The Independence Trail begins at the boatramp, near the wharf, in American River and follows the coast along the edge of the Port of Pelicans lagoon. At nearby Remembrance Reserve there is a loop in the trail, and this can make an ideal shorter walk to return at this point. Continuing further, the trail is sometimes beside the road or on a walking path along the lagoon, before it reaches Independence Point.
The trail is 3.6km one way or 7.1km return. The trail is marked with short blue posts. The American River Progress Association stocks map leaflets at each trailhead (near the boatramp and in the shelter at Independence Point.)
At Independence Point there is a picnic area, carpark and monument to the schooner Independence. The schooner was the first ship constructed in South Australia, built in 1803 by the crew of the visiting American sealing ship the Union. The ship was built to access the shallow waters of the lagoon in seal hunting endeavors. The schooner may have been constructed from local timbers, but this isn't clear, as it may also have been constructed from materials from the Union. The ship disappeared on a voyage from Sydney in 1805.
GPX file courtesy of Walking SA. File may not contain elevation data and may only represent half the length on return hikes.
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It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
Kangaroo Island is one of the world's great nature-based destinations. Think of an island with 509km of Coastline & 155km from the East Coast to the West Coast. With native bushland, wildlife, adventure & exploring. Where pristine beaches, local wines & sunsets are on your doorstep. You'll need longer than you think. There’s an unmistakable sanctity about Kangaroo Island. With its raw and rugged coastline, impeccably clear waters, natural wonders and wildlife, Kangaroo Island is known as nature’s playground. As you step off onto the island, it's impossible not to relax. Follow the road less travelled and discover unique wildlife, mouth-watering food and wine, breathtaking scenery and a laid-back lifestyle. You can get to Kangaroo Island via ferry with Sealink or KI Connect, fly with QantasLink or embark on the Southern Ocean Drive road trip.
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