Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the beauty of Kangaroo Island on the Snake Lagoon Hike in Flinders Chase National Park. This moderate 4.2km return hike, ideal for bushwalkers with a decent fitness level, takes you through towering Sugar Gums and Mallee scrub, down into the Rocky River valley, and ends at the breathtaking Southern Ocean coastline. Remember though, while the beach is stunning, swimming can be dangerous due to strong waves and rip currents.

Length:

4.2km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 74m

Min elevation: 13m

Total Ascent: 110m

Start: Snake Lagoon Carpark

End: Snake Lagoon Carpark

Flinders Chase National Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Flinders Chase

From state capital: 275km

Latitude: -35.951523106195125

Longitude: 136.65701512358143

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Hike overview

Enjoy a scenic 4km return hike (grade 3) through Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island. The Snake Lagoon Hike, starting at Snake Lagoon carpark, takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete and is perfect for those with moderate fitness levels.

The path winds through towering Sugar Gums and Mallee scrub, offering a cool, shaded start to your journey. Descend into the scenic Rocky River valley, where glimpses of unique rock formations and diverse flora will keep you engaged. A boardwalk guides you across the river, leading to the dramatic finale – the mouth where the river meets the Southern Ocean.

Be rewarded with breathtaking coastal views. The vast expanse of the Southern Ocean unfurls before you, meeting a beautiful white sand beach. Keep an eye out for the secluded beach with caves and large rocks, a perfect spot to relax and soak in the scenery after your hike. Remember, the beach may be scenic, but strong waves and rip currents make swimming dangerous.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Snake Lagoon Walk (4.2km)

Total distance: 4158 m
Max elevation: 74 m
Min elevation: 13 m
Total climbing: 110 m
Total descent: -110 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Flinders Chase National Park.

Snake Lagoon carpark is located 9 km from Flinders Chase Visitor Centre off the West Bay Road.

Flinders Chase National Park awaits on Kangaroo Island, a 110km journey west of Kingscote. Choose your island adventure:

Ferry: Set sail on SeaLink or KI Connect ferries from mainland South Australia.
Flight: Take a scenic flight with Qantas or Rex for a bird’s-eye view before landing on Kangaroo Island.

Once on the island, navigate to the park using Playford and West End Highways or the scenic South Coast Road.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: American River, Emu Bay, Kingscote, Parndana, Penneshaw, Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay

About the region

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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Flinders Chase National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

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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Snake Lagoon Walk (4.2km)

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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
Snake Lagoon Walk (4.2km)