Independence Trail - American River Walk (7km)

The Independence Trail on Kangaroo Island offers a scenic 7km (round trip) exploration (grade 2 difficulty) along the American River coastline, taking roughly 2 hours to complete. Perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages, the trail unfolds from the boatramp near the American River wharf.

The initial section follows the picturesque shores of the Port of Pelicans lagoon. Hikers can opt for a shorter loop around Remembrance Reserve, offering a convenient return point. Continuing onward, the path varies between sections alongside the road and dedicated walking paths, all while maintaining beautiful lagoon views. The journey culminates at Independence Point.

This designated area features a picnic area, carpark, and a monument dedicated to the schooner "Independence." Built in 1803 by the crew of the American sealing ship "Union," the "Independence" holds historical significance as the first vessel constructed in South Australia. Its purpose was to navigate the lagoon's shallow waters for seal hunting. While the exact origin of its materials remains unclear (potentially sourced locally or from the "Union"), the schooner's fate took a tragic turn – it vanished during a voyage from Sydney in 1805.