Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the picturesque Timber Creek Walk, a 1.5km (grade 1) loop trail located in Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Immerse yourself in the unique tea-tree swamp ecosystem adjacent to Murray Lagoon, a paradise for birdwatchers. Complete this leisurely hike in around 45 minutes, but remember, the best views of the lagoon are from Bald Hill Walk and Curly Creek Hike during drought or late summer. Winter flooding may affect accessibility.

Length:

1.5km

Duration:

45 mins

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 20m

Min elevation: 13m

Total Ascent: 26m

Start: Timber Creek Bridge

End: Timber Creek Bridge

Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Macgillivray

From state capital: 184km

Latitude: -35.90180891618694

Longitude: 137.44786441326144

Overview

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Region

3,070 views

Hike overview

The Timber Creek Walk is a short and easy 2.5-kilometer loop trail (grade 1) located within Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. This leisurely hike, typically completed in around 45 minutes, immerses visitors in the beauty of a tea-tree swamp ecosystem bordering Murray Lagoon. The lagoon itself teems with birdlife, attracting a variety of waterfowl such as ducks, swans, and waders. Birdwatchers will delight in observing these birds, while also keeping an eye out for hawks and eagles soaring overhead, hunting their prey. The dense vegetation along the shoreline provides a haven for smaller birds like chats and little grassbirds, whose songs fill the air.

It's important to note that during drought or late summer, the best vantage points for viewing Murray Lagoon are offered by the Bald Hill Walk and Curly Creek Hike. Additionally, potential winter flooding may temporarily impact the accessibility of the Timber Creek Walk trail.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

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Walk map and GPX file
Timber Creek Walk (2.5km)

Total distance: 2381 m
Max elevation: 20 m
Min elevation: 13 m
Total climbing: 26 m
Total descent: -26 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park.

Reaching Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park requires a journey to Kangaroo Island. From mainland South Australia, travelers can board the SeaLink vehicle and passenger ferry which operates daily (excluding Christmas Day) between Cape Jervis (a two-hour drive south of Adelaide) and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes to cover the 16-kilometer distance. Once on Kangaroo Island, the park itself is located 40 kilometers southwest of Kingscote. Access varies depending on your desired destination within the park. Murray Lagoon can be reached via Birchmore Road, while the coastal section, including D’Estrees Bay, is accessible through Elsegood Road or D’Estrees Bay Road. The trailhead for this hike can be accessed near near Timber Creek Bridge in Seagers Road.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Cummins, Currency Creek, Elliston, Eyre, Goolwa, Kingscote, Meningie, Middleton, Milang, Parndana, Penneshaw, Penong, Port Elliot, Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay, Tailem Bend, Tumby Bay Langhorne Creek, Victor Harbor Ceduna, Vivonne Bay Coffin Bay, Wellington East, Wudinna American River

About the region

Encompassing vast wilderness areas, Kangaroo Island's largest lagoon, and stunning coastal scenery, Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and adjoining Wilderness Protection Area form a spectacular natural reserve on the island's south coast. This expansive area of pristine coastline is a vital contributor to biodiversity. It provides a continuous block of vegetation that connects to Seal Bay Conservation Park, creating a critical corridor and habitat for a range of rare and threatened species.

The park offers diverse walking opportunities. Experienced hikers can tackle the unmarked Cape Gantheaume Coastal Trek. Established trails wind around Murray Lagoon, an important wetland habitat for abundant birdlife (though be aware of potential winter flooding). D'Estrees Bay boasts beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation, and holds historical significance linked to the island's early whaling industry. Large deposits of seagrass washed ashore along these beaches are a testament to the extensive seagrass meadows flourishing beneath the bay's shallow, sunlit waters, made possible by the low wave energy. It's important to note that dogs are not permitted within the park.

The bay itself was named in 1803 by French explorer Nicolas Baudin in honor of Jacques D'Estrees (1660-1737), a French author, military leader, and government official.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 1 (All-abilities) - Perfect for Families and Beginners: Grade 1 on the AWTGS represents the easiest walking tracks, perfect for families with young children or those new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required. These gentle walks feature a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. They are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance due to the even terrain. The total distance of a Grade 1 walk is typically no greater than 5 kilometers, making them a comfortable and manageable option for all ages and fitness levels.

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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Timber Creek Walk (2.5km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Timber Creek Walk (2.5km)