Best Walking & Hiking Kangaroo Island
Best Walking & Hiking Kangaroo Island
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South Australia’s Kangaroo Island views will easily leave you breathless. With stunning views across a wide variety of terrains, there are plenty of options for both casual walkers and serious trekkers. The best part is that the variety of terrain means hiking and bushwalking trails are available for visitors of all fitness abilities.
It’s truely a walker’s dream as it’s home to some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery. The island has been featured by Lonely Planet as one of the top natural destinations.
But with a landscape that covers 4500km2 how can anyone decide what to explore?
Let’s look at the top trails that this amazing island has on offer so you don’t end up lost in choice.
Kangaroo Island’s 6 regions
Kangaroo Island has six distinct regions that cover the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park and include a wide variety of island landscapes and habitats. Each region is unique and boasts it’s own amazing walks from rugged coastlines, sandy beach stretches, rocky river beds, lagoons and everything in-between.
Image credit Sea Link
Dudley Peninsula
Dudley Peninsula forms the east end of Kangaroo Island, and is home to the peaceful seaside town of Penneshaw, where the ferry terminal is located and newcomers arrive and get their first glimpse of the Island.
Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail
The new Kangaroo Island Sculptural Trail features unique sculptures set in a gorgeous natural setting and is located just a few miles from the Penneshaw jetty and a short stroll from the town centre. The trail winds its way through the stunning landscape of the Northumberland coast.
There are many surprises, scenic lookout points, ancient flora and of course the beautiful ravine walls. Look out for an ancient ghosts tree plus the resident kangaroos and wallabies.
One cool feature is a beautiful seat made from reclaimed wood from the Penneshaw Jetty.
- Distance: 1.5kms
- Time: 1.5 Hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Wallaby Track Walking Trail
A 3 km round trip hike that follows a natural spring fed stream-bed with waterfalls. The locals will say it’s a must-see experience in winter!
There are plenty of native birds and wallabies up on the slopes.
This walk is fine for both kids and adults, however it is a bit more challenging, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Distance: 3kms
- Time: 1 Hour
- Difficulty: Moderate
Ironstone Hill Hiking Trail
Located in the Booligal Conservation Park, this hiking route hugs the coast from Penneshaw, following an old bullock track towards Cape Wiloughby. The trail offers stunning views across Backstairs Passageway, right up to the Fluererie Peninsula.
After hiking through regenerating Sheoak trees, the trail leads to the ruins of Henry Bates’ cottage and a stone threshing floor on Ironstone Hill. You’ll see the farming heritage of the area on signs along the trail.
- Distance: 4kms
- Time: 1.5 Hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
American River
American River is a small, friendly fishing village nestled on a hillside amongst beautiful native bushland. It’s a great place for bird-watching and for finding local fresh oysters.
There are some beautiful beaches nearby, including the stunning Pennington Bay, which you can clearly see from the spectacular views of the image above this is a photographer’s dream!
There are lots of scenic walks around. On foot through the American River is the most enjoyable way to see this region!
The Fish Cannery Walking Trail
This is a trail into the scrub that leads to the ruins where a fish cannery was built in the late 1890s.
Start this walk with a leisurely stroll through the woods, you’ll be greeted with birds song, native shrubs and flowers blooming in spring. Along the way, Glossy-Black Cockatoos can sometimes be seen and heard feeding on fruits and seeds. At the end of a trail, remnants of a fish cannery remain.
- Distance: 3kms
- Time: 1.5 Hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Independence Trail
The Independence Trail begins by the boat ramp, near where the wharf ends. It follows the coast along the edges of the Port of Pelicans Lagoon.
There is a loop in the path at Remembrance Reserve that makes for a good shorter walk back from here. The trail continues for several miles, but it is often beside the road or on the walking path along the lagoon.
- Distance: 7.1kms (return)
- Time: 1.5 Hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Prospect Hill
Matthew Flinders climbed up Prospect Hill when navigating the north coast of Kangaroo Island to establish his bearings in 1802.
Visitors can now climb up this steep sand hill via 1,500 steps to the highest point of Kangaroo Island! At the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of Pelican Lagoon and Pennington Bay.
- Distance: 0.5km
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
Kingscote & Emu Bay
Kangaroo Island’s commercial hub is Kingscote, which contains most of the shops and facilities and nearly half of its population… and with pristine beaches it’s easy to see why!
It is located on Nepean Bay overlooking a peaceful harbour. It is a special part of South Australia’s history, as just north from Kingscote is the historic site, Reeves Point, which was the first European settlement in South Australia.
