Nestled within the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area (part of Flinders Chase National Park) on Kangaroo Island, the Harvey's Return Hike offers a short, challenging adventure. This 1-kilometre, grade 4 loop trail takes in stunning coastal scenery and is suitable for experienced walkers. Allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the circuit.
The trail follows the historic footsteps of lightkeepers, retracing their original route from Cape Borda. The initial 350 metres are relatively easy, following the old horse-drawn cart track. This gentle climb leads to the head of a steep trackway, where a winch once hauled supplies up from the bay below.
For thrill-seekers, the option exists to continue down this challenging section. Be aware, however, that this descent is steep and requires some rock scrambling skills. Those who choose this path will be rewarded with reaching the secluded bay itself.
The hike begins at the carpark within the Harvey's Return campsite. For a longer adventure, consider combining this hike with the Return Road Hike, which also conveniently commences from the same starting point.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
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.
Total distance: 883 m
Max elevation: 95 m
Min elevation: 29 m
Total climbing: 66 m
Total descent: -66 m
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Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area.
Accessing Ravine des Casoars requires a journey to Kangaroo Island. From Adelaide, you can either catch a ferry from Cape Jervis (around a 1.5-hour trip) or fly into Kingscote Airport (a 30-minute flight). Once on the island, you’ll need a car to navigate the 80km distance west to the Ravine des Casoars. The route from Kingscote involves following the Playford Highway and West End Highway, offering a scenic drive through Kangaroo Island’s heart.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Ceduna, Kingscote, Koonalda, Nullarbor, Nundroo, Parndana, Penneshaw, Penong, Ravine, Rudall, Seal Bay, Stokes Bay, Vivonne Bay
Carved out of Flinders Chase National Park in 1993, the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area shelters Kangaroo Island's western tip. Its diverse landscapes range from rugged coastlines with sandy beaches to rocky gorges carved by rivers, all interwoven with pockets of dense forest. The park's French name translates to "Gully of the Cassowaries," a poignant reminder of the dwarf cassowary, a flightless bird that once thrived here but is now extinct.
Today, the Ravine des Casoars provides a vital habitat for a variety of Australian wildlife, including endangered species like the southern cassowary (a relative of the extinct dwarf cassowary), the glossy black-cockatoo, and the western quokka. Visitors can explore this wilderness by hiking designated trails, camping under the stars, or simply observing the abundant wildlife. A highlight of the area is the Remarkable Rocks, a collection of precariously balanced granite boulders that draw visitors from around the world.
Looking for more walks in or near Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Flinders Chase National Park
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Flinders Chase National Park
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