Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Nature on the Rocky River Section. Embark on your Kangaroo Island adventure with the 12-kilometer Rocky River Section, a moderate (grade 4) hike from the Flinders Chase Visitors Centre to Cup Gum CampÂground (near Snake Lagoon) lasting approximately 4 hours. This day sets the stage for your KIWT adventure.
Start your exploration with a visit to the famous Platypus Waterholes. Keep your eyes peeled – you might be lucky enough to spot this rare and elusive mammal. As you follow the shared trail section, informative signs will guide you, providing a fantastic introduction to Flinders Chase National Park's diverse flora and fauna.
Delve into the dense beauty of the eucalypt woodland, teeming with a variety of birds and native animals. Reach the Pardalote Lookout and be captivated by the panoramic view of the meandering Rocky River snaking its way towards the Southern Ocean. The trail then winds through diverse landscapes, offering vibrant displays of wildflowers throughout the year. In cooler months, keep an eye out for colorful orchids and fascinating fungi.
Descend from the ridge and witness the cascading majesty of the Rocky River Cascades. Your day concludes at the serene Cup Gum Campground, nestled amidst towering sugar gums and old-growth cup gums – the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your first day's adventures.
Immerse yourself in a world-class adventure on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT), a challenging 62-kilometer, five-day trek. This iconic Australian journey grants you unparalleled access to South Australia's most rugged and breathtaking coastlines.
With each step, uncover the secrets this unique ecosystem holds. Traverse the most botanically diverse region in South Australia before reaching the dramatic coastlines where the Southern Ocean crashes against the shore. Prepare to be awestruck by the unimaginable beauty that unfolds before you.
The trail winds through a variety of protected areas, including Flinders Chase National Park, Kelly Hill Conservation Park, and the Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area. Encounter the island's unique wildlife while traversing new and upgraded trails.
Along the way, witness the otherworldly Remarkable Rocks, marvel at the natural wonder of Admirals Arch, and explore historic Weirs Cove. Hike to the pristine Hanson Bay and delve into the fascinating Kelly Hill Caves. This unforgettable experience offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, diverse wildlife encounters, and historical exploration.
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.
Total distance: 12090 m
Max elevation: 90 m
Min elevation: 43 m
Total climbing: 171 m
Total descent: -193 m
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KanÂgaÂroo Island is just 35 minÂutes by air from AdeÂlaide AirÂport to Kingscote on KanÂgaÂroo Island, or 2.5 hours by coach plus 1 hour by ferÂry from AdeÂlaide. It’s then a 1.5 to 2 hour driÂve to the start of the KanÂgaÂroo Island WilderÂness Trail in Flinders Chase NationÂal Park.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
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Flinders Chase National Park
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Flinders Chase National Park
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Flinders Chase National Park
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Flinders Chase National Park
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.
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.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
3 Reviews on “KIWT - Day 1: Rocky River Section (12km)”
The whole trail was a great experience, the facilities in each campground were amazing. My husband and I did it as a fully self-supported walk, my first multi-day hike of this type. The first day was good walking mostly through bushland
Hwa Fern
Bob Sheldon something to add to ur to do list ??
Mmm, probably time to review ALL your scheduled posts, so many trails destroyed ?
Are you really posting this??!!
Just finished the KIWT. Got evacuated off after the 3rd day. Finished section 4 – 5 the following day. Wer were the last hikers through. Devastating fires. Saw the fires from our cabin in the KI caravan park. Out the next day. Much love to Fiona and Mark who own the park and had to evacuate yesterday. Heartbroken for the koalas on the koala walk from their park. Trying not to think that they might not have made it. ?
https://7news.com.au/news/sa/kangaroo-island-bushfires-kingscote-and-penneshaw-only-places-of-refuge-c-631527?fbclid=IwAR2mxGtiGR8C1-Rh340LQHNfw5p6brDAIq1BUkEqFK6A-ztoWrXCQVAxhjk
Not anytime soon. Kangaroo Island has just had devastating bushfires and will take many years to regenerate. Not great timing for this post….
Please check the current situation of hikes you’re posting. Some of the places coming up are either recently burned, burning, or under threat.
Not the best timing mate
I suggest you check your upcoming auto posts
No one will be walking this trail for a long time to come. The Flinders Chase is well and truly going up in flames
Not the best time to be spruiking Kangaroo Island.
I absolutely loved this hike, amazing scenery and fantastic/clean campsite