Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the Harvey's Return Hike, a hidden gem nestled within the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island. This challenging Grade 4 loop trail, ideal for experienced bushwalkers, is just 1km long, but packed with stunning coastal views and rich history. Follow the trail of the old lightkeepers, enjoy an enjoyable rock scramble to the secluded bay, and finish the 45-minute circuit back at the Harvey's Return campsite. For an extended adventure, pair this hike with the nearby Return Road Hike.

Length:

1km

Duration:

45 mins

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 95m

Min elevation: 29m

Total Ascent: 66m

Start: Harvey's Return Carpark

End: Harvey's Return Carpark

Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area

South Australia

Nearby town: Cape Borda

From state capital: 264km

Latitude: -35.75127518869694

Longitude: 136.63801699876788

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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.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

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Walk map and GPX file
Harveys Return Walk (1km)

Total distance: 883 m
Max elevation: 95 m
Min elevation: 29 m
Total climbing: 66 m
Total descent: -66 m

Getting there

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Ceduna, Kingscote, Koonalda, Nullarbor, Nundroo, Parndana, Penneshaw, Penong, Ravine, Rudall, Seal Bay, Stokes Bay, Vivonne Bay

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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area? 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

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Harveys Return Walk (1km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Harveys Return Walk (1km)