Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Take a scenic stroll on the Cape Borda Clifftop Walk, a Grade 2, 1km trail in South Australia. This easy, 45-minute hike starts from the car park near Cape Borda Lighthouse, the state's third oldest, leading to a stone lookout with breathtaking ocean views. Discover the area's maritime history, spot native wildlife, and enjoy a daily cannon firing at 1pm. Ideal for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Length:

1km

Duration:

45 mins

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 147m

Min elevation: 104m

Total Ascent: 44m

Start: Cape Borda Lighthouse Carpark

End: Cape Borda Lighthouse Carpark

Flinders Chase National Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Cape Borda

From state capital: 267km

Latitude: -35.7525986576054

Longitude: 136.5943641306229

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Hike overview

The Cape Borda Clifftop Walk is a short yet scenic 1km hike that takes about 45 minutes to complete. Starting at the car park near Cape Borda Lighthouse, this grade 2 trail offers a unique glimpse into the area's maritime history and stunning natural beauty.

Built in 1858, the Cape Borda Lighthouse is the only square stone lighthouse in South Australia and the third oldest remaining in the state. The lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships through the treacherous waters of Investigator Strait, especially during the era of sail. You can take a self-guided tour of the Cape Borda Lightstation settlement to learn about the early lightkeepers' lives, marked by isolation and harsh conditions. The lighthouse also served as a lookout for Russian ships and signaled danger with its cannon before the advent of radio.

The trail meanders through a picturesque rock garden, leading to a stone lookout with breathtaking views. It's an ideal spot for watching seals, whales, and dolphins. For a longer hike, you can start from the vehicle entrance gate, which adds an extra 700m one-way, or 2.3km return, connecting to the end of the Return Road Hike.

The lightstation's cannon, restored in 1999, is fired daily at 1pm, continuing a tradition that dates back to its operational days. Cape Borda is one of only three lighthouses in Australia to retain a Deville lantern room. The light was converted to automatic operation in 1989, ending the era of manned operation.

Experience the blend of history and nature on the Cape Borda Clifftop Walk, offering insights into South Australia's maritime past and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Walk map and GPX file
Cape Borda Clifftop Walk (1km)

Total distance: 1129 m
Max elevation: 147 m
Min elevation: 104 m
Total climbing: 44 m
Total descent: -43 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Flinders Chase National Park.

Cape Borda Lighthouse is perched on cliffs overlooking Investigator Strait. Located on the north western corner of Kangaroo Island, this unique square lighthouse was built in 1858 and is steeped in European history.

Flinders Chase National Park awaits on Kangaroo Island, a 110km journey west of Kingscote. Choose your island adventure:

Ferry: Set sail on SeaLink or KI Connect ferries from mainland South Australia.
Flight: Take a scenic flight with Qantas or Rex for a bird’s-eye view before landing on Kangaroo Island.

Once on the island, navigate to the park using Playford and West End Highways or the scenic South Coast Road.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Kangaroo Island's crown jewel, Flinders Chase National Park, offers a chance to explore a vast wilderness teeming with wildlife. Witness the otherworldly shapes of the Remarkable Rocks, their golden hues contrasting with the ever-changing ocean backdrop. Stand in awe at Admirals Arch, a natural wonder carved by relentless waves, and observe a colony of long-nosed fur seals basking on the shores below.

Entry fees are required, and while there's a Wi-Fi hotspot for payment at Rocky River, reception can be unreliable. For a smoother visit, consider purchasing your day pass beforehand. Park rangers are stationed within the park daily (9am-5pm) to answer your questions.

Be mindful of wildlife while driving, especially at dawn and dusk. Pack sufficient water and snacks, and adhere to leave-no-trace principles to ensure the park's continued health. Public toilets are limited, and there are no shops inside the park, so plan accordingly.

Flinders Chase National Park offers a unique experience year-round:

Winter: Witness cascading rivers, diverse fungi, and blooming orchids.
Spring: Experience an explosion of wildflowers, lively frogs, and breeding birds and animals. Spring and summer are perfect for camping, picnics, and exploring the many walking trails.
Summer: Enjoy mild weather, ideal for swimming on pristine beaches. However, expect larger crowds during this peak season.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: American River, Emu Bay, Kingscote, Parndana, Penneshaw, Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Flinders Chase National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Cape Borda Clifftop Walk (1km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Cape Borda Clifftop Walk (1km)