The Cape Spencer Lighthouse Walk in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, South Australia, is a short and easy (grade 1) hike offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, including the Althorpe Islands. This 600-meter loop trail takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, making it ideal for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
A Brief History of the Cape Spencer Lighthouse
While the current lighthouse dates back to the 1970s, it wasn't the first navigational aid on this strategic point. In 1950, an automatic beacon resembling a metal box with a light was established here. Recognizing the need for a more substantial structure, the current concrete tower and lantern were erected in the 1970s. This upgrade also served as a replacement for the lighthouse previously located on nearby Althorpe Island.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Grade 1 (All-abilities) -Â Perfect for Families and Beginners: Grade 1 on the
AWTGS represents the easiest walking tracks, perfect for families with young children or those new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required. These gentle walks feature a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. They are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance due to the even terrain. The total distance of a Grade 1 walk is typically no greater than 5 kilometers, making them a comfortable and manageable option for all ages and fitness levels.
Total distance: 628 m
Max elevation: 78 m
Min elevation: 51 m
Total climbing: 27 m
Total descent: -27 m
Login to Download GPXGPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.
Reaching the Cape Spencer Lighthouse Walk trailhead requires navigating Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Head towards the park entrance near Stenhouse Bay and follow park signage for Cape Spencer Road. The route is suitable for most vehicles, although road conditions can vary. Continue along Cape Spencer Road until you reach its end, where you’ll find the Cape Spencer Lighthouse Carpark. The trailhead for the Cape Spencer Lighthouse Walk is conveniently located within this car park, allowing you to easily begin your journey towards the panoramic coastal views. Remember to check park regulations and obtain any necessary permits before you set off on your walk.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is situated on the southwestern tip of Yorke Peninsula. For those traveling from Adelaide, the park can be reached by car via a roughly 300-kilometer journey. The route takes you through Port Wakefield, Ardrossan, Minlaton, and Warooka.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Corny Point, Innes National Park, Marion Bay, Point Giles, Point Morrison, Point Turton, Stenhouse Bay, Warooka, Yorke Peninsula, Yorketown
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, formerly Innes National Park, caters to a variety of interests. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches, adventure on hiking trails, or a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture, this park promises an unforgettable experience.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find their haven in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Accessible campgrounds and pristine beaches make it perfect for camping, fishing, or surfing. Explore the park's diverse landscapes on trails ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, all enriched by interpretive signs that reveal the local environment and indigenous history. Accessibility by 2WD vehicles makes the park convenient for day trips.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park boasts a rich history. Learn about South Australia's maritime past by visiting lighthouses and the shipwreck of the Ethel. Explore the abandoned township of Inneston, a window into the region's bygone era. The Narungga people have been the custodians of this land for millennia. Recognizing their deep connection, the park was co-managed with the Narungga traditional owners in 2020.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park offers a unique experience throughout the year. Summer's warm and dry weather is ideal for camping and enjoying the beaches. Autumn's cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring the park through hiking and sightseeing. Spring transforms the landscape into a vibrant display of wildflowers. Winter brings a lush green haven with dramatic seascapes and powerful waves.
The park is a haven for birdlife, including the threatened hooded plover and osprey. You might also be lucky enough to spot the reintroduced tammar wallaby, southern right whales (in winter), playful dolphins, and occasional seals or sea lions.
Looking for more walks in or near Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
Favourite
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
Favourite
Flinders Chase National Park
Favourite
Flinders Chase National Park
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
