Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (66km)

Day 1: Flinders Chase Visitor Centre to Cup Gum Campsite

Distance: 18km Duration: 7 hours

Your journey begins at the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre, leading you to the well-known Platypus Waterholes. This shared section of the trail features interpretive signage that provides a great introduction to the park’s natural and cultural heritage. As the path joins the Rocky River Trail, you’ll find yourself surrounded by dense eucalypt woodland teeming with birdlife and native animals.

From Pardalote Lookout, you can take in sweeping views of the Rocky River winding its way toward the Southern Ocean. The trail then passes through riverbank and mallee habitats where wildflowers create vibrant displays of colour throughout the year.

Descending from the ridge towards the river, you’ll encounter the impressive Rocky River Cascades, a picturesque highlight of the day’s walk. The day concludes at Cup Gum Campground, a peaceful and sheltered spot to enjoy your first night under the stars.

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Day 2: Snake Lagoon to Hakea Campsite at Cape du Couedic

Distance: 14km Duration: 7 hours

The second day follows the Rocky River as it winds its way toward the coast. Before long, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking glimpse of the vast Southern Ocean. From here, the trail continues south along Kangaroo Island’s wild and rugged coastline. Keep an eye out for birds of prey soaring above the cliffs and sea, while below, bottlenose dolphins often appear in the surf as they chase schools of fish.

Between June and early October, lucky walkers might even witness the awe-inspiring sight of Southern Right Whales on their annual migration to the Great Australian Bight. The trail descends from the cliffs to the bone-white sands of Maupertuis Bay, a stunning stretch of untouched shoreline framed by towering headlands.

Your destination for the night, Hakea Campground, is nestled in a sheltered swale that offers protection from the strong coastal winds. As evening falls, the rhythmic crash of waves against the nearby cliffs provides a soothing backdrop for a restful night. If time allows, make the short side trip to Admirals Arch to watch the sun set over the ocean, marking a spectacular end to the day.

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Optional side trip: 

• Rocky River Mouth - 1.5km, 45 minutes return

Day 3: Cape du Couedic to Banksia campsite at Sanderson Bay

Distance: 13.5km Duration: 6.5 hours

An early start is recommended if you plan to include the optional side trips to the historic Weirs Cove, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, or Admirals Arch. These sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s maritime history and provide an opportunity to observe Australian and long-nosed fur seals, along with sea-lions that frequent the rugged coastline.

Returning to the Wilderness Trail, the route heads east toward Sanderson Bay, passing through dense coastal mallee before emerging to the breathtaking sight of the Remarkable Rocks. These massive granite formations, sculpted by wind and sea over millions of years, are one of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic landmarks.

As the trail continues along the coastline, you’ll be treated to sweeping ocean views that invite moments of reflection and quiet admiration. The day concludes at Banksia Campground, a well-sheltered site tucked near Sanderson Bay, where you can rest and recharge in peaceful surroundings.

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Optional side trips:

• Admiral's Arch - 9km, 4 hours return
• Remarkable Rocks  - 1.5km, 1 hour return

Day 4: Sanderson Bay to Tea Tree campsite at Grassdale

Distance: 13.5km Duration: 6.5 hours

Day four delivers an exhilarating day of coastal trekking, with towering cliffs, powerful ocean swells, and far-reaching views along Kangaroo Island’s dramatic southern coast. As the trail turns inland toward Hanson Bay, the scenery transforms from low coastal heath to tall stands of dense mallee and tea tree, offering a striking contrast to the rugged coastline left behind.

Upon reaching the South West River, walkers have the unique experience of using a small boat to cross to the other side. This crossing marks the entrance to the Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area, one of the most pristine and untouched regions of the entire walk. Those with time to spare may take a short side trip to the beautiful Hanson Bay beach before rejoining the main trail.

The route then follows the winding course of the river toward Kelly Hill Conservation Park, where the Tea Tree Campground sits beside the historic Grassdale property. It’s a peaceful setting to unwind after a rewarding day on the trail.

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Optional side trip:

• Hanson Bay - 700 metres, 30 minutes return

Day 5: Grassdale to Kelly Hill Caves

Distance: 7.5km Duration: 2.5 hours

The final day offers a gentler pace, yet it’s no less rewarding in beauty or variety. The trail passes through an ever-changing landscape of recovering woodlands, freshwater lagoons, and intriguing karst cave systems unique to this part of Kangaroo Island.

As you reach the Wilderness and Grassdale Lagoons, keep an eye out for the many woodland and wading birds that gather here. The calm waters and surrounding vegetation provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and quiet reflection after the past few days of rugged coastal trekking.

The last stretch leads through graceful sugar gum woodland, which comes alive with orchids and fungi during the wetter months. Your journey concludes at the remarkable Kelly Hill Caves, where you can pause to celebrate the completion of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. Don’t miss the chance to join a guided tour of the limestone caves to see the intricate formations and learn how these stunning underground chambers were created.

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For more information and bookings, visit the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail website.