Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 211m
Min elevation: 108m
Total Ascent: 334m
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.
Gallery
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Content use
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 211 m
Min elevation: 108 m
Total climbing: 334 m
Total descent: -334 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Deep Creek National Park.
Closest towns to this walk: Cape Jervis, Carrickalinga, Delamere, Encounter Bay, Goolwa, Hindmarsh Valley, Middleton, Mount Compass, Myponga, Normanville, Port Elliot, Rapid Bay, Second Valley, Victor Harbor, Yankalilla
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 walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Deep Creek National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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.
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.