Wilkawillina Gorge Hike

Wilkawillina Gorge Hike is an 11.9 km one-way, point-to-point walk from Mt Billy Creek Trailhead to Little Bunkers Trailhead, following Ten Mile Creek through a stony gorge before climbing across open hillsides. Allow about six hours. That outing includes a short 300 m out-and-back spur to a lookout over the eastern plains. This is a long, remote day on foot, not a quick stop at the gorge.

From Mt Billy Creek, the route drops from the car park into the creek, then climbs the bank on a marked footpad. In the gorge, blue markers flag repeated crossings; expect to pick your way over water-smoothed boulders rather than follow a smooth path. Pale Wilkawillina Limestone and red Bonney Sandstone show up side by side along the creek. Look for fossil-bearing stone and small stromatolite patterns; the geology is the main reason to slow down here.

A sandstone spur gives a view back over the creek. Farther along, the walk leaves the gorge and follows a narrower sidling track toward a saddle. The hillside is steep and stony, and the exposed tread calls for careful footing. The short viewpoint spur climbs about 150 m each way; it is a worthwhile detour if you have energy for one last climb. From the saddle, the route descends across a mostly open slope to Little Bunkers.

Start at Mt Billy Creek Trailhead, at the end of 6.5 km of gravel Wilkawillina Road off Wirrealpa Road. Little Bunkers is a small roadside pull-off on Wirrealpa Road about 6 km past the turn-off, and it is easy to miss. The road transfer between trailheads is about 13 km, so arrange two vehicles or a driver. Walking back to Mt Billy adds roughly another route-length and makes a very long day. Carry at least 4 L of water per person. Dogs are not allowed in the park; assistance dogs are permitted under South Australian rules.