Mt Remarkable National Park - Feedback, please

Hi Jack,
In October we checked out and thoroughly enjoyed Mt Remarkable National Park on the way back from the Flinders Ranges. They had had quite alot of rain not long before we visited so the creeks were flowing and the wildflowers were a picture too. We did a couple of the walks (the Terraces and the Narrows) which are worth doing.
We stayed at the Melrose Caravan Park which is one of the best we have come across and a walk around the town itself is worthwhile.
We hope to get back that way sometime soon.
Safe travels
Bullwinkle (Pam)

Hi Jack,
I suggest you stay at the Willmington or Melrose C/van parks as you can also visit a few other attractions in the area. It's a great spot and you will enjoy it.

Jack,
Have camped at mt Remarkable many times. There is a nice, peaceful camp ground at Mambray creek not far from the creek bed, and under plenty of shade. Kangaroos and a few Emu's call the area home (they don't pester you). It's fairly open so you don't get a lot of privacy, but much better than a caravan park.

Several excellent bush walks start from the camp ground. Some others start from the Melrose area. The most spectacular is Alligator gorge. There isn't a road going through the park but it's only 1/2 hour or so from Mambray to Melrose if you want to visit the town.

Barnesy

Afternoon Jack,

Try again, other reply disappeared into the ether!!

Our family lived in Melrose for many years, it is truly a beautiful place.

The Melrose caravan park is very nice, you should be able to camp over the creek and whilst it would be a tad dry this time of the year you are camped right at the base of Mount Remarkable.

Plenty of walking trails and access to the Heysen trail if you are keen.

Have a stroll around town, not big but some interesting sights.

Visit 'Blueys Blacksmith' shop and have glimpse into the past, you can also get 'tea and scones' (if thats your style), or have lunch in the small, but well maintained park next door....all facilities.

Two pubs in town, both with good and bad points.....have heard that meal prices have gone up a tad..might pay to check.

It is but a short drive to Wilmington and Alligators Gorge, not suitable for towing caravan tho'

Views from that area are great and if you descend into the gorge the steps you will be using were put there by my father many years ago.

Go and enjoy and if there is any more info I can give you, please let me know.

Regards
Michael B(SA)

Hi there Jack,

The park is great for it's rugged beauty and the walks are not too strenuous but good mix of interest. Lots of wildlife as mentioned by other.

Alligator gorge walk goes from one side to the other - does require someone to leave a vehicle around one end of it if you are doing it one way (as most are), but it is a good walk.

Similarly there is an escarpment track - I don't think it's entirely well marked but it has great views over the escarpment to the gulf.

I for one love Mambray Creek - particularly when there is water there (which is mostly).

Ciao for now
Andrew.

If you camp at Mambray Creek, see if you can talk the rangers into letting you camp at the "school camp" next to the main camp ground - you pitch your tent on wood chips instead of gravel. We love the area. Early morning or late afternoon walks are special with all the wild life around. The Alligator Gorge to Mambray Creek took us about 6 hours but was well worth it.

Cheers

Pete

Thank you all for the excellent feedback. I am ow as eager as ever to get there.

Jack

Hiya Jack,

There is a great fact sheet from the Department of Environment and Heritage on Mt. Remarkable National Park that I picked up today when meeting with their tour operator people arranging for them to fleece me of next year's profits before I've earned them.

There are now more walks in the park than you can poke a stick at!

The walk someone on this thread was speaking of is the Alligator Gorge Ring Route Hike which is 9 km, 4 hours return from the Wilmington end.

The Hike I was thinking of is called the Hidden Gorge Hike which is listed as 18 km, 7 hours return.

The Mambray Creek to Alligator Gorge Hike is 13 km one way, 5 hours one way - you can do it as a return trip and follow a somewhat different track on the return along the Battery Ridge Track.

Then there is the Black Range Trek (terminology for the challenging and demanding walk) - 48 km return, 2 days return.

There are other shorter walks too.

Strongly recommend you call the Information line on 08 8204 1910 and ask for a copy to be sent to you or www.parks.sa.gov.au (although I couldn't find it all online.)

Ciao for now
Andrew.