Kangaroo Island Guided Walk – 5 Days

Our Walks Are All Inclusive

All Our Walks Include

• Small Group of 10 or less
• You only carry your daypack, we’ll take care of the rest
• Guided walks designed to immerse you in the region’s beauty, history and wildlife
• Two experienced and accredited guides – safety gear equipped and full of knowledge about the region
• Return transport and tour transfers included

Plus, This Walk Includes

• 4 nights fantastic accommodation
• Breakfasts, lunch & two-course dinners, plus heaps of snacks, fruit & non-alcoholic beverages on & off the trail
• Return ferry passage to Kangaroo Island
• Guided tour at the incredible Kelly Hill Caves
• All National Park Entry Fees
• Carbon Offset Program in line with our commitment to sustainability

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Ironstone Hill Hike

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

Connecting as friends through walking in nature.

DAY 2 – Snake Lagoon to Cape du Couedic

Rocky RIver to Snake Lagoon
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

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

DAY 3 – Remarkable Rocks to Sanderson Bay 

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

The Remarkables Rocks

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

Hansons Bay and Kelly Hill Caves.

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

*Walking times and distances may be adapted to the weather and groups needs based on guides discretion.

Each evening after our days walking, we return back to our accommodation for some time to refresh and enjoy the spectacular sunsets and grazing animals. Your guides will curate a beautiful nibbles platter for you, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing evening. During this time, they will also conduct a briefing, offering insights into the days experiences and outlining your upcoming adventures. Using a map of the area, your guides will illustrate the various regions and walks we are set to explore in the days ahead.

Accommodation

We spend our 4 nights in cabin style accommodation in the far western end of Kangaroo Island on the edge of the Flinders Chase National Park. The park doubles as a wildlife reserve where you can encounter wallabies, koalas, kangaroos and possums. Your accommodation is surrounded by natural bush and grasslands creating a relaxed enjoyable ambience. With access to our planned walks and activities just a short drive away. Each cabin has a spacious indoor living area. Communal dining will take place in our guides cabin.

Accommodation style: We stay in modern 2-bedroom cabins with a balcony for lovely view after a day’s walk. Each cabin has one or two bedrooms with a bathroom, heating and cooling, kitchenette and all linen, bedding and towels provided.

Rooming: Each cabin has two bedrooms with a mix of twin and queen beds. If you book a Single Supplement, you will have a room to yourself.

Bathrooms: Each cabin has one bathroom. You will be sharing the bathroom with other guests in your cabin.

Single Supplement: If you book single supplement this means you will have one bedroom in the two-bedroom cabin and could be sharing the cabin with one or two other guests.

Other: All towels and linen are provided. Each cabin also has an outdoor balcony setting, kitchen, lounge, TV and lovely bush views. Laundry is available on site within the park.

Rooming upgrades for a private cabin is subject to availability with the accommodation provider for an additional surcharge. Please contact our team to discuss your options.

Guest Notes

Getting there – Tours depart and return from Adelaide. Direct flights are available through most airline operators.

Pick up location & time – We depart from Terrace Hotel Adelaide, meeting at 7:30am for an 7:45am departure.

During the walk – Each day we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner (where applicable) as well as fruit, snacks and beverages to keep us full of energy throughout the walk. At the end of each day, we return to the evening’s accommodation to freshen up, relax, enjoy pre-dinner nibbles, and enjoy the local scenery. Each evening, our guides offer insights into the day’s walk, and talk through our upcoming adventures, using maps to give you greater insights into the journey.

Single stays (solos) – Single stay availability is limited on this tour, and while we can offer you your own room if available, facilities such as bathrooms and living areas may be shared with other guests. Contact our team for availability to upgrade to private facilities.

Drop-off location & time – We return to Adelaide at around 5:00 pm on the final day of tour. If you plan to fly out on the last day of the walk, please book your return flight for after 7pm.

When making your accommodation arrangements, please contact Park Trek if you would like discount & other information on our recommended provider Terrace Hotel in Adelaide.

Park Trek may adapt the itinerary on day one and five due to ferry availability and timing with seasonal/daily changes.