Rocky River Hike is a 13km, grade 3 hike located in Flinders Chase National Park, South Australia. The hike should take around 3 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Embark on a shady adventure along the pristine Rocky River, winding your way to Snake Lagoon. Immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems – from vibrant riverbank communities to the hushed reverence of low woodlands and open forests. Even during dry spells, spring-fed pools pulse with life, offering a vital source of water for birds, reptiles, insects, and mammals.
This captivating trail serves as the exciting first day of the five-day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. Begin your journey at the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre, where a dedicated walking trailhead awaits. The route encompasses the renowned Platypus Waterholes Walk. Alternatively, access points are available at Rocky River Bridge on West Bay Road or the Platypus Waterholes car park off Shackle Road.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 93 m
Min elevation: 42 m
Total climbing: 296 m
Total descent: -327 m
Tips
The park has limÂitÂed toiÂlets, there is no food or drink availÂable for purÂchase throughÂout the park.
Trail location
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Getting there
Access the trail from the walking trailhead at Flinders Chase Visitor Centre. The trail includes the Platypus Waterholes Walk. Alternatively, the trail can be started from Rocky River Bridge on West Bay Road, or the Platypus Waterholes car park off Shackle Road. Take care driÂving at all times and parÂticÂuÂlarÂly at dawn and dusk, pack enough water and snacks for your visÂit, and leave no trace. This will give our bushÂland the best chance of recovery.
Gallery
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About the region
Flinders Chase National Park is a protected area in the Australian state of South Australia located at the west end of Kangaroo Island about 177 kilometres west-south west of the state capital of Adelaide and 110 kilometres west of the municipal seat of Kingscote. Flinders Chase NationÂal Park is a must for any KanÂgaÂroo Island parks advenÂture. This vast area of wilderÂness feaÂtures the iconÂic RemarkÂable Rocks, AdmiÂrals Arch and a long-nosed fur seal colony.
SitÂting high on ancient rocky platÂforms above the sea, RemarkÂable Rocks’ surÂreÂal shapes and goldÂen orange colours proÂvide extraÂorÂdiÂnary phoÂto opporÂtuÂniÂties. AdmiÂrals Arch at Cape du Couedic is not only an impresÂsive rock arch, weathÂer worn over thouÂsands of years, it’s also home to a colony of long-nosed fur seals.
Entry fees apply. There is a 24-hour wifi payÂment hotspot at Rocky RivÂer, 5 km inside the park entrance, but givÂen the remote locaÂtion the conÂnecÂtion can be slow and it’s best to pay day entry before you go. NPWS staff are in the park daiÂly from 9am to 5pm.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.