Grade 1

Rocky River Hike (13km)

Flinders Chase National Park

South Australia

13km

3 hrs

Grade 3

One way

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the stunning Rocky River trail, a 13km Grade 3 hike located near Kangaroo Island's Flinders Chase Visitor Centre, Australia. This moderate, one-way track winds through diverse ecosystems, from vibrant riverbanks to quiet woodland and open forests. It features the popular Platypus Waterholes Walk and is the first part of the five-day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. The trailhead is easily accessible from West Bay Road or the Shackle Road car park. Perfect for bird-watchers, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Max elevation: 93m

Min elevation: 42m

Total Ascent: 296m

Hike overview


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.

Practical information


Walk map and GPX file

Rocky River Hike (13km)


Explore safely


Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Leave a trip plan


Register your plans

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Planning checklists


Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there


Getting to the trailhead: Flinders Chase National Park.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby


Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: American River, Emu Bay, Kingscote, Parndana, Penneshaw, Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay

About the region


Similar walks nearby


Looking for more walks in or near Flinders Chase National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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Rocky River Hike (13km)


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Acknowledgement of Country

Rocky river hike (13km) trail hiking australia

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.

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