With it’s rugged coastlines, spectacular native flora and of course the most incredible and resilient native wildlife – the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is one of the must do walking tour destinations in Australia
Kangaroo Island (KI) is South Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destination. The first thing that strikes you when you arrive on KI is the scale of the place – only 15kms from the South Australian mainland, the island is the third largest of Australia’s islands at 4,500sq kms.
The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail offers a unique walking experience, offering access to one of the most rugged, remote and spectacular coastlines in Australia.
We spend the majority of our time exploring, walking and swimming at the western end of the island. Our food is a real highlight of this trek – we pride ourselves on serving fresh, nutritious and tasty South Australian inspired meals and snacks. This is a day pack walking holiday.
Today, more than a third of the island is declared conservation or national park and has five significant wilderness protection areas. It must be noted that large parts of western and central Kangaroo Island were devastated by the 2019-20 bush fires, however the flora and fauna of the island is continuing to make a remarkable recovery. Regenerative tourism with minimal economic leakage is key to assisting the island with its ongoing recovery. Being able to again operate tours on Kangaroo Island will be a stepping stone to help.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail as it enjoys mild sunny days and cooler evenings. We look forward to seeing you over there.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1 : Pick up Adelaide, ferry Kangaroo Island, Sculpture Trail, Ironstone Hill Hike | 6kms
Day 2 : Snake Lagoon to Cape du Couedic, Admirals Arch | 14kms
Day 3 : Cape Borda, Ravine des Casoars hike, Kelly Hill Caves | 10kms
Day 4 : Remarkable Rocks to Hanson Bay | 18kms
Day 5 : Kelly Hill to Hanson Bay, Seal Bay guided walk, evening ferry, drive to Adelaide | 9kms
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transport from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island and return.
- 4 nights beach house accommodation (twin share).
- Ranger guided tour at Seal Bay Conservation Park.
- National park entry fees.
- Expert wilderness guides.
- Emergency communications and group first aid kit.
- 4 fresh healthy breakfasts, 5 scrumptious lunches, 5 delicious dinners.
- All delicious snacks on the trail.
- Alcohol is not provided – it can be purchased on Kangaroo Island.
- Please note this is a small group walking tour – maximum 10 people.
NOTES TO CONSIDER
Our 5 day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail trek is rated a moderate walk, we advise you to do as much training as you can before your tour with us. The more you train for the walk the easier you will handle the terrain and the more you will enjoy this wonderful part of the world. It’s also important to come along with an open mind, ready for an awesome experience whatever the weather, whoever the group. It is very important that you bring the right gear for the conditions. A comprehensive gear list is included on the downloadable itinerary. If you are at all concerned about your ability to do this walk, please feel free to call Trek Tours Australia for more advice.
DAY 1: ADELAIDE, FERRY TO KI, SCULPTURE TRAIL, IRONSTONE HILL HIKE
We pick you up from your city hotel from 6am and transfer to Cape Jervis for the ferry to Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. Today we will wander along the Sculpture Trail, followed by a short hike to Ironstone Hill in the Baudin Conservation Park and a picnic lunch. This afternoon we stop off at Kangaroo Spirits where you may wish to purchase some local delights to enjoy for the week. We then make our way further west to the picturesque Vivonne Bay, and settle in to our beach house accommodation. While your guides are preparing a beautiful evening meal, you may wish to take a walk along the bay, or just relax and take it all in. This is home for the next 4 nights.
