The Investigator Trail is a long-distance walking trail, made up a of a series of shorter connected trails. Do the whole trail as day walks (with a car shuffle), trek the whole trail and camp along the way, or walk selected day walk sections. The walking takes in magnificent coastal scenery including sheltered bays, offshore islands, mobile sand dunes and beautiful beaches. The trail is generally easy walking through coastal heath, mallee and along beaches.
Water supply is not guaranteed during summer months. The trail is clearly defined and marked.
Begin at the park entrance, or any of the campsites or access spots along the circuit.
Extend the walk a further 26km to the north outside the park, following the Parnkalla Trail via Tulka into Port Lincoln or on to North Shields.
Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!
Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.
Total distance: 89511 m
Max elevation: 118 m
Min elevation: -1 m
Total climbing: 1058 m
Total descent: -1054 m
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
A note about sharing
Each trail on this site has been personally mapped and documented to support the hiking community across Australia. While some hike descriptions include information from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal work in curating, refining, and improving the details.
Please don’t republish this content elsewhere (including AllTrails) without acknowledging Trail Hiking Australia as the source. This site is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Coffin Bay, Kirton Point, North Shields, Port Lincoln, Tumby Bay
Getting to the trailhead in Lincoln National Park.
Begin at the park entrance, or any of the campsites or access spots along the circuit.
About the region
LinÂcoln NationÂal Park overÂlooks Boston Bay, the largest natÂurÂal harÂbour in AusÂtralia, with granÂite headÂlands, shelÂtered bays and scenic offÂshore islands. On the southÂern side of the park are the masÂsive, wind-sculptÂed sand dunes of the Sleaford-WanÂna dune sysÂtem and the poundÂing surf of the SouthÂern Ocean.
BoatÂing, fishÂing, beachÂcombÂing, swimÂming, bird watchÂing, whale watchÂing and nature walks are all popÂuÂlar activÂiÂties in this park. A variÂety of desÂigÂnatÂed campÂgrounds in the park offer easy access to the beachÂes, bays and walkÂing trails.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Lincoln National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Favourite
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
Favourite
Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park
Favourite
Favourite
Onkaparinga River National Park
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.
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
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
7 Reviews on “Investigator Circuit Hike (89km)”
How can I join it