This hike, along with others in the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT) series, is written to support those completing the full multi-day hike. The route descriptions, distances, and logistics assume a staged, continuous journey and are not intended to be used as standalone day walks.
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Nature on the Rocky River Section. Embark on your Kangaroo Island adventure with the 12-kilometer Rocky River Section, a moderate (grade 4) hike from the Flinders Chase Visitors Centre to Cup Gum CampÂground (near Snake Lagoon) lasting approximately 4 hours. This day sets the stage for your KIWT adventure.
Start your exploration with a visit to the famous Platypus Waterholes. Keep your eyes peeled – you might be lucky enough to spot this rare and elusive mammal. As you follow the shared trail section, informative signs will guide you, providing a fantastic introduction to Flinders Chase National Park's diverse flora and fauna.
Delve into the dense beauty of the eucalypt woodland, teeming with a variety of birds and native animals. Reach the Pardalote Lookout and be captivated by the panoramic view of the meandering Rocky River snaking its way towards the Southern Ocean. The trail then winds through diverse landscapes, offering vibrant displays of wildflowers throughout the year. In cooler months, keep an eye out for colorful orchids and fascinating fungi.
Descend from the ridge and witness the cascading majesty of the Rocky River Cascades. Your day concludes at the serene Cup Gum Campground, nestled amidst towering sugar gums and old-growth cup gums – the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your first day's adventures.
Immerse yourself in a world-class adventure on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT), a challenging 66-kilometer, five-day trek. This iconic Australian journey grants you unparalleled access to South Australia's most rugged and breathtaking coastlines.
With each step, uncover the secrets this unique ecosystem holds. Traverse the most botanically diverse region in South Australia before reaching the dramatic coastlines where the Southern Ocean crashes against the shore. Prepare to be awestruck by the unimaginable beauty that unfolds before you.
The trail winds through a variety of protected areas, including Flinders Chase National Park, Kelly Hill Conservation Park, and the Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area. Encounter the island's unique wildlife while traversing new and upgraded trails.
Along the way, witness the otherworldly Remarkable Rocks, marvel at the natural wonder of Admirals Arch, and explore historic Weirs Cove. Hike to the pristine Hanson Bay and delve into the fascinating Kelly Hill Caves. This unforgettable experience offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, diverse wildlife encounters, and historical exploration.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 17821 m
Max elevation: 108 m
Min elevation: 43 m
Total climbing: 381 m
Total descent: -419 m
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
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Getting to the trailhead: Flinders Chase National Park.
KanÂgaÂroo Island is just 35 minÂutes by air from AdeÂlaide AirÂport to Kingscote on KanÂgaÂroo Island, or 2.5 hours by coach plus 1 hour by ferÂry from AdeÂlaide. It’s then a 1.5 to 2 hour driÂve to the start of the KanÂgaÂroo Island WilderÂness Trail in Flinders Chase NationÂal Park.
You can travÂel in the comÂfort of your own vehiÂcle from the mainÂland via the Sealink ferÂry and then on to Flinders Chase NationÂal Park, or you can pick up a rental car from Kingscote, Kingscote AirÂport or PenÂneshaw. LimÂitÂed numÂbers of cars are availÂable for hire on the island so advance bookÂings are recÂomÂmendÂed. A desÂigÂnatÂed car parkÂing area will be availÂable at Flinders Chase NationÂal Park VisÂiÂtor CenÂtre for indeÂpenÂdent walkers.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Kangaroo Island's crown jewel, Flinders Chase National Park, offers a chance to explore a vast wilderness teeming with wildlife. Witness the otherworldly shapes of the Remarkable Rocks, their golden hues contrasting with the ever-changing ocean backdrop. Stand in awe at Admirals Arch, a natural wonder carved by relentless waves, and observe a colony of long-nosed fur seals basking on the shores below.
Entry fees are required, and while there's a Wi-Fi hotspot for payment at Rocky River, reception can be unreliable. For a smoother visit, consider purchasing your day pass beforehand. Park rangers are stationed within the park daily (9am-5pm) to answer your questions.
Be mindful of wildlife while driving, especially at dawn and dusk. Pack sufficient water and snacks, and adhere to leave-no-trace principles to ensure the park's continued health. Public toilets are limited, and there are no shops inside the park, so plan accordingly.
Flinders Chase National Park offers a unique experience year-round:
- Winter: Witness cascading rivers, diverse fungi, and blooming orchids.
- Spring: Experience an explosion of wildflowers, lively frogs, and breeding birds and animals. Spring and summer are perfect for camping, picnics, and exploring the many walking trails.
- Summer: Enjoy mild weather, ideal for swimming on pristine beaches. However, expect larger crowds during this peak season.
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Looking for more walks in or near Flinders Chase National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
3 Reviews on “KIWT - Day 1: Rocky River Section (18km)”
The whole trail was a great experience, the facilities in each campground were amazing. My husband and I did it as a fully self-supported walk, my first multi-day hike of this type. The first day was good walking mostly through bushland
Hwa Fern
Bob Sheldon something to add to ur to do list ??
Mmm, probably time to review ALL your scheduled posts, so many trails destroyed ?
Are you really posting this??!!
Just finished the KIWT. Got evacuated off after the 3rd day. Finished section 4 – 5 the following day. Wer were the last hikers through. Devastating fires. Saw the fires from our cabin in the KI caravan park. Out the next day. Much love to Fiona and Mark who own the park and had to evacuate yesterday. Heartbroken for the koalas on the koala walk from their park. Trying not to think that they might not have made it. ?
https://7news.com.au/news/sa/kangaroo-island-bushfires-kingscote-and-penneshaw-only-places-of-refuge-c-631527?fbclid=IwAR2mxGtiGR8C1-Rh340LQHNfw5p6brDAIq1BUkEqFK6A-ztoWrXCQVAxhjk
Not anytime soon. Kangaroo Island has just had devastating bushfires and will take many years to regenerate. Not great timing for this post….
Please check the current situation of hikes you’re posting. Some of the places coming up are either recently burned, burning, or under threat.
Not the best timing mate
I suggest you check your upcoming auto posts
No one will be walking this trail for a long time to come. The Flinders Chase is well and truly going up in flames
Not the best time to be spruiking Kangaroo Island.
I absolutely loved this hike, amazing scenery and fantastic/clean campsite