Cape Gantheaume Coastal Trek is a 33km, grade 5 hike located in the Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, South Australia. The hike should take around 2 days to complete.
Hike overview
Hike along the wild and rugged south coast of Kangaroo Island out to the headland of Cape Gantheaume, where there is an isolated pristine beach dotted with New Zealand fur-seals.
The first 6km heading east from Bales Beach is a series of isolated sandy beaches. Continuing east, the walking is along cliffs out to Cape Gantheaume. There is a beach at Cape Gantheaume on the western side. The coast west of Cape Gantheaume is predominately cliffs with a beach near the end, before the walk comes out into a carpark at Sewer Beach, a rocky beach in D'Estrees Bay.
The hike is challenging and requires careful planning:
GPX file courtesy of Walking SA. File may not contain elevation data and may only represent half the length on return hikes.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 43 m
Min elevation: -20 m
Total climbing: 192 m
Total descent: -153 m
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Trail location
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About the region
Vast areas of wilderness, the Island's largest lagoon and coastal scenery provide a spectacular backdrop to Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and adjoining Wilderness Protection Area on the south coast of Kangaroo Island. This large area of pristine coastal environment is important for biodiversity and provides a continuous block of vegetation adjoining Seal Bay Conservation Park, a critical corridor and habitat for a range of rare and threatened species.
The park has plenty of walking opportunities, including the unmarked Cape Gantheaume Coastal Trek (experienced hikers only), established trails at Murray Lagoon (may be subject to flooding in the winter months), and short walks at D’Estrees Bay.
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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.