Trail Fast Facts
Harveys Return Hike is a 1km, grade 4 hike in Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area, South Australia. This hike typically takes 45 minutes to complete.
Hike Overview
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 95 m
Min elevation: 29 m
Total climbing: 66 m
Total descent: -66 m
Getting there
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.
Photo gallery
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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
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.
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Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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 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
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.
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.