits are available from accommodates up to 60 people and Native Pines Mambray Creek. These spacious areas are ideal for visitors self-registration stations at Mambray Creek and Alligator up to 40. Bookings are essential. Gorge. Fees collected are used for conservation and to to enjoy a picnic or barbecue in natural surrounds. Toilets, maintain and improve park facilities for your gas barbecues, picnic tables and bushwalking trailhead ongoing enjoyment. signs are provided.

3. Backpack Camping

Backpack camping is a walk-in with your pack, low Creek impact activity. Eleven backpack camp sites are located ray within the park allowing walkers to explore the entire park. Mamb If you are planning to backpack camp please note: Walking Trails and 14 Information Shelter 11 12 10 17 • Wood fires are not permitted at backpack camp sites. 45 13 15 16 46a 43 7 Parking Use gas or liquid fuel stoves only. 41 6 9 18 3 8 Picnic area 46 44 19 5 BBQ NATIVE PINES 42 Amenities Block • Camp only within the designated sites. 4 20 Toilet GROUP Amenities SITE Block Water 47 2 Cabin • Take all rubbish with you. 52 32 Hot shower 48 50 53 21 49 30 Cold shower • Do not disturb or remove native habitat. 51 1 34 22 Campfire RED GUMS 54 36 31 23 39 37 33 r/ Rubbish GROUP SITE sito • Bury toilet waste away from watercourses. 35 y Vi Wheelchair Facilities Firewood 38 d Da 24 an 38 Camp site / number rk 25 r Pa ea • Groups (15 people maximum) must book backpack 26 Ca ic Ar Road 29 cn 28 27 Pi camping sites well in advance as numbers per camp One way Recycling Station site are restricted. Trip Intention forms must be lodged a fortnight before arrival.

To minimise risk of bushfire and danger to park staff, ffice Entrance / o backpack camping is not permitted during the Fire Danger Season usually 1 November to 30 April. Check CFS Hotline 1300 362 361. Keep wildlife wild Drive safely Accommodation Emus, goannas and kookaburras are regular visitors Native animals have right of way on roads within Mambray Creek Cabin is comfortable yet basic to the campground and day visitor areas. Feeding wildlife the park. Kangaroos, Euros, Emus and reptiles are often accommodation located in the Mambray Creek can cause serious problems for wildlife and visitors. Our on or near park roads and can move unexpectedly campground. Sleeping a maximum of four people, food can cause sickness and disease in native animals. if startled. To avoid accidents, adhere to speed limits this small cabin has a gas stove, bunk beds, table and Wildlife may also become aggressive towards people to within the park and drive carefully. benches. Cooking and eating utensils are provided obtain food. To help us keep our wildlife wild, store food Noise but refrigeration is not. Bookings are essential. securely. Do not leave plastic bags unattended and please do not feed wildlife. Alligator Lodge is the original ranger's three-bedroom Please keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing house situated at Alligator Gorge. Accommodates wildlife and other campers, particularly early in the a maximum of eight people. Features include gas stove Water morning and evenings. Generators, chainsaws and firearms are not permitted in the park. and refrigerator, solar lighting, wood heater, cooking and Water is a scarce resource in the park. Use water sparingly eating utensils, open living area and modern bathroom. and ensure taps are turned off firmly after use. Bookings are essential. Please use rainwater for drinking purposes only.

