Visit Kangaroo Island’s Flinders Chase National Park

Top tips and the best things to do in Flinders Chase National Park

Remarkable Rocks
Remarkable Rocks

Kangaroo Island's Flinders Chase National Park is known for its dense bushland, soaring cliffs, untouched white sandy beaches and pristine rivers and lagoons. At the wild and rugged western end of the island, the park is located approximately 110 kilometres from the main island town of Kingscote.

How big is Flinders Chase National Park?

Covering an area of more than 326 square kilometres (126 square miles); the protected sanctuary of Flinders Chase National Park is home to some of Kangaroo Island’s best known natural attractions, and an abundance of native wildlife and wildflowers.

The magnitude of the park’s deep gullies and stunning valleys of pure wilderness are part of its appeal. The total Flinders Chase size of 326 square kilometres is made up of the Cape du Couedic and Rocky River area to the southwest, the Gosse Lands to the northeast and the region around Cape Borda Lighthouse to the northwest.

The European history of Flinders Chase National Park

The region was declared a National Park in 1919. It was named after British explorer Matthew Flinders, one of the first European explorers to set foot on, and later officially give Kangaroo Island its name.

The park was previously farmed by pastoralists. Between 1893 and 1914, the May family worked the Rocky River Pastoral Lease zone, now the location of the Flinders Chase day use area for visitors. May's Homestead and Postman's Cottage, originally built by the pastoralists, have been beautifully restored and partially rebuilt since the 2019-20 bushfires.


How to get to Flinders Chase National Park

Located on the wild west end of Kangaroo Island, the park can be reached on self-drive tours, tour bus or personalised 4WD tours. A beautiful stone entry gate welcomes visitors to the Park at the corner of the South Coast Road and the West End Highway. Following the South Coast Road, Flinders Chase is 110 kilometres from Kingscote, a 90-minute drive.

The Park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Entry and camping fees apply—pay online or in person at the day use area, 10 minutes from the main gate. Signed parking is available at each of the major sites. Pets are not permitted, and the roads are unsuitable for caravans or trailers.

What to do in Flinders Chase National Park?

Home to some of the most popular tourist attractions on Kangaroo Island, there are a wide range of things to do in Flinders Chase National Park. Enjoy the slow drive along the winding road to visit iconic landmarks including Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

A stunning natural playground with an impressive geological history, the giant boulders of Remarkable Rocks are a great place for the whole family to explore. The naturally sculpted formations lie atop a remnant granite outcrop, and their orange and red hues are a photographer's delight, particularly at sunset.

At Cape du Couedic, the impressive rocky arch known as Admirals Arch is home to a colony of long-nosed fur seals that frolic on the rocks and can be easily seen from the boardwalk.

Visit the Cape du Couedic lighthouse, nearby Weirs Cove, and the unusual, square Cape Borda lighthouse for spectacular coastal views and an insight into the isolation felt by lighthouse keepers and their families over 150 years ago.

What to do in the Park

Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area

What to see in Flinders Chase National Park

As well as the major sights, take a bushwalk to spot wildlife, such as Kangaroo Island kangaroos and wallabies, echidnas, goannas and the elusive platypus. Birdlife and wildflowers abound, and the recovery of the native flora and fauna can be seen first-hand.

The world-famous Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail has been modified and is open to walkers who book through licensed tour operators. The five-day walk winds through undisturbed native vegetation and along the untamed, rugged coastline in the western region of the island, offering spectacular views across pristine rivers and the wild and roaring ocean.

A number of shorter walks are also available at Ravine des Casoars and Cape du Couedic.

Is Flinders Chase National Park open?

The park was closed following the 2019-20 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires on Kangaroo Island but is now open. Visitors have a rare opportunity to see the bush regenerate, with green shoots emerging out of a blackened landscape.

Infrastructure has been restored throughout Flinders Chase National Park. A new boardwalk at Remarkable Rocks is finished and the road resurfaced. The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is also being restored.

For more information about the park, including what trails are open, visit the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website.

Food at Flinders Chase National Park

Wondering what restaurants are available at Flinders Chase National Park? Bring all food and drink supplies with you, as there are no cafes, shops or restaurants available inside the park. The only facilities are parking areas and toilets at this stage.

The closest places to purchase drinks, snacks and picnic essentials is the Vivonne Bay General Store on South Coast Road, about 40 minutes east of the national park entry gate, and Western KI Caravan Park, about 10 minutes from the park entry.

Accommodation near Flinders Chase National Park

At this stage, all lodgings within Flinders Chase are closed. The nearby Western KI caravan park and campground offers cabins, powered and unpowered sites, picnic facilities, a mini shop, and a petrol pump.

There is also a campground at Harriet River near Vivonne Bay, however campsites are available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be booked.

There is a range of accommodation near Flinders Chase National Park available in the local area.

Take home memories and leave only footprints

Kangaroo Island is unique and needs your help to stay that way. Leave natural attractions as you found them and take rubbish and food scraps with you. These damage and pollute the environment, endanger wildlife habitats and can make animals sick. Keeping our environment pristine and our wildlife safe are high priorities.

Visit the West End region and Flinders Chase National Park as part of your Kangaroo Island holiday itinerary. Learn more about the best attractions in all eight Kangaroo Island regions and discover everything the island has to offer, then start planning your holiday today.


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