Walks
Explore the island's scenic terrain. There are trails ranging in length and difficulty to cater for all fitness levels. The Clifftop Hike at Cape Borda is the perfect introduction to this spectacular site. Sometimes you will be rewarded with dolphin or whale sightings, or views of soaring sea-eagles. The Hanson Bay Hike at Kelly Hill Conservation Park is also spectacular. It is 18km (return) taking 6 hours to complete. However the scenery is worth it. The trail meanders from the visitor centre to the south coast at Hanson Bay and showcases Pink Gum woodlands, mallee, coastal heaths, freshwater lagoons and ancient dunes. There are several spectacular viewpoints along the way.
Below is a selection of just some of the walks around Kangaroo Island. For more information download the 'National Parks of Kangaroo Island' booklet.
 | National Parks of Kangaroo Island (pdf 2.4MB) |
Dudley Peninsula
Ironstone Hill Hike
 | Location: Baudin Conservation Park, East of Penneshaw. This 4km hike follows the coast east of Penneshaw along a section of the original bullock track to Cape Willoughby. After climbing through regenerating sheoak vegetation, the hike leads to the ruins of Harry Bates' cottage and a stone-threshing floor on Ironstone Hill. The farming heritage of the area is interpreted on signs along the hike. |
American River
Fish Cannery Walk
 | Location: Lierich Drive, American River Departing from the northern side of the town, this walk takes you on a fascinating coastal trail to the Historic Fish Cannery. During the walk, keep an eye out for bird life, a variety of coastal vegetation and dolphins swimming in the cove. The walk takes about 1.5 hours; a guide is available at American River shops. |
Kingscote & Districts
Kingscote to Brownlow Coastal Walk
 | Location: Between Kingscote Wharf and Brownlow Beach Beginning at the Kingscote Wharf, this trail follows the coast to the nearby township of Brownlow. The walk provides impressive coastal views over Nepean Bay and some fine bird watching opportunities. |
West End
Cape du Couedic Hike
 | Location: Departs from Cape du Couedic Lightstation, Flinders Chase Nation Park This 2km hike provides spectacular coastal clifftop views as it meanders between the Cape du Couedic Lightstation and Admirals Arch car park. Discover the varied and impressive techniques that plants use to grow here. Find out about Aboriginal connections with Cape du Couedic and how they survived in this harsh environment. Contemplate the drama of being shipwrecked here 110 years ago. Look for the water pool built by the lighthouse builders and watch for those who still use it today. |
Weirs Cove Hike
 | Location: Cape du Couedic Road, Flinders Chase National Park Imagine spending three months or more waiting for fresh supplies... Hike from Cape du Couedic Lightstation to Weirs Cove (3km return) to appreciate the life of a lightkeeper, not to mention his long walk to bringing the groceries home. Discover the method of landing people and supplies along this treacherous coastline. |
Clifftop Hike
 | Location: Cape Borda Lightstation This short 1km trail is the perfect complement to a guided tour at Cape Borda Lightstation. Meander through the picturesque rock gardens and observe how the vegetation changes as you near the clifftop. A stone lookout provides an ideal vantage point for spotting whales and dolphins. |
Harveys Return Hike
 | Location: Playford Highway, near Cape Borda This short hike follows the original route used by the Cape Borda Lightkeepers who hauled their stores up from Harveys Return using a horse and capstan (horse-drawn winch), and small rail cars. For geology enthusiasts, there are spectacular outcrops of tightly folded, thinly bedded schists. Below the capstan, the trail is very steep, so walkers should descend carefully. |
Hanson Bay Hike
 | Location: Departs from Kelly Hill Caves or Hanson Bay This spectacular trail meanders from Kelly Hill Visitor Centre to Hanson Bay. It passes through banksia heath, pink gum woodlands, mallee and coastal heath, alongside freshwater lagoons, and over dunes to viewpoints that provide wonderful vistas inland and along the coast. Allow a full day for the return trip or try to arrange a pick-up. |
South Coast
Murray Lagoon
 | Location: Seagers Road The Murray Lagoon is the Island's largest lagoon and offers three walks - Bald Hill (1km), Curley Creek (11km) and Timber Creek (1.5km). All have great vantage points to observe bird life. Bald Hill in particular has great vistas over Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park. This area is particularly attractive during winter and spring when the creeks are flowing, bringing a great variety of waterbirds and waders to the region. A ranger's office and basic camping facilities are located nearby. |