The Mack Creek Hike in Para Wirra Conservation Park is a challenging 7.5-kilometre journey (grade 4) perfect for experienced walkers. This route winds downstream along Mack Creek for roughly 3-4 hours, offering stunning views of the valley's majestic river red gums. Keep an eye out for the park's beautiful orchids, which bloom vibrantly in late winter and spring.
For the return leg, the trail utilises fire tracks that run parallel to nearby roads. While less than 2 kilometres follow a sealed bitumen road, these fire tracks are shared with horse riders, so be aware of your surroundings.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 7659 m
Max elevation: 352 m
Min elevation: 274 m
Total climbing: 142 m
Total descent: -142 m
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The hike conveniently offers two starting points:
- Mack Creek Hike Carpark on Humbug Scrub Road, located 0.5 kilometres past the park's main entrance.
- A carpark situated at the intersection of Humbug Scrub Road and Bassnet Road, 2.6 kilometres beyond the main entrance.
Para Wirra Conservation Park is conveniently located 41 kilometers north of Adelaide. The park boasts multiple entry points, with the main entrance accessible through the Western Gate off Humbug Scrub Road. Campers arriving after park hours can use the Eastern Gate, also located off Humbug Scrub Road. However, this gate requires a unique combination lock code provided during campground reservation and remains locked to general visitors. Please note that the Western Gate operates on sunrise to sunset hours, with the exception of Christmas Day. Once you get there, you can look for signs for Allendale Road Carpark near Bowden Cottage.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Nestled in the foothills of the rugged Mount Lofty Ranges, Para Wirra Conservation Park holds significance for three Aboriginal nations: the Kaurna, Peramangk, and Ngadjuri. The park's name itself reflects this heritage, with "Para" (or Kaurna "Pari") translating to "river, creek, or gully" and "Wirra" meaning "forest." This aptly describes the park's landscape, where the ranges meet the Barossa Valley and mallee plains, creating a natural gathering point for these indigenous groups.
National Parks are actively collaborating with these nations to develop and share cultural interpretations of the park. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Para Wirra, with opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and observing native wildlife. Over 100 bird species call the park home, including emus that may even visit the picnic grounds. Kangaroos graze at dawn and dusk, while reptiles like bearded dragons and sleepy lizards soak up the sun on warm days. Keen observers might even spot the shy short-beaked echidna, evidenced by its characteristic diggings throughout the park.
Para Wirra caters perfectly to families and groups. Accessible facilities are nestled within the natural bush setting, with a lake serving as a popular attraction. Barbecue areas and picnic tables offer scenic views over the water, where the surrounding bushland creates a mirror-like reflection on calm days.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