Emu Bay (about 18 km from Kingscote) has become a popular holiday spot. It has a beautiful 4km long stretch of white sand with vehicle access and safe, clear water for swimming and water activities.
Kingscote Scenic Walking Trail
Kingscote Scenery Walk commences at the Aurora Ocean View Hotel and follows the coast from the hotel to the mouth of Cygnets River and back. Note that some parts of the beach are not accessible during high tide so walkers should take care.
- Distance: 11kms (return)
- Time: 3 Hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Historical Reeves Point Walk
Walking around Kingscote and its surrounding areas is a great way for visitors to discover the rich history of the area and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Historical Reeves Point Walk begins at the wharf area, follows the beach to Reeves point, and returns along the Esplanade. You can enjoy an optional visit to the Museum.
NOTE: You should wear sturdy shoes and be aware of tide movements as the beach is not accessible during high tide.
- Distance: 3.5kms (return)
- Time: 1.5 Hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
A Walk Back In Time Trail
The walk begins and ends at the Aurora Ozone Hotel and takes around 45 minutes to walk the entire length.
Apart from a few small hills, most of the walking takes place on flat ground so you won’t get tired easily. And the best part is you’ll definitely feel that you’ve learned something new about Kingscote and some of its former residents by the end of your walk.
- Distance: 0.5kms
- Time: 45 Minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
South Coast
Most of Kangaroo Island‘s attractions are located in its southern coast. It is arguably the most beautiful region to visit.
It boasts the protected Flinders Chase National Park (one of the most visited attractions in the region), Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Seal Bay Conservation (where you can often see Fur Seals) !
Bayeria Walk
This walk is a pleasant short stroll through Kangaroo Island’s narrow-leaved mallee with broom bush understorey. The Beyeria Conservation Park, in which the walk is in, was named after the endemic Turpentine Bush, Beyeria subtect.
Along the way, there are twenty interpretive signs highlighting ‘The Many Faces Of Mallee Scrub’, which is very resilient in the face of changes such as drought, fires, rainfall, and even grazing.
- Distance: 1.5kms
- Time: 30 Minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Timer Creek Walk
This walk at Murray Lake offers visitors an experience of a tea-tree swamp. Ducks, geese, swans, and waders flock to a lake to create a bird lovers’ delight.
- Distance: 1.5kms
- Time: 30 Minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Curley Creek Hike
This hike follows an old fire access track which skirts the edge of Murray Lagoon. Walkers will not only discover a large range of birdlife but also a variety of vegetation.
Access to the trail can be affected by seasonal flooding.
- Distance: 11kms
- Time: 4 Hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
West End, Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
This is our favourite walk on Kangaroo Island, and which recently reopened for walkers for the first time since the 2020 bushfires. It offers a unique experience that allows bushwalkers to connect with the post bushfire landscape and experience the regeneration.
Wildlife is returning and green shoots are overtaking the Island. Not only plant life – but animals as well. The area is filling with birdsong, flourishing flora, and the re-emergence of kangaroos and koalas.
We currently run a guided walking tour that covers sections of this amazing trial and takes guests along rugged coastal cliffs, through shrub heaving with birdlife and past some of the most unusual sculptured rocks you will ever see.
The Kangaroo Island wilderness trail is due to re-open in June 2022. This offers us a unique opportunity to see the regrowth from fire, with a proliferation of long dormant flowers, seeds, shrubs and “epicormic” shoots.
We have limited tours running in 2022, so if you’d like to discover this normally challenging trail, made much more achievable with no need to carry a heavy backpack or camp out, then we encourage you to use the link below to learn more.
The benefits of a guided walking tour is that you’ll have all the perks of accomodation, meals and transport all taken care. You’ll only need to carry a day pack. Plus an Inspiration Outdoor expert guide to explain the geography and history of the area.
It is the ultimate experience for hiking the Kangaroo Island wilderness trail!
https://www.inspirationoutdoors.com.au/tours/kangaroo-island-wilderness-trail/
Walk within your abilities
We want everyone to be safe and have a good time, so please, plan ahead and walk safely, know your route, and walk within your capabilities.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of walking or hiking on Kangaroo Island then we recommend taking a guided tour. They will ensure you get the best experience from your visit, however if you do decide to go it alone these are some simple tips to stay safe.
- Choose walks that suit your level of experience and fitness.
- Study maps and route guide and seek advice if you’re unsure.
- Be prepared for the weather, wear appropriate clothing and equipment, and be aware of the track conditions.
- BE AWARE: There are weather changes on Kangaroo Island that can occur quickly and frequently.
- Walk with friends. Before you leave, tell someone about your plans.
