Mambray Creek – Mt Remarkable National Park
| Location | Mambray Creek, Mt Remarkable National Park |
| Start/End Point | Mambray Creek Campground |
| Distance | 2.4 km return |
| Time | Approximately 1 hour |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Activity | Walking / Hiking |
| Region | Flinders Ranges & Outback |
| Accommodation | Bush camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Facilities | Campground, toilets, picnic areas at Mambray Creek |
A Short Climb to Sweeping Views
Sometimes the best views come from the shortest walks. The Daveys Gully Hike is a compact 2.4-kilometre return trail that climbs from the popular Mambray Creek campground to a ridgeline viewpoint with panoramic views across the Alligator Basin and out to Spencer Gulf — a vista that stretches all the way to the industrial skyline of Whyalla on a clear day. In just one hour of walking, this trail delivers a taste of the dramatic landscape that makes Mount Remarkable National Park one of the most rewarding parks in the southern Flinders Ranges.
Mount Remarkable National Park sits at the southern gateway to the Flinders Ranges, within easy reach of Adelaide at approximately 3.5 hours’ drive. The park is an ideal family destination, with diverse wildlife, well-maintained campgrounds, and a network of trails that range from gentle strolls to challenging full-day hikes. The Daveys Gully Hike sits in the middle of this range — short enough for families with older children, but with enough gradient to provide a satisfying workout and a genuine sense of achievement at the top.
The Walk
Through the Gully
Starting from the Mambray Creek campground, the trail enters Daveys Gully and begins climbing through woodland that typifies the southern Flinders vegetation. River red gums line the lower creek, giving way to native pines and mixed woodland as the gradient steepens. The gully provides natural shelter from the wind, and the vegetation here is noticeably lusher than on the exposed ridgelines — a microclimate that supports a diversity of birds and smaller animals.
The gradient is moderate but sustained, earning the intermediate rating. The trail surface is rocky in places, and sturdy footwear is recommended. As you climb, breaks in the canopy offer increasingly expansive views to the west, building anticipation for the panorama that awaits at the top.
The View
The ridgeline viewpoint is the reward. To the west, the Alligator Basin spreads out below — a broad, gently undulating landscape of pastoral land and native vegetation that extends to the shining waters of Spencer Gulf. On clear days, the city of Whyalla is visible on the far shore of the gulf, its smokestacks and port facilities a reminder of the industrial history that sits alongside the natural beauty of this region. To the east, the forested ridgelines of Mount Remarkable rise to the 960-metre summit that gives the park its name.
Wildlife
The Mambray Creek area supports a rich community of wildlife, and the Daveys Gully Hike passes through several habitat types that maximise your chances of encounters. Euros — the compact hill kangaroos of the Flinders Ranges — are commonly seen on the rocky slopes, while western grey kangaroos favour the flatter ground near the campground. Wedge-tailed eagles often soar above the ridgeline, and the woodland along the gully provides habitat for rosellas, honeyeaters, and treecreepers.
Planning Your Walk
The Daveys Gully Hike starts from the Mambray Creek campground, which is signposted off the Augusta Highway. Vehicle entry fees of $12.50 per vehicle apply to Mount Remarkable National Park. The campground offers powered and unpowered sites, toilets, and picnic facilities, making it an excellent base for exploring the park’s trail network. Combine the Daveys Gully Hike with the nearby Wirra Water Loop, Sugar Gum Lookout Hike, or the longer Battery Ridge trail for a full day of walking.
The Daveys Gully Hike proves that memorable experiences do not always require marathon distances. In just 2.4 kilometres and an hour of walking, this trail delivers the essential Flinders Ranges experience — climbing through woodland to a ridgeline view that connects the mountains to the sea and puts the ancient landscape of South Australia’s most famous ranges into breathtaking perspective.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Fleurieu Peninsula Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.