Trail summary
Hike overview
Adventure awaits on the Deep Creek Circuit hike! This challenging loop winds through Deep Creek National Park, offering a stunning display of natural diversity. As you hike through rolling hills and verdant valleys, prepare to be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from each conquered climb.
The Deep Creek Circuit isn't just about the challenge though. It's a chance to immerse yourself in a tapestry of ecosystems. Sun-drenched Xanthorrhoea hillsides give way to lush, hidden valley nooks teeming with life. Towering eucalyptus forests complete the picture, creating a dynamic contrast to the cleared farmland that borders the park. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife like kangaroos, echidnas, and blue-tongue lizards as you explore this diverse landscape. Just be prepared for the occasional encounter with buzzing flies – a minor inconvenience for such a magnificent journey.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 259 m
Min elevation: 8 m
Total climbing: 581 m
Total descent: -581 m
Photo gallery
Image: Walking SA
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
About the region
Deep Creek NationÂal Park is the largest porÂtion of remainÂing natÂurÂal vegÂeÂtaÂtion on the Fleurieu PeninÂsuÂla and is home to an array of native wildlife such as westÂern grey kanÂgaÂroos, short beaked echidÂnas and 100 species of birds that can be heard and seen while walkÂing in the park. Whales can be seen cruisÂing the coast durÂing their annuÂal migraÂtion which takes place from June to October.
LocatÂed withÂin 100 km of AdeÂlaide, this park is a perÂfect desÂtiÂnaÂtion for a day trip or weekÂend getÂaway. Five campÂgrounds are dotÂted throughÂout the park with four of them accesÂsiÂble by 2WD vehiÂcles. The othÂer campÂground is ​‘hike-in’ only and sitÂuÂatÂed on the HeyÂsen trail, makÂing it an ideÂal enviÂronÂment for a famÂiÂly adventure.
The 15 walkÂing trails in the park proÂvide specÂtacÂuÂlar scenery of BackÂstairs PasÂsage, KanÂgaÂroo Island and the rugged Deep Creek ValÂley. The walks range from easy to very difÂfiÂcult so accomÂmoÂdatÂing for all ages and abilÂiÂties. The walkÂing trail netÂwork in Deep Creek NationÂal Park includes secÂtions of the famous HeyÂsen Trail.
Explore nearÂby Talisker ConÂserÂvaÂtion Park and disÂcovÂer the herÂitage-listÂed ruins of a silÂver and lead mine from 1860s or visÂit Encounter Marine Park which offers some of AusÂtraliÂa’s best-preÂserved ocean wilderness.
Suggest an edit
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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Deep Creek National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Weather
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.