Trail summary
Hike overview
Enjoy a captivating 8km (grade 4) adventure to Deep Creek Waterfall in Deep Creek Conservation Park, South Australia. This roughly 3-hour journey through a well-graded trail rewards you with a hidden waterfall and a permanent waterhole nestled within a lush valley.
The trail begins at the car park at Tapanappa Lookout, leading you on a scenic descent into the valley. Immerse yourself in the cool, moist forest as you navigate the gullies along the well-maintained path.
While Deep Creek Waterfall's grandeur is most prominent in winter and after heavy rains, the permanent waterhole at its base offers a refreshing sight year-round. During wetter seasons, imagine the cascading waters creating a picture-perfect natural haven.
This hike is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a moderate challenge and a chance to commune with nature. The combination of the scenic descent, the refreshing waterhole, and the potential to witness the cascading waterfall makes this a rewarding adventure.
Tips
- Due to the 8km distance and grade 4 rating, be prepared for a moderately challenging hike.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good tread for uneven terrain.
- Pack plenty of water, especially during warmer weather.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 211 m
Min elevation: 108 m
Total climbing: 334 m
Total descent: -334 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Myponga, Normanville, Yankalilla, Second Valley, Cape Jervis
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
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.