Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Day 2: Maupertuis Section is a 14.1km, grade 4 hike located in the Flinders Chase National Park, South Australia. The hike should take around 6 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
Day two takes you along the Rocky River towards its mouth at the coast. Not long into the walk you'll be rewarded with your first breathtaking view of the mighty Southern Ocean. Here at the edge of the world there is nothing but the deep blue sea between you and Antarctica. The trail then heads south along the island's wild and rugged coastline where birds of prey may be seen flying over the land and sea, while on the water bottle-nosed dolphins often surface as they hunt for fish. If you're visiting between June and early October, you may even by treated to the majestic sight of Southern Right Whales on their annual migration to the Great Australian Bight. Upon reaching Maupertuis Bay you'll head down from the clifftop onto the bone white beach below. Seafarers found this wild coastline unforgiving, with the remnants of shipwrecks that cost the lives of many still visible today. The trail eventually winds its way back up to the rocky clifftop, bringing you ever closer to the famous Cape du Couedic Lighthouse that sits atop the headland in the distance. Pause for a final look back on your day's journey along the spectacularly beautiful coastline of Maupertuis Bay. When the trail turns inland you'll be treated to softer conditions underfoot for the final stretch to camp. Tucked away in a swale, the Hakea Campground offers you protection from the relentless coastal winds and will lull you to sleep with the relaxing soundtrack of crashing waves on the nearby cliffs. If time permits, you may want to venture to nearby Admirals Arch to finish the day with a spectacular sunset.
GPX file courtesy of Walking SA. File may not contain elevation data and may only represent half the length on return hikes.
Route and GPX file
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For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
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About the region
Flinders Chase National Park is a protected area in the Australian state of South Australia located at the west end of Kangaroo Island about 177 kilometres west-south west of the state capital of Adelaide and 110 kilometres west of the municipal seat of Kingscote.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
0 Reviews on “Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Day 2: Maupertuis Section (14.1km)”
HowardSusanne Leisemann
Day 2 was tough walking, a few Km’s along the soft sandy beach. This was made easier when we found 20+ seals playing the bay, it was great to see them breaching and surfing the waves.
The remainder of the walk was mostly along cliff tops, so very rocky under foot, most of your time is spend watching were you place your foot and not so much admiring the scenery.
Kara Skene Can’t wait to eventually do this hike.