The Great (Big) Gorge Walk

Where: Start from Garnet Kelly Reserve, opposite 6790 Main South Rd, Normanville

The Great Gorge Walk was officially opened by Councillor David Olsson on Sunday 30^th May 2021. The walk has been a collaboration between the District Council of Yankalilla, Yankalilla District Historical Society & private landholders installing a new pedestrian access, sign posts and a series of information panels which allows this beautiful trail to be opened up for the public to enjoy.

This 3.6km return walk runs adjacent to the Yankalilla River, on the route of the historic coach road, and the path Colonel William Light walked during his first surveys.

Yankalilla was one of the earliest settled districts in the State and this is one of the first settlement's best known rural roads – linking Adelaide with Yankalilla and Cape Jervis.

From 1858 work commenced on a new road south, bypassing the Great Gorge which required bridges over the Yankalilla River and the Little Gorge.Over time both bridges have been replaced with only the Yankalilla bridge still visible. The 'new' road route is essentially the same as used today.

Today, walkers will enjoy prolific birdlife as they follow a marked trail of recent vehicle tracks and informal paths. Look out for river red gums, blue gums, blackwood, golden wattle and sheoak on the higher ground. Large swathes of grass trees are striking against the hills.

This walk follows an unimproved path and you will encounter uneven and rocky surfaces.

The path crisscrosses public road and private land, we acknowledge the generosity of landholders in allowing access.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Sunrise to Sunset

(closed on days of Total Fire Ban)

CONDITIONS OF ACCESS:

• For pedestrian and cyclist use only.
• The trail is unfenced and crisscrosses road reserve and private land, please keep to the marked trail.
• Leave all gates as you find them.
• Dogs must be on leash at all times, lambing ewes.
• You are on farming land, avoid livestock at all times.
• Follow the trail markers and obey all signs.
• Take your rubbish with you.
• Use at your own risk. Council and private landowners are not responsible for accidents or injuries. The path is rugged (Class 4).