Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the historic Harvey's Return Road in the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area, a moderate 10km return hike steeped in history and natural beauty. Traverse through sugar gum woodland, scrubland, and keep an eye out for original cobblestones from the lightkeepers' track. Don't miss the detour to Scott Cove Lookout for stunning views and the end point at Cape Borda. Perfect for a 3.5-hour adventure near the town of Cape Borda.

Length:

10km

Duration:

3.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 164m

Min elevation: 85m

Total Ascent: 193m

Start: Harvey's Return Carpark

End: Harvey's Return Carpark

Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area

South Australia

Nearby town: Cape Borda

From state capital: 264km

Latitude: -35.75127518869694

Longitude: 136.63801699876788

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Hike overview

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

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Walk map and GPX file

Harvey's Return Road Hike (10km)

Total distance: 10189 m
Max elevation: 164 m
Min elevation: 85 m
Total climbing: 193 m
Total descent: -192 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Ceduna, Kingscote, Koonalda, Nullarbor, Nundroo, Parndana, Penneshaw, Penong, Ravine, Rudall, Seal Bay, Stokes Bay, Vivonne Bay

Getting to the trailhead in Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area.

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.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

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.

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

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Harvey's Return Road Hike (10km)

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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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Harvey's Return Road Hike (10km)