Discover the best of the southern Flinders

Bushwalking in Mount Daveys Gully Hike Mambray Creek to Remarkable National Park (2.4 km return; 1 hour return) Alligator Gorge Hike This popular trail starts and finishes at the day visitor area (13 km one way; 5 hours one way) A variety of walking trails allow visitors to explore the at Mambray Creek and passes through Daveys Gully. The This long and interesting hike follows the course of the park’s major attractions, highlighting the contrasting best time for this hike is late afternoon, sunset and sunrise Alligator and Mambray creeks. Start from the day visitor diversity of plant and animal communities unique to when wildlife is more active and the views across Spencer area at either end of the park. From Mambray Creek, the this region. Gulf to Whyalla are spectacular. Keep a lookout for native trail passes through a variety of vegetation, from stands wildlife including Euros, Emus and kookaburras. This hike is The mild temperatures from April to October make this of River Red Gum, and Native Pine through to dense recommended for visitors, who only have a short time to period the most comfortable for walking. During the mallee on the pound floor and finally, to the inviting spend in the park. summer months, temperatures range from 30º-45ºC shade of Sugar Gums on the ridges around Alligator making walking more difficult. A careful responsible Gorge. An alternative to returning on the same route is approach to bushwalking is essential for your safety. to use the Battery Track. It is advised that only fit hikers Sugar Gum Lookout Hike should try to return in one day. It is best to plan a two- Walking trails commence from Mambray Creek, Alligator day walk staying at a nearby camp site overnight or as (8 km return; 3 hours return) Gorge and Melrose. These trails lead visitors along marked many walkers do, meet a friend with a vehicle at the end A pleasant, easy hike following Mambray Creek upstream routes throughout the park. Trails vary in length and of your walk. difficulty. Please refer to the map and selection guide to along a deep valley shaded by majestic River Red Gums. choose a trail most suited to your needs. Distances and The final short climb to the lookout is more strenuous but times are for return trips. walkers are rewarded with a splendid view of red quartzite cliffs and Sugar Gum habitat. Starts and ends Mount Cavern Trek Walks, Hikes and Treks at the day visitor area at Mambray Creek. (11 km return; 6 hours return) (or 3.6 km return; 2 hours Walk – Easy return to Black Range Lookout only)

A Walk is accessible to people of all ages and fitness Hidden Gorge Hike From Mambray Creek day visitor area, a demanding trek levels. They are well-defined trails, generally less than crosses the high ridges of the Black Range to the summit three kilometres in length, with even surfaces. (18 km return; 7 hours return) of Mount Cavern and then descends steeply into Hike – Moderate This popular loop hike starting at Mambray Creek day Mambray Creek. The view from Mount Cavern is A Moderate Hike is suitable for bushwalkers with an visitor area highlights the diversity of landforms and restricted by tall trees but there are fine vantage points average level of fitness. These trails can be any length biodiversity found within the southern Flinders Ranges. along the route. and may include moderate inclines and irregular surfaces. Meander along the Mambray and Alligator creeks If your time is limited, an hours walk along the Mount Trek – Challenging pleasantly shaded by majestic River Red Gums. Through Cavern Trek trail will lead to the Black Range Lookout. A Trek is generally physically demanding, therefore Hidden Gorge, the red quartzite walls of the gorge This lookout provides magnificent views of the plains and users should be experienced bushwalkers with good enclose dense communities of Native Pine. towns of upper Spencer Gulf. Return along the same navigational skills. Treks often require several days to A steady climb from the gorge to the high Battery Range route to Mambray Creek. complete, and pass through remote areas where the trail provides magnificent views overlooking the nearby is unmarked. Prior to commencing a Trek, bushwalkers coastline and the distant northern arm of Spencer Gulf. must discuss their route with a ranger and fill in a Trip Intention Form. Black Range Trek Ali Lookout Walk *If you have more time, at the Ring Route Track junction, continue on north-westerly for another kilometre to reach A demanding trek from Mambray Creek to Alligator Gorge (400 metres return, 15 minutes return) The Battery. See magnificent examples of towering Sugar or Mount Remarkable through the rugged Black Range. A short, easy walk to a lookout overlooking spectacular Gums and spectacular views over the western plains to The Mambray Creek Track crosses steep terrain past Sugar Alligator Gorge. Abundant wildflowers line this path Spencer Gulf. Return to the Ring Route Track junction. Add Gum Lookout for 8 km before meeting the Pines Track. in spring. another hour for this section. This section of trail has breathtaking views of the Mambray Creek catchment, Alligator Basin and Black Range. Gorge Lookout Walk Melrose Nature Hike Head north along Pines Track to reach Alligator Lodge via (600 metres return, 20 minutes return) Woods Hut Track and Tower Track, or to the junction with (4.7 km return, 3 hours return) For spectacular views of the Alligator Basin through to Alligator Gorge-Wilmington road. This is a pleasant hike through the foothills of Mount Mambray Creek take this short and easy walk to the Remarkable with fantastic views of the nearby town Alternatively, head south along Pines Track to reach Mount lookout. of Melrose. Remarkable Summit via Mungola Hut Track passing through grassy woodland. Descend via the Mount Remarkable Summit Hike trail to Melrose. Gorge Circuit Hike Mount Remarkable Summit Hike

