Kangaroo Island – Karta Pintingga Walk – 5 Days

Day 1 – Ironstone Hill Hike

Distance: 4km, 2.5 hours walking (Approx.) Grade: 2–3 (Easy to Moderate)

We meet in Adelaide, departing at 7:45am and drive south to Cape Jervis stopping enroute for a coffee break and some short scenic walks. We then board the Sealink Ferry for our departure to Kangaroo Island.

The trip is a scenic 45-minute crossing, known as the Backstairs Passage, across to Penneshaw – the gateway to Kangaroo Island.

Mid-morning we begin our first walk, the Ironstone Hill Hike in the Baudin Conservation Park. This walk follows the historic Bullock Track towards Cape Willoughby and leads to Ironstone Hill, overlooking a magnificent coastal vista and revealing some of the area’s farming heritage.

In the afternoon, enroute to the west, the more wild and rugged end of the island, if time permits we stop off to take in the beauty from Mt Thisby Lookout. With views along the coastline, the turquoise waters and captivating views of this coastal haven you will get to know and love over the next few days.

From here we travel to our accommodation and settle in with a nibble’s platter and a two-course meal prepared by your guides.

Enjoy your first evening relaxing on your balcony while enjoying the local fauna graze close by.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Disc Parks

Day 2 – Snake Lagoon to Cape du Couedic OR Old Flinders Chase Visitor Centre to Snake Lagoon

Distance: 12-16kms, 4-7hrs walking (Approx.) Grade: 3-4 (Moderate to More Difficult)

Our 2nd day is open to variation to account for weather and group preference. Your guides will choose the most suitable itinerary for the day once on tour. Your day will look something like:

Snake Lagoon to Cape du Couedic
Distance: 16kms, 7hrs walking (Approx.) Grade: 4 (More Difficult)

OR

Old Flinders Chase Visitor Centre to Snake Lagoon
Distance: 12 kms, 4 hours walking (Approx.) Grade: 3 (Moderate)

After breakfast and lunch making, we take a short drive to begin our journey on part of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. Today we have two options which be determined by your guides on the day. The decision will depend on the weather, wind speed and direction, temperature and group ability.

The Snake Lagoon to Cape du Couedic section is very exposed, rocky and long. The trail heads south up the rocky headland above where the mouth of the Rocky River meets the ocean. From there, we venture southeast, tracing the untamed coastal cliffs and bone white Maupertuis Beach that hugs the coastline of the majestic and vast Southern Ocean, leading us towards the Cape du Couedic lighthouse.

On this spectacular section, we will enjoy coastal views over the mighty Southern Ocean where nothing, but deep blue sea is between you and Antarctica, experience colorful coastal plants and the stunning and rugged beauty of the Flinders Chase National Park.

At Cape du Couedic, we meet back up with the van and enjoy some afternoon tea with time to view the lighthouse.

If we decide to walk the Rocky River to Snake lagoon section of the KIWT you will enjoy a lovely shady walk through the diverse ecosystems – from vibrant riverbank communities to the hushed reverence of low woodland and open forests. We follow the Platypus waterhole walk over Black Swamp, with its ancient history of megafauna, and around the Platypus Waterholes.

If we’re there early enough we may catch a glimpse of the shy platypus at one of the eight viewing platforms. The trail then follows the Rocky River where there are resident Rosenberg’s Goannas.

Pause for a moment at the rapids and rockpools along the way and keep an eye out for wildlife coming into the water to drink. Even during dry spells, spring-fed pools pulse with life, offering a vital source of water for birds, reptiles, insects, and mammals.

Once we reach the end if this trail, we can continue a little further along Rocky Creek and meander our way up to the cliff edge to catch a glimpse of the great Southern Ocean and Cape du Couedic Lighthouse in the distance.

We will then retrace our steps for about 2kms back to the bus.

We then head back to our accommodation for some well-earned down time, delicious nibbles and a two-course dinner prepared by your guides.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Disc Parks

Day 3 – Remarkable Rocks to Sanderson Bay 

Distance: 7kms, 3hrs walking (Approx.) Grade: 3–4 (Moderate to More Difficult)

On today’s journey we will begin at Cape du Couedic in Flinders Chase National Park. Start the morning looking out over the historical Weirs Cove -an area rich in maritime history – the original and only access point for the lighthouse keepers that was serviced by a flying fox from circa 1908.

We then explore Admirals Arch – a rock arch formed by the amazing forces of nature. This rugged Cape is home to a large colony of Australian Fur Seals which can be viewed at proximity playing in their natural habitat.

Then a quick trip in the van takes you to the Remarkable Rocks where you have time to explore and capture some iconic photos amidst seemingly artistic sculptures and extraordinary formations of the granite outcrops. Here we begin our walk along the Flinders Chase Wilderness Trail through the Sanderson section, one of the more remote sections of the trail.

You’ll experience a beautiful mixture of coastal cliff edges and inland trails in the shade and away from coastal winds. A short side trip takes you to Sanderson Bay where in the right conditions, swimming is possible.

This afternoon we have some time back at our accommodation and an early dinner before heading out on a nocturnal tour at our accommodation where you can encounter Tamar Wallabies, Kangaroos, Koalas, Cape Barron Geese and a range of other wildlife. This is the best time to see Koala action.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Disc Parks

Day 4 – Hanson’s Bay to Kelly Hill Caves

Distance: 10km, 4hrs walking (Approx.) Grade: 3 (Moderate)

After breakfast and lunch making, we take a short drive to beautiful Hanson’s Bay, where we will begin our one-way walk to Kelly Hill Caves, the final leg of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. Renowned as one of the most iconic hikes on the island, this trail takes us through a rich tapestry of ecosystems. Our path meanders through diverse habitats, ranging from intricate ‘karst’ cave systems to rejuvenating woodlands and vibrant freshwater lagoons teeming with a myriad of woodland and wading birds.

In the afternoon, we take a Ranger guided tour of the Show Cave at Kelly Hill, which provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the spectacular and ornate limestone formations of this underground world, we learn about the island’s geology and heritage and experience local bushfire recovery projects. Back at our accommodation, we enjoy a meal together, before resting for a final day on Kangaroo Island and our return ferry ride to the mainland.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Disc Parks

Day 5 – Stokes Bay to Penneshaw

Distance: 12km (Approx.) Grade: 2–4 (Easy-Difficult)

Following our last breakfast and completing check-out, we gather our belongings and bid farewell to our cozy accommodation. As we set off this morning, we leisurely traverse the northern route of the island, marvelling at the astounding contrast it presents in comparison to the south. Along the way, we pause at enchanting destinations, seizing the chance to explore some of Kangaroo Island’s local producers and their offerings. This leisurely journey ensures we savour the captivating beauty and delights the island has to offer before bidding it adieu.

Today is a combination of panoramic beach views, short walks and refreshing swims with options to visit artisans and sample local gin distilleries, honey producers and other goodies. Our next step entails embarking on an early afternoon ferry excursion from Penneshaw, transporting us back to the mainland.
We aim to have you back in Adelaide at the Terrace Hotel around 5pm.

*Stops at artisans will depend on ferry timing.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Return transfer: Adelaide