Winding through the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area, Harvey's Return Road follows the historic cart track once used by lightkeepers to transport supplies between Cape Borda and Harvey's Return. Classified as a grade 3 hike with a distance of 10 kilometres, the trail typically takes around 3.5 hours to complete.
The initial section traverses sugar gum woodland for roughly 800 metres, ending at the Lightkeepers Cemetery. This leg offers a shorter option for those seeking a 1.6-kilometre return hike. Beyond the cemetery, the trail continues roughly parallel to the Cape Borda road, although the road itself is seldom visible. As you venture westward, the lush forest thins, giving way to lower scrubland.
An enticing detour arises when the trail intersects Scott Road. A 300-metre walk down Scott Road leads to Scott Cove Lookout, rewarding hikers with scenic views. The main trail then culminates at Cape Borda. Here, a short Clifftop Hike leads to another lookout before you retrace your steps back to the starting point at Harvey's Return Carpark. Keep your eyes peeled for cobblestones along the way, remnants of the original lightkeepers' track.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Total distance: 10189 m
Max elevation: 164 m
Min elevation: 85 m
Total climbing: 193 m
Total descent: -192 m
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Accessing Ravine des Casoars requires a journey to Kangaroo Island. From Adelaide, you can either catch a ferry from Cape Jervis (around a 1.5-hour trip) or fly into Kingscote Airport (a 30-minute flight). Once on the island, you'll need a car to navigate the 80km distance west to the Ravine des Casoars. The route from Kingscote involves following the Playford Highway and West End Highway, offering a scenic drive through Kangaroo Island's heart.
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Carved out of Flinders Chase National Park in 1993, the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area shelters Kangaroo Island's western tip. Its diverse landscapes range from rugged coastlines with sandy beaches to rocky gorges carved by rivers, all interwoven with pockets of dense forest. The park's French name translates to "Gully of the Cassowaries," a poignant reminder of the dwarf cassowary, a flightless bird that once thrived here but is now extinct.
Today, the Ravine des Casoars provides a vital habitat for a variety of Australian wildlife, including endangered species like the southern cassowary (a relative of the extinct dwarf cassowary), the glossy black-cockatoo, and the western quokka. Visitors can explore this wilderness by hiking designated trails, camping under the stars, or simply observing the abundant wildlife. A highlight of the area is the Remarkable Rocks, a collection of precariously balanced granite boulders that draw visitors from around the world.
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.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
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
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.
