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Length: 3.6km
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Duration: 1.5hrs
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Grade: 1
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Style: Return
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Start: Tangara Dr, American River
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End: Tangara Dr, American River
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Location: Kangaroo Island
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Closest Town:
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Distance from CBD: 164 km
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State: SA
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Latitude: -35.7878127
Longitude: 137.7698287
Keep the Trail Access info current...

Select items to indicate conditions for access to the trail.


2WD Access


4WD Access


Public Transport


Bitumen Road


Gravel Road


Steep Road


Winding Road


Speed Bumps


Vehicle Ford


Entry Fee


Large Car Park


Small Car Park


Accessible Parking


Accessible Toilet


Public Toilets


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Picnic Shelter


Picnic Table


BBQ Facilities


Campfire Pit


Camping Area
Keep the Trail Features current...

Kangaroo Island...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.


Concrete Path


Timber Boardwalk


Gravel Path


Sandy Trail


Rough Trail


Undefined Trail


Prams & Strollers


Manual Wheelchair


Motorised Wheelchair


Bicycle Trail


Mountain Bike Trail


Historic Rail Trail


Dog Friendly


Urban Walk


Coast & Beach


Historic Lighthouse


Waterfalls & Lakes


Rainforest Walk


Goldfields & Mining


Heritage Walk


Aboriginal Art


Alpine Region


Alpine Huts


Exposed Ledges


Rock Scrambling


Steep Terrain


Bush Bashing


River Crossings


Scenic Viewpoints


Well Marked


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Fishing Spots


Swimming Spots


Overnight Campsites


Trail Running


Horse Riding
Hike Summary
The Independence Trail begins at the boatramp, near the wharf, in American River and follows the coast along the edge of the Port of Pelicans lagoon. At nearby Remembrance Reserve there is a loop in the trail, and this can make an ideal shorter walk to return at this point. Continuing further, the trail is sometimes beside the road or on a walking path along the lagoon, before it reaches Independence Point.
The trail is 3.6km one way or 7.1km return. The trail is marked with short blue posts. The American River Progress Association stocks map leaflets at each trailhead (near the boatramp and in the shelter at Independence Point.)
At Independence Point there is a picnic area, carpark and monument to the schooner Independence. The schooner was the first ship constructed in South Australia, built in 1803 by the crew of the visiting American sealing ship the Union. The ship was built to access the shallow waters of the lagoon in seal hunting endeavors. The schooner may have been constructed from local timbers, but this isn't clear, as it may also have been constructed from materials from the Union. The ship disappeared on a voyage from Sydney in 1805.
GPX file courtesy of Walking SA. File may not contain elevation data and may only represent half the length on return hikes.
About the region
Kangaroo Island is one of the world's great nature-based destinations. Think of an island with 509km of Coastline & 155km from the East Coast to the West Coast. With native bushland, wildlife, adventure & exploring. Where pristine beaches, local wines & sunsets are on your doorstep. You'll need longer than you think. There’s an unmistakable sanctity about Kangaroo Island. With its raw and rugged coastline, impeccably clear waters, natural wonders and wildlife, Kangaroo Island is known as nature’s playground. As you step off onto the island, it's impossible not to relax. Follow the road less travelled and discover unique wildlife, mouth-watering food and wine, breathtaking scenery and a laid-back lifestyle. You can get to Kangaroo Island via ferry with Sealink or KI Connect, fly with QantasLink or embark on the Southern Ocean Drive road trip.
GPX File
Max elevation: 0 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 0 m
Total descent: 0 m
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA