In the 2024 edition of its renowned travel guide, Lonely Planet has proclaimed Kangaroo Island as one of the world’s great destinations. This recognition is a testament to its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unparalleled natural beauty.
For walkers eager to immerse themselves in this South Australian gem, Park Trek offers a beautifully curated walking adventure. Our 5-day walking tour of Kangaroo Island (or “KI” as the locals like to call it) promises exploration and profound connection to nature.
Why Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island, also known as Karta Pintingga (“Island of the dead” in the language of the Kaurna people) is Australia’s third largest island (after Tasmania and Melville Island). It is about 120kms south of Adelaide, making it the perfect destination to bookend with some time enjoying Adelaide’s culinary and cultural attractions.
KI is a sanctuary for tranquility and awe-inspiring nature encounters. The island is almost 150 kms long, with a stunning coastline of just over 500kms. Its diverse ecosystems range from lush woodlands and pristine beaches to rugged cliffs and ancient forests. This diversity makes it a paradise for walkers, nature enthusiasts … and wildlife.
A Little about the Kangaroo Island’s History
The island has a fascinating indigenous and post settlement history. It is thought to have been inhabited by the Kartan peoples as long as 16,000 years ago until as recently as 2,000 years ago. It is believed that the island separated from Mainland Australia around 10,000 years ago during the last glacial period. In 1802, the British explorer Matthew Flinders named the island with reference to its prolific population of western grey kangaroos.
From 1802 until South Australia’s colonisation in 1836 the island was inhabited by sealers and escaped convicts with many traumatic events. Subsequently the island’s first permanent settlements were established, including Kingscote which remains its biggest town. Owing to its treacherous coast the island is also famous for its lighthouses, including Cape Wiloughby (1852), Cape Borda (1858), and the iconic Cape du Couedic (1906).
Park Trek’s 5-Day Immersive Walking Experience
Lonely Planet’s recent accolade highlights Kangaroo Island’s unique and enduring allure, emphasizing its blend of extraordinary wildlife, stunning landscapes, and eco-friendly experiences. KI is not just a destination; it is a journey into the heart of Australia’s wilderness.
Park Trek’s 5-day guided walking tour of KI offers an all-inclusive and immersive experience. Designed to allow you to fully appreciate the island’s splendour, our tour (full details included in our Trip Notes) includes:
1. Carefully curated walks: Each day of the tour presents a new chapter in the island’s story. The walks showcase Kangaroo Island’s most captivating features, from the dramatic coastal cliffs of Flinders Chase National Park to the serene landscapes of the island’s interior and the KI Wilderness Trail. The routes are chosen not only for their beauty but also for their accessibility, ensuring that every participant, regardless of experience level, can enjoy the journey. You’ll also enjoy the Kelly Hill Caves tour and the Hanson’s Bay Nocturnal Tour.
2. Fully guided expertise: Park Trek’s tours are led by knowledgeable and passionate guides who bring the island to life with their insights into local flora, fauna, and geological formations. Their expertise transforms each walk into an educational experience, enriching your understanding of Kangaroo Island’s ecosystems and history. Our guides are storytellers, adding depth and context to your adventure. They’ll show you the highlights like Admirals Arch, Remarkable Rocks and Hansons Bay, and share with you KI’s hidden gems!
3. All-inclusive convenience: From the moment you step onto our bus in Adelaide, Park Trek takes care of every detail. Our tour is fully inclusive, meaning all accommodations, meals, and transfers are arranged for you. This all-inclusive approach allows you to focus entirely on the experience, leaving all the logistics to us. You will enjoy comfortable lodgings, homestyle meals, and seamless transportation, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable adventure.
4. Connecting with nature: Like all our tours you will forge a deep connection with the natural world. Each day’s walk reveals different facets of the island, offering opportunities to spot native wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and fur seals, and to appreciate the island’s stunning landscapes up close. Walking at a gentle pace allows you to fully absorb your surroundings, from the sound of waves crashing against the shore to the scent of eucalyptus in the air. You’ll also learn about KI’s regeneration after the devastating January 2020 wildfires that destroyed over 200,000 hectares, and significantly impacted habitats and species.
5. Personal growth and reflection: Walking through such pristine environments provides more than just physical exercise. It is a chance for personal reflection and growth. The serenity of KI offers respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing you to truly reconnect with nature, yourself and likeminded walkers. You will find the experience rejuvenating and transformative, as you renew your appreciation for the natural world and your place within it.
A Guided Walking Journey To Remember
Park Trek’s 5-day KI walking tour is more than just an escape. It is a journey to engage the senses, enrich the mind, and touch the soul. As Lonely Planet’s recent recognition suggests, Kangaroo Island is indeed one of the world’s great destinations.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a nature lover looking for a new adventure, our KI walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Australia’s most stunning landscapes. Embrace the adventure, soak in the natural beauty, and let Kangaroo Island work its magic on you.
Come walk with us, we’d love to walk with you!
Park Trek acknowledges and pays its respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which we wander as a walking company. We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of the lands and waterways across our continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years. We are proud to live on the planet’s oldest continent with the oldest continuous living culture. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.