Ngarkat Conservation Park
| Location | Ngarkat Conservation Park, Murraylands |
| Start/End Point | Bucks Camp Track, Ngarkat SA |
| Distance | 1 km return |
| Time | 20 minutes |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Activity | Walking |
| Region | Murraylands |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and houseboat options — See accommodation options |
| Access | 4WD required |
A Hilltop View Across 270,000 Hectares of Mallee
In the southwestern corner of Ngarkat Conservation Park — one of South Australia’s largest protected areas — Gosse Hill rises above the surrounding landscape of sand dunes, mallee woodland, and heathland to provide one of the most expansive views in the Murraylands region. The Gosse Hill Hike is a short, sharp climb that rewards walkers with a panorama across native pine-covered hills that stretches to the horizon in every direction. In just 20 minutes and 1 kilometre of walking, this trail delivers a perspective on the sheer scale of the Australian mallee that is impossible to grasp from ground level.
Ngarkat Conservation Park protects 270,000 hectares of vegetated sand dunes, mallee, and heath in the eastern Murraylands. The park abounds with wildlife — western grey kangaroos and emus are commonly seen, and over 120 species of birds have been recorded within its boundaries. The star of the avian community is the rare malleefowl, a ground-nesting bird whose elaborate incubation mounds are a marvel of natural engineering.
The Walk
The trail climbs steadily from the Bucks Camp Track to the summit, where the effort is instantly justified by the view. Native pine forests — Callitris species adapted to the sandy soils and fire-prone environment of the mallee — cover the surrounding hills in a dark green canopy that creates a textured landscape of remarkable beauty. Bring binoculars: the elevated viewpoint makes it possible to spot emus and kangaroos moving through the bush below, and raptors riding the thermal currents above the surrounding plains.
Planning Your Walk
Access to Gosse Hill requires a 4WD vehicle, as the sandy tracks of Ngarkat Conservation Park are not suitable for standard vehicles. The park is located in the eastern Murraylands, approximately 34 kilometres south of Pinnaroo. Carry all water and supplies, as there are no facilities nearby. The best visiting months are April to September. Combine the Gosse Hill Hike with the Box Flat Walk and Tyms Lookout Hike for a full day of exploring this remarkable mallee wilderness.
The Gosse Hill Hike is a twenty-minute investment that pays dividends in perspective. Standing on the summit, looking out across a quarter of a million hectares of mallee wilderness, you understand why Ngarkat Conservation Park is one of the most important protected areas in South Australia — and why the brief climb to this hilltop viewpoint is worth every step.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Fleurieu Peninsula Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.