Onkaparinga River National Park — Attraction in Adelaide

I love bushwalking here.

Pros:

-Lots of different trails for all levels of fitness -Not super busy so a nice way to walk and feel close to nature an away from people -Easy to get to, several different starting points and parking areas -Amenities at some of the "gates" to the bushwalks/trails -Lots of animals and beautiful scenery -Informative signage at entries and also signposts along walks -Maps available on line through avenza maps so you can pinpoint where you are and where you're going -just a really pretty part of the world to walk in -pumchbowl lookout is also really cool, and a super easy walk! -some of the trails have lookouts, ruins, etc -not that far from suburbia but feels like you're out in the middle of nowhere, just nature sounds! in spring/summer the flowers are blooming and the butterflies are plentiful as you walk -youre likely to see at least one animal! Usually roos, sometimes koalas and def lots of birds -short walks and longs ones, just choose what you're feeling that day!

Cons:

it can get muddy and a bit slippery on some of the trails after rain/in winter. not necessarily a con but, remember, the lovely wildlife can spook easily and obviously it's nature so be careful of snakes and respect the animals personal space! -some of the trails can be deceptive in their steepness/terrain etc so check ahead for your level of fitness/ability etc. -some of the trees can be spiky etc so just be careful as you walk through! Some trails don't have the amenities at the entrance so make sure you pee before you start walking! in summer the flies can be a bit intense, I recommend a hat with corks to swoosh them away because they will absolutely drive you up the wall buzzing round your...

I must preface by saying this is a beautiful park, well maintained, and a treat very close to home.

My only complaint is the terrible signposting throughout the park, many people below complain about getting lost, and it's very easy to do so. Even using both trailforks, Strava, and google maps, it's easy to get off trails due to poor signposting. With the challenge a lot of these trails present, it's only a matter of time untill somebody Ill prepared gets hurt.

Additionally, I must say that gorge trail is near impossible to pass on a mountain bike. Even a professional on a dual suspension bike would have extreme trouble going down this trail, let alone a recreational rider. Extremely skinny, extremely steep, and gigantic rocks that block the path at many turns. Use extreme caution.

Punchbowl trail...

This was my first going for a hike at Onkaparinga River National Park and I really had a great time. The footpath takes on a trip around the national park and every kilometer or two you get this stop where the view of the hills is absolutely beautiful and stunning. We walked all the way down to where the river is and that was probably my favourite part of the experience. It was very quiet and far away from the noise pollution, you really a great sense nature surrounding you. If you go really early you get to see few kangaroos and sometime you will come across some koalas. Few recommendations when you to this national park: wear proper hiking shoes as the footpath can be slippery, bottle of water per person and be wary of the plants as you walk past them as some are prickly and may get...