Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 20m
Min elevation: 13m
Total Ascent: 26m
Hike overview
The Timber Creek Walk is a short and easy 2.5-kilometer loop trail (grade 1) located within Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. This leisurely hike, typically completed in around 45 minutes, immerses visitors in the beauty of a tea-tree swamp ecosystem bordering Murray Lagoon. The lagoon itself teems with birdlife, attracting a variety of waterfowl such as ducks, swans, and waders. Birdwatchers will delight in observing these birds, while also keeping an eye out for hawks and eagles soaring overhead, hunting their prey. The dense vegetation along the shoreline provides a haven for smaller birds like chats and little grassbirds, whose songs fill the air.
It's important to note that during drought or late summer, the best vantage points for viewing Murray Lagoon are offered by the Bald Hill Walk and Curly Creek Hike. Additionally, potential winter flooding may temporarily impact the accessibility of the Timber Creek Walk trail.
Track grade
Grade 1 (All-abilities) -Â Perfect for Families and Beginners: Grade 1 on the AWTGS represents the easiest walking tracks, perfect for families with young children or those new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required. These gentle walks feature a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. They are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance due to the even terrain. The total distance of a Grade 1 walk is typically no greater than 5 kilometers, making them a comfortable and manageable option for all ages and fitness levels.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 20 m
Min elevation: 13 m
Total climbing: 26 m
Total descent: -26 m
Content use
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.
Gallery
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park.
Reaching Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park requires a journey to Kangaroo Island. From mainland South Australia, travelers can board the SeaLink vehicle and passenger ferry which operates daily (excluding Christmas Day) between Cape Jervis (a two-hour drive south of Adelaide) and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes to cover the 16-kilometer distance. Once on Kangaroo Island, the park itself is located 40 kilometers southwest of Kingscote. Access varies depending on your desired destination within the park. Murray Lagoon can be reached via Birchmore Road, while the coastal section, including D’Estrees Bay, is accessible through Elsegood Road or D’Estrees Bay Road. The trailhead for this hike can be accessed near near Timber Creek Bridge in Seagers Road.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
About the region
Encompassing vast wilderness areas, Kangaroo Island's largest lagoon, and stunning coastal scenery, Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and adjoining Wilderness Protection Area form a spectacular natural reserve on the island's south coast. This expansive area of pristine coastline is a vital contributor to biodiversity. It provides a continuous block of vegetation that connects to Seal Bay Conservation Park, creating a critical corridor and habitat for a range of rare and threatened species.
The park offers diverse walking opportunities. Experienced hikers can tackle the unmarked Cape Gantheaume Coastal Trek. Established trails wind around Murray Lagoon, an important wetland habitat for abundant birdlife (though be aware of potential winter flooding). D'Estrees Bay boasts beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation, and holds historical significance linked to the island's early whaling industry. Large deposits of seagrass washed ashore along these beaches are a testament to the extensive seagrass meadows flourishing beneath the bay's shallow, sunlit waters, made possible by the low wave energy. It's important to note that dogs are not permitted within the park.
The bay itself was named in 1803 by French explorer Nicolas Baudin in honor of Jacques D'Estrees (1660-1737), a French author, military leader, and government official.
Find a place to stay
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Cummins, Currency Creek, Elliston, Eyre, Goolwa, Kingscote, Meningie, Middleton, Milang, Parndana, Penneshaw, Penong, Port Elliot, Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay, Tailem Bend, Tumby Bay Langhorne Creek, Victor Harbor Ceduna, Vivonne Bay Coffin Bay, Wellington East, Wudinna American River
Let someone know
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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Suggest an edit
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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.
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.






