Nestled within the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (formerly Western River Conservation Park) on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, lies the Billy Goat Waterfall Hike. This secluded 4.2-kilometer trek, rated as a moderate difficulty (grade 3), offers a peaceful immersion into the island's natural beauty. The journey, estimated to take approximately 1.5 hours, begins at Gate 2 on Colmans Road. This access point features a small car park and sits 9.3 kilometers off the Playford Highway, the dirt road leading to Cape Borda.
The initial section of the hike unfolds along a fire track shaded by trees. The path gently descends into the valley, eventually reaching Waterfall Creek. Here, stepping stones provide a safe passage across the creek. On the other side, a dedicated walking trail takes over, winding through a grove of shady sheoak trees. This path culminates at a designated lookout, rewarding hikers with scenic views of Billy Goat Waterfall. While the waterfall itself is impressive in height, its flow is seasonal, only gracing the landscape during winter or periods of heavy rainfall.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
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.
Total distance: 4119 m
Max elevation: 270 m
Min elevation: 146 m
Total climbing: 150 m
Total descent: -150 m
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Reaching the Western River Wilderness Protection Area requires some travel time, but the natural wonders are worth the effort. From Kingscote, the largest town on Kangaroo Island, head west on the Kingscote-Cape Borda Road for approximately 60 kilometers. Turn left onto Seal Bay Road and continue for another 23 kilometers. Finally, take a right onto Eynard Road and follow it for roughly 10 kilometers until you reach the park entrance. Be sure to check park websites or signage for any updates or road closures before your visit.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Kangaroo Island's Western River Wilderness Protection Area, previously known as the Western River Conservation Park and National Park, encompasses 24.67 square kilometers on the island's north coast. Situated roughly 30 kilometers west of Parndana, this rugged wilderness features a landscape characterized by steep slopes and deep gullies.
The vegetation within the protected area is a diverse mix of open forest, woodland, and scrubland. Eucalyptus species like Eucalyptus cladocalyx, E. baxteri, E. diversifolia, and E. cosmophylla dominate the tree cover. Additionally, pockets of Allocasuarina muelleriana open heath and A. verticillata low open forest can be found. The Western River Wilderness Protection Area plays a vital role in the conservation of the Glossy Black Cockatoo, providing crucial nesting and feeding habitat for this iconic bird. Visitors can marvel at the scenic beauty of the coastal cliffs and the cascading waterfall gracing Waterfall Creek.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
