For hikers traversing the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail from end to end, consider adding this optional side trip starting from Hakea Campsite. If you have 3-4 hours to spare, it's a worthwhile excursion, ideally timed at the end of Day 2 or the beginning of Day 3.
The Cape du Couedic Spur Trail leads south from Hakea Campsite, linking with the Weirs Cove Hike and continuing on to the Admirals Arch Walk. At Weirs Cove, marvel at the remains of the flying fox used to haul supplies up the 90-meter cliff from the jetty below. As you proceed, the silhouette of the lighthouse, erected in 1909, draws closer against the horizon. Pass by this historic structure and descend toward Admirals Arch, where you'll encounter long-nosed fur seals sunbathing on the rocks and within the cave.
A brief stroll along the headland from the carpark unveils Admirals Arch, a magnificent geological formation shaped by the relentless waves of the Southern Ocean. Descend the wide, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, keeping watch for seals below.
While the final section involves navigating stairs, the reward is well worth it. Descend further to enter Admirals Arch itself, where viewing platforms offer breathtaking close-up encounters with the playful seal colony.
For the return journey, you can retrace your steps or opt for the shorter but less scenic access road route.
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Total distance: 8658 m
Max elevation: 153 m
Min elevation: 15 m
Total climbing: 245 m
Total descent: -246 m
Getting to the trailhead: Flinders Chase National Park.
Flinders Chase National Park awaits on Kangaroo Island, a 110km journey west of Kingscote. Choose your island adventure:
- Ferry: Set sail on SeaLink or KI Connect ferries from mainland South Australia.
- Flight: Take a scenic flight with Qantas or Rex for a bird’s-eye view before landing on Kangaroo Island.
Once on the island, navigate to the park using Playford and West End Highways or the scenic South Coast Road.
Closest towns to this walk: American River, Emu Bay, Kingscote, Parndana, Penneshaw, Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay
Kangaroo Island's crown jewel, Flinders Chase National Park, offers a chance to explore a vast wilderness teeming with wildlife. Witness the otherworldly shapes of the Remarkable Rocks, their golden hues contrasting with the ever-changing ocean backdrop. Stand in awe at Admirals Arch, a natural wonder carved by relentless waves, and observe a colony of long-nosed fur seals basking on the shores below.
Entry fees are required, and while there's a Wi-Fi hotspot for payment at Rocky River, reception can be unreliable. For a smoother visit, consider purchasing your day pass beforehand. Park rangers are stationed within the park daily (9am-5pm) to answer your questions.
Be mindful of wildlife while driving, especially at dawn and dusk. Pack sufficient water and snacks, and adhere to leave-no-trace principles to ensure the park's continued health. Public toilets are limited, and there are no shops inside the park, so plan accordingly.
Flinders Chase National Park offers a unique experience year-round:
- Winter: Witness cascading rivers, diverse fungi, and blooming orchids.
- Spring: Experience an explosion of wildflowers, lively frogs, and breeding birds and animals. Spring and summer are perfect for camping, picnics, and exploring the many walking trails.
- Summer: Enjoy mild weather, ideal for swimming on pristine beaches. However, expect larger crowds during this peak season.
Looking for more walks in or near Flinders Chase National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Flinders Chase National Park
Favourite
Flinders Chase National Park
Favourite
Flinders Chase National Park
Favourite
Flinders Chase National Park
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(3).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(8).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(7).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(10).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(1).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(5).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(16).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(21).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(26).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(28).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(11).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(18).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(27).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(9).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
/KIWT-Admirals-Arch%20(20).jpg "KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)")
6 Reviews on “KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)”
oops got a walk ahead of myself in the previous comment.
We walked to Admirals Arch after setting up camp. It’s a nice trail walk with views of Remarkable Rocks and the lighthouse. However it took longer than expected.
The bonus was we had Admirals Arch to ourselves, as it was early evening by the time we got there. However it was dark by the time we left. So we walked back via the road, which was a long slog.
After the days trail walk and then this side trip, it made for a 20km day and I don’t mind admitting I was pretty shattered by the time we crawled into the tent.
Day 3 was better, under foot than Day 2, some rocky cliff top walking but also a lot of inland trails. The inland trails are good under foot, so you don’t need to concentrate so much on your foot fall and can enjoy the scenery.