Trail Fast Facts
Heysen Trail - South Coast is a 73km, grade 5 hike in Deep Creek National Park, South Australia. This hike typically takes 4 days to complete.
Hike Overview
Embrace the Rugged Beauty of South Australia's Coastline on the Heysen Trail
This captivating 4-5 day section of the Heysen Trail journeys along the dramatic south coast of Fleurieu Peninsula, offering a taste of the trail's full 1200km adventure. Hikers can embark from Cape Jervis, the southernmost trailhead, and traverse a diverse landscape teeming with hidden coves, rugged cliffs, and lush national parks. This section culminates in Victor Harbor, where the main Heysen Trail continues north, while a scenic spur trail leads to the heart of the town.
Highlights Along the Way:
- Cape Jervis to Cobbler Hill Campsite: Begin your adventure at the Sealink ferry terminal, following the coastline through rocky beaches and remote headlands. Pass quirky landmarks like the 1970s UFO house before reaching the scenic Cobbler Hill Campsite.
- Deep Creek National Park Delights: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Deep Creek National Park. Explore an optional side trip to Aaron Creek, a cool fern-filled gully, or opt for the secluded hikers-only Eagle Waterhole Campsite.
- Deep Creek Valley Majesty: Witness the grandeur of Deep Creek Valley on a challenging yet rewarding section. Descend to the permanent waterhole and ascend the opposite side, arriving at Tapanappa Campsite. Alternatively, choose the coastal route to Deep Creek Cove before reconnecting with the main trail.
- Boat Harbor and Marine Encounters: Descend to the picturesque Boat Harbor beach on the Boat Harbor Hike. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins basking in the sun from the lookout point above. The trail then traverses rocky headlands before leading you along the vast Tunkalilla Beach.
- Secluded Beauty at Balquhidder Campsite: Enjoy a tranquil stay at Balquhidder Campsite, nestled amidst the convergence of two creeks. Reach this hidden gem after traversing a scenic coastal route with glimpses of the ocean.
- Waitpinga's Coastal Charm: Descend to the coast once more, passing remote farmlands and creeks. The trail then winds along a series of headlands and secluded beaches before emerging at Parsons Beach. Continue along Waitpinga Beach and over sand dunes to reach the well-equipped Waitpinga Campsite.
- Spectacular Finale at Victor Harbor: Ascend Ridgeway Hill and be rewarded with breathtaking coastal vistas. Observe unique sea eagle nesting areas and marvel at the towering cliffs of Newland Head. The main Heysen Trail continues north from Kings Beach, while a scenic spur trail leads you to Victor Harbor's heart. Explore Petrel Cove, The Bluff, Whalers Way, and Encounter Bay esplanade before reaching Kent Reserve.
Planning Your Adventure: For a seamless multi-day trek, invest in a map encompassing the Cape Jervis to Kuitpo Forest section, available from the Friends of the Heysen Trail. Remember, trail distances may change, so consult the latest information before setting off.
Discover More:Â For comprehensive details and planning resources, visit Walking SA.
Track Grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Tips
Some hikers prefer to hike until late afternoon with minimal breaks, and they could hike this trail in 3-4 days.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 268 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 2714 m
Total descent: -2726 m
Trailhead
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Photo 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 things to do in Deep Creek National Park? Try these hikes or bushwalks.
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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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
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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.