It's important to note that the walking trail may be inaccessible during winter months due to potential flooding.
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
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.
It's important to note that the walking trail may be inaccessible during winter months due to potential flooding.
Total distance: 9612 m
Max elevation: 29 m
Min elevation: 15 m
Total climbing: 66 m
Total descent: -66 m
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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: 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).
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: 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
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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