(2 km return, 2 hours return) (12.2 km return, 5 hours return) A popular hike, suitable for most abilities, traversing the Commencing from the War Memorial Monument full length of Alligator Gorge. From Alligator Gorge above Melrose, this trail contours across the eastern face of car park, descend the steep steps down into Alligator Mount Remarkable. Walkers are rewarded with magnificent Walk Safely Gorge. Take time to view The Terraces to the north views of Melrose and the rich agricultural land of the before heading south to pass through the spectacular Willochra Plain. Wildflowers abound Be prepared when bushwalking: ‘Narrows’. Walkers should wear sturdy shoes, as the in spring. A detailed brochure is available gorge floor can be uneven and loose in some places. at the trailhead near the monument. • Wear sturdy shoes, hat and sunscreen. Return to Alligator Gorge car park via Blue Gum Flat • Carry sufficient food and drinking water. Picnic Area. Allow 4 litres of water per person per day. The Heysen Trail • Do not rely on tanks or creeks in the park for drinking water. Alligator Gorge Ring Route Hike From Melrose a trail to the summit of Mount • Keep to the defined walking trail. Remarkable is also part of the Heysen Trail. (9 km return; 4 hours return) From the summit, the Heysen Trail follows east • Inform a responsible person of your proposed Following the full length of the inspiring Alligator route and expected time of return. along Mungola Hut Track passing through Gorge, this hike is ideal in spring when wildflowers are grassy woodland before heading north along • Weather conditions can change quickly. abundant and water may be flowing in the gorge. Ensure you have appropriate wet weather clothing. the Pines Track to the Alligator Gorge area. If From The Terraces, continue on (north-west) up the you plan to walk the Heysen Trail, use topographic maps or catchment of Alligator Creek to the Ring Route Track.* the Heysen Trail Northern Guidebook. When walking on the Turn left (south-east) following the vehicle track past Heysen Trail through private land, please keep to the trail. Eaglehawk Dam and Longhill Camp to Blue Gum Flat The Heysen Trail is closed during the Fire Danger Season. Picnic Area. It is a short walk back up to the gorge car park via The Narrows in Alligator Gorge or along the Blue Gum Trail. ALLIGATOR GORGE To To Park boundary Wilmington Wilmington ENLARGEMENT Sealed road 0 km 0.5 1 A All Unsealed road lilg 0 km 4 iga at to or r Ali Lookout Walk G Walking trail Go or rg ge Gorge Lookout Walk ek e R Fire access track e Riing r ng R C Roou oad R ute Mambray Creek to

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Trail Trail Trail Notes Trail Time* Distance Select your trail your Select Quorn Location Map The National Parks Code 0 km 20 40 Help protect your national parks by following these Port Augusta guidelines: • Leave your pets at home. Horrocks Pass

• Take your rubbish with you. Wilmington • Observe fire restrictions usually 1 November to Orroroo 30 April. Check CFS hotline 1300 362 361. Mount Remarkable • Conserve native habitat by using liquid fuel National Park or gas stoves. Melrose • Camp only in designated areas. • Respect geological and heritage sites. • Keep our wildlife wild. Do not feed or Port disturb animals, or remove native plants. Germein Wirrabara • Keep to defined vehicle tracks and walking trails. Spencer • Be considerate of other park users. Jamestown Gulf • Generators, chainsaws and firearms are not permitted. Port Pirie

Thank you for leaving the bush in its natural state Gladstone for the enjoyment of others.

Fire Danger Season The fire danger season usually extends from For further information contact: 1 November to 30 April. Check CFS hotline Department for Environment and Heritage 1300 362 361. The following regulations reduce the Mount Remarkable National Park potential for bushfires and enhance visitor safety: PMB 7 Mambray Creek • Wood fires are not permitted in the park during via PORT PIRIE 5540 the fire danger season. Please use liquid fuel Phone (08) 8634 7068 or gas stoves only. Fax (08) 8634 7085 • On Total Fire Ban Days all fires (liquid, gas Email [email protected] and wood) are not permitted in the park.

• Backpack camping is not permitted during the fire Phone Information Line: (08) 8204 1910 danger season, please plan day walks only. Camping Website: www.parks.sa.gov.au is allowed only at Mambray Creek Campground. Email: [email protected]