6kms | Lunch and Dinner
DAY 2: SNAKE LAGOON TO CAPE DU COUEDIC
Day two on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail takes us along the Rocky River towards its mouth at the coast. Not long into the walk you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking view of the mighty Southern Ocean. Here at the edge of the world there is nothing but the deep blue sea between you and Antarctica. The trail then heads south along the island’s wild and rugged coastline where birds of prey may be seen flying over the land and sea. Keep an eye out to sea for a chance to spot bottle-nosed dolphins, or perhaps a seal or sea-lion. If you’re visiting between June and early October, you may even be treated to the majestic sight of Southern Right Whales on their annual migration to the Great Australian Bight. Upon reaching Maupertuis Bay we descend from the clifftop onto the bone white beach below. Seafarers found this wild coastline unforgiving, with the remnants of shipwrecks that cost the lives of many, still visible today. The trail eventually winds its way back up to the rocky clifftop, bringing you ever closer to the famous Cape du Couedic Lighthouse that sits atop the headland in the distance. Pause for a final look back on your day’s journey along the spectacularly beautiful coastline of Maupertuis Bay. When the trail turns inland you’ll be treated to softer conditions underfoot for the final stretch. We visit nearby Admirals Arch to view the enchanting antics of Australian and Long-nosed fur seals and Australian sea-lions, that visit this section of the coast. We finish the day with a spectacular sunset before a short transfer to our accommodation.
14kms | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 3: CAPE BORDA, RAVINE DES CASOARS
Today we drive to the north-western tip of Kangaroo Island and visit Cape Borda. The area boasts the highest sea cliffs in South Australia, is steeped in maritime history and is also home to the uniquely shaped Cape Borda Lighthouse. We explore the sea cliffs, have the chance to visit the historic lighthouse, and take a tour of the museum. A short transfer takes us to the start of our day’s walk, the spectacular Ravine Des Casoars hike. The track starts in lush forest teaming with a huge variety of birds and wildlife. Hiking closer to the coast the vegetation changes and the beautiful beach and impressive sea caves come into view. After a delicious lunch on the beach we explore the coast. Returning to our accommodation we enjoy another tasty dinner prepared by your guides.
10kms | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 4: REMARKABLE ROCKS TO HANSON BAY
An early start this morning to avoid the crowds and catch first light at Remarkable Rocks. Incredible photo opportunities abound as we walk amongst the 500 million year old precariously balanced granite boulders; their stunning abstract shapes and colours are a Kangaroo Island must see! Continuing on the Wilderness Trail, the trail hugs the coastline and offers cinematic views that inspire both awe and contemplation – be sure to glance back from time to time for an ever changing view of the captivating Remarkable Rocks. Throughout our hike the Island’s abundant native wildlife comes into focus as the trail takes us through undisturbed native vegetation and spectacularly rugged coastal scenery. After a short sidetrip to the isolated and pristine Sanderson Bay, the trail meanders inland and heads towards Hanson Bay where we are treated to a dramatic change in vegetation from low coastal heath to tall dense mallee and tea tree. Transfer to our accommodation.
18kms | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5: KELLY HILL TO HANSON BAY, SEAL BAY GUIDED WALK, EVENING FERRY, DRIVE TO ADELAIDE
Our last steps on the Wilderness Trail take us from Kelly Hill, on a spectacular trek through the Kelly Hill Conservation Park, immersing us amongst Banksia Heath, Pink Gum Woodlands, and rugged Mallee. We trek alongside freshwater lagoons and over dunes to viewpoints providing incredible vistas inland and along the coast. Our walk concludes at the spectacular Hanson Bay. After another lovely lunch, we make our way to Seal Bay Conservation Park, where we enjoy a National Park Ranger guided walk amongst one of the world’s rarest mammals, the Australian Sea-Lion. After the tour, on our way to Penneshaw we have the option of visiting Clifford’s Honey to taste some local produce. Enjoy dinner on Kangaroo Island or a country hotel on our way back to Adelaide, returning to your city accommodation around 10pm.
9kms | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Adventure Curated App
Want to document your trip with Trek Tours Australia and get organised for your trekking adventure, check out this awesome app by our friends at Adventure Curated!
Visit the website
IMPORTANT NOTES
Our 5 day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail trek is rated a moderate walk, we advise you to do as much training as you can before your tour with us. The more you train for the walk the easier you will handle the terrain and the more you will enjoy this wonderful part of the world. It’s also important to come along with an open mind, ready for an awesome experience whatever the weather, whoever the group. It is very important that you bring the right gear for the conditions. A comprehensive gear list is included in this brochure. If you are at all concerned about your ability to do this walk, please feel free to call Trek Tours Australia for more advice.
