Trail Fast Facts
Deep Creek Cove from Tapanappa Lookout is a 4km, grade 4 hike in Deep Creek National Park, South Australia. This hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Embark on an adventurous 4km (grade 4) hike to Deep Creek Cove in Deep Creek Conservation Park, South Australia. This roughly 2-hour journey rewards you with stunning coastal vistas and a secluded beach.
The trail winds down from the Tapanappa Lookout car park, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and Tunk Head as you descend. Prepare for a challenge, as the final approach to the cove requires some rock scrambling and is quite steep.
Once you reach Deep Creek Cove, the secluded beach and the convergence of Deep Creek with the ocean create a picture-perfect scene. This hidden gem is a worthy reward for your efforts.
This hike is rated grade 4 due to the steep and rocky final section. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear with good grip.
The trail may not be suitable for young children or those with limited mobility.
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.
Tips
- Pack plenty of water, especially on hot days.
- Consider bringing snacks for the hike.
- Check weather conditions before you go.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 211 m
Min elevation: 12 m
Total climbing: 332 m
Total descent: -332 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Photo gallery
Image: Walking SA
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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.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
Suggest an edit
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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.