Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Enjoy the stunning beauty of South Australia on the Curley Creek Hike, an 8km grade 3 return journey in the Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park. Immerse yourself in diverse birdlife and plant communities as you navigate an old fire access track. The trail's highlight is the Bald Hill, providing panoramic views of the tranquil Murray Lagoon. Complete this moderate hike in 2-3 hours, and don't miss the historic D'Estrees Bay for a relaxing beach experience.

Length:

8km

Duration:

2-3

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 29m

Min elevation: 15m

Total Ascent: 66m

Start: Curley Creek Carpark

End: Curley Creek Carpark

Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Macgillivray

From state capital: 198km

Latitude: -35.892746268685364

Longitude: 137.39567399024966

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

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Region

6,500 views

Important info

It's important to note that the walking trail may be inaccessible during winter months due to potential flooding.

Hike overview

The Curley Creek Hike is a moderately challenging (grade 3) 8-kilometer return journey within Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, South Australia. This trail, typically completed in 2-3 hours, follows an old fire access track that skirts the picturesque Murray Lagoon. As you navigate the path, be prepared to be surrounded by a diverse array of birdlife and encounter various plant communities. A highlight of the Curley Creek Hike is Bald Hill. This vantage point offers spectacular panoramic views overlooking the vast expanse of Murray Lagoon. From here, you can observe migratory waders gracefully feeding in the shallow waters below.

While Bald Hill offers a glimpse into the natural wonders of the park, Murray Lagoon itself boasts abundant wetland birdlife. For those seeking relaxation, D'Estrees Bay, located within the park, provides beautiful beaches for swimming and sunbathing. This historic bay also holds significance for Kangaroo Island's past, having played a role in the island's early whaling industry.

From Bald Hill lookout, simply retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

Tips

It's important to note that the walking trail may be inaccessible during winter months due to potential flooding.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Curley Creek Hike (8km)

Total distance: 9612 m
Max elevation: 29 m
Min elevation: 15 m
Total climbing: 66 m
Total descent: -66 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park.

Reaching Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park requires a journey to Kangaroo Island. From mainland South Australia, travelers can board the SeaLink vehicle and passenger ferry which operates daily (excluding Christmas Day) between Cape Jervis (a two-hour drive south of Adelaide) and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes to cover the 16-kilometer distance. Once on Kangaroo Island, the park itself is located 40 kilometers southwest of Kingscote. Access varies depending on your desired destination within the park. Murray Lagoon can be reached via Birchmore Road, while the coastal section, including D’Estrees Bay, is accessible through Elsegood Road or D’Estrees Bay Road. The trailhead for this hike can be accessed along Seagers Road at the Curley Creek carpark (near Curley Creek).

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Cummins, Currency Creek, Elliston, Eyre, Goolwa, Kingscote, Meningie, Middleton, Milang, Parndana, Penneshaw, Penong, Port Elliot, Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay, Tailem Bend, Tumby Bay Langhorne Creek, Victor Harbor Ceduna, Vivonne Bay Coffin Bay, Wellington East, Wudinna American River

About the region

Encompassing vast wilderness areas, Kangaroo Island's largest lagoon, and stunning coastal scenery, Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and adjoining Wilderness Protection Area form a spectacular natural reserve on the island's south coast. This expansive area of pristine coastline is a vital contributor to biodiversity. It provides a continuous block of vegetation that connects to Seal Bay Conservation Park, creating a critical corridor and habitat for a range of rare and threatened species.

The park offers diverse walking opportunities. Experienced hikers can tackle the unmarked Cape Gantheaume Coastal Trek. Established trails wind around Murray Lagoon, an important wetland habitat for abundant birdlife (though be aware of potential winter flooding). D'Estrees Bay boasts beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation, and holds historical significance linked to the island's early whaling industry. Large deposits of seagrass washed ashore along these beaches are a testament to the extensive seagrass meadows flourishing beneath the bay's shallow, sunlit waters, made possible by the low wave energy. It's important to note that dogs are not permitted within the park.

The bay itself was named in 1803 by French explorer Nicolas Baudin in honor of Jacques D'Estrees (1660-1737), a French author, military leader, and government official.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

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.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

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Curley Creek Hike (8km)

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

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

Important info

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Curley Creek Hike (8km)