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Gorge Road: Athelstone to Cudlee Creek, Torrens Gorge, South Australia
Photo: RegionVisitor90 · CC0

Drives South Australia, Australia The Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and Barossa

Gorge Road: Athelstone to Cudlee Creek

Gorge Road · Athelstone → Cudlee Creek

Intense11.7 mi25 min1,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,100 ftOne way
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The drive

Gorge Road is the Adelaide Hills' best-known twisty road. It leaves Athelstone, in Adelaide's eastern suburbs, and climbs up the Torrens Gorge for 18.8 km (12 mi) to Cudlee Creek, passing Kangaroo Creek Reservoir, which was built between 1966 and 1969 by damming the River Torrens. The bends are nearly continuous, and rock walls and trees stand close to the edge.

The road is signed B31, and it is popular with riders and with rally crews, who have used it as a closed stage. Corkscrew Road branches off near Paracombe and is not part of this drive. The drive ends at Cudlee Creek.

Along the way

  1. Athelstone
  2. Cudlee Creek
Elevation
1,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,100 ft
AthelstoneCudlee Creek
Curves
Twisty most of the way
AthelstoneCudlee Creek
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Department for Infrastructure and Transport monitors the weather year-round for rockfall risk and closes Gorge Road at short notice, including as a precaution when heavy rain is forecast.
  • Rock walls and trees stand close to the edge in most places, so caution is needed on every bend.
  • The road is popular with riders, so expect motorcycles.
  • For closures the Traffic Management Centre is on 1800 018 313.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Traffic SA.

Questions about this drive

How long does Gorge Road take from Athelstone to Cudlee Creek?

Gorge Road from Athelstone to Cudlee Creek is 18.8 km (12 mi) and takes about 25 minutes if you drive it steadily.

Why does Gorge Road close?

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport closes Gorge Road, sometimes at short notice, when rockfall is a risk, for example when heavy rain is forecast. Check Traffic SA before you go.

Is Gorge Road twisty?

Yes. Gorge Road is twisty most of the way from Athelstone up the Torrens Gorge, with tight bends between rock walls, and it is popular with riders.

Where does Gorge Road go?

Gorge Road (B31) runs from Athelstone, past Kangaroo Creek Reservoir in the Torrens Gorge, to Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Gorge Road: Athelstone to Cudlee Creek, from Athelstone to Cudlee Creek