Located 13 kilometers south of Adelaide, between the suburbs of Bellevue Heights and Flagstaff Hill, Sturt Gorge lies in the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Through the resilient glacial deposit called “Sturt tillite,” the Sturt River has meticulously carved a deep and narrow gorge, making it a site of immense geological significance. For more information on Sturt Tillite, the geological history, and the geography of Sturt Gorge, you can refer to our Geology Page.
The Sturt Gorge Recreation Park now covers a significant portion of the gorge, safeguarding its diverse array of habitats, rich flora and fauna, and remarkable geological features.
Within Sturt Gorge, one can find numerous rare plants and a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, grey box grass woodland, blue gum woodland, and ancient river red gums. These habitats are crucial remnants of the original environment that once thrived in this area, providing a sanctuary and sustenance for a multitude of native animals that reside in or frequent the park.
Since European settlement, extensive modifications have been made to the native vegetation due to activities such as grazing, logging, and mining. Our History page delves further into the park’s past, including insights into the Kaurna Aboriginal people who originally inhabited the region.