Trail summary
Hike overview
Enjoy a refreshing 4km (grade 3) hike to Deep Creek Waterfall in Deep Creek National Park, South Australia. This 1.5-hour journey takes you through natural beauty, culminating in a hidden waterfall and waterhole.
The well-maintained trail winds down from the car park near Trig Campground on Tent Rock Road. Enjoy the scenic stroll as you delve into a lush gully, following a well-graded path with improved steps towards the final descent.
While the captivating Deep Creek Waterfall may not flow year-round (typically during winter and after heavy rains), the permanent waterhole at its base offers a welcome sight throughout the year. Imagine the cascading waters during the wetter seasons, creating a picture-perfect natural scene.
This hike is ideal for those seeking a moderate challenge and a chance to immerse themselves in nature's beauty. The combination of the scenic trail, the refreshing waterhole, and the potential to witness the cascading waterfall makes this a rewarding escape.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes with good tread for the hike.
- Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer weather.
- Check the park website for updates on trail conditions and water flow.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 258 m
Min elevation: 120 m
Total climbing: 186 m
Total descent: -186 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Victor Harbor, Yankalilla, Goolwa, Myponga, Mount Compass
How to get to Deep Creek National ParkPhoto 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
Looking for hikes and trails in Deep Creek National Park or nearby? Try these similar graded walks.
Track grade
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.
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.