What can you expect from this walk?

Highlights:

• 7 day group guided itinerary
• Wildlife abounds – kangaroos, wallabies, possums, echidnas & penguins
• Goannas, sea-lions, fur seals, koalas, Cape Barren geese, sea-lions & platypus
• Sip champagne at Remarkable Rocks, a natural wind sculpted masterpiece
• Tour through a limestone cave that features unusual helictites
• Visit historic lighthouses and stay two nights in the lighthouse keepers’ cottages
• Explore remote limestone caves at rugged Cape des Casoars

Overview:
Join us for a group guided walking holiday on Kangaroo Island, the third largest in Australia.

With over 25% of it protected within national parks, it’s a paradise for walkers and naturalists alike. We focus our walking on the spectacular western end of the island where tall limestone cliffs dominate the coastline and deeply incised creeks flow out to the sea. As well as stunning coastal landscapes, there are vast areas of wilderness and highly visible terrestrial and marine wildlife.

On top of a huge granite dome, wind sculptured Remarkable Rocks proudly sits, testament to 500 million years of nature’s erosion. Nearby, Admirals Arch is another product of wind and ocean carving the coastline like a sculpture. Over 7000 fur seals call the Arch home, frolicking on rock platforms and in the sea here.

More on what you'll see

There is loads of wildlife in addition to seals. Over the years, many threatened mainland species have been introduced to Kangaroo Island. Combined with the absence of foxes and rabbits and the conservation of large tracts of bush, this has resulted in an unexpected populations of kangaroos, wallabies, possums, echidnas, goannas, penguins, koalas, Cape Barren geese, Australian Sea-lions, fur seals and platypus.

During this walk, you’ll see Australian sea-lions in their natural habitat, and we’ll take you on an evening walk to see penguins in their rookery.

Everything bursts to life during spring when food and water are abundant, so wildflowers and birds are also plentiful. Approximately 40 endemic floral species exist on the island and the Cape Barren geese nest on top of the native iris grasses to incubate their eggs.

As well as walking you’ll visit Kelly Hill Caves and see ornate limestone formations, sinkholes, caverns and extensive chambers. These are no ordinary caves – you’ve no doubt seen stalagmites and stalactites, but have you ever seen helictites?

There are historic lighthouses to explore, each with its own unique features and inspiring history. At Cape Willoughby enjoy a walk through history and the opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse. Cape Borda’s special square lighthouse is perched high above Investigator Strait, and was built in 1858 to guide sailing ships arriving off the “roaring forties” trade routes. And you’ll get to spend two nights in charming lighthouse keepers cottages at Cape du Couedic lighthouse.

There are plenty of beaches on Kangaroo Island, including the long curving sweep of Vivonne Bay, recently proclaimed the “best beach” in Australia.

Beautiful Vivonne Bay

Location
This holiday starts and finishes in Adelaide.

Grading
Mostly easy to moderate walks. The easier walks are great for first-timers. Experienced hikers will enjoy some exciting off-track walking and a chance to explore some fascinating geological sites.

This trip operates with two guides so we can offer easier and harder walk options along the way.

For more detailed information including daily walk distances and times please download our Fact Sheet below.

Accommodation
Seafront hotel, wilderness retreat and cottages at historic Cape du Couedic lightstation. Note that on the two nights at the lighthouse there will be shared bathrooms and no single rooms. These beautiful restored stone cottages are set in bushland adjacent to the lighthouse itself. It’s a great place to watch the sun set.

There are 3 cottages and each has 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. Hence, no ensuites – we’ll all need to share for these two nights. Everyone will need to share a room with another person.

There are 3 rooms available with queen beds and the rest have 2 single beds. The guides will prepare meals (there are no restaurants nearby) – dinners will be substantial but will obviously not be a-la-carte!

Note that, due to limited time, we cannot cater for very restrictive diets. Vegetarians are OK but if you have specific requirements, please contact us prior to booking to discuss what we can and can’t do. Remember, staying at a remote Light station such as this is a special experience!

Comfortable ocean view hotel room

What’s included
Two guides, all transport from Adelaide, 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners, ferry to/from Kangaroo Island, penguin viewing, tours of Kelly Hill Caves, tour of Cape Willoughby & Cape Borda lightstations, champagne sunset, National Park fees, insulated lunch bag, maps & map case, info pack, memento DVD containing photos of your trip.

What’s not included
Alcohol, meals not listed in itinerary, drinks with meals (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

The best time to go
The best times to walk on Kangaroo Island are spring and autumn.

Regional food and wine
Kangaroo Island has a burgeoning wine industry and is also well known for its marron and unique Ligurian honey.

Day 1: Starts at Adelaide airport at 12.30pm – later pick up available from downtown. Travel via the scenic Onkaparinga area, McLaren Vale winery district and Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis. There will be time to explore the Cape Jervis Lighthouse. Cruise by ferry over to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.

Accommodation: Penneshaw

Cape Jervis Lighthouse

Day 2: Today’s walk will be at the very remote Cape Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area.

The track hugs the cliff edge and offers good views along the way. Our aim is a place the locals call “Seal Slide” and it’s highly likely you’ll see fur seals in their natural environment., frolicking and sliding down the sand dunes into the water. We will also have an evening walk to see the penguin colony.

Accommodation: Penneshaw

On the cape

Day 3: This morning we’ll travel to the extreme eastern end of the island to visit Cape Willoughby Lightstation, where we will do a tour of the lighthouse. After that we will travel to the mid section of the island to Seal Bay where you’ll see Australian sea-lions in their natural habitat. There are boardwalks and a lookout with great views over the coast.

This afternoon’s walk features historic sites at Weirs Cove, a fur seal colony at Admirals Arch and an exploration of the Cape du Couedic Lightstation precinct.

Accommodation: Cape du Couedic lighthouse

Sea lions at Seal Bay

Day 4: The morning walk is in a quite remote region of Flinders Chase national park, following riverside tracks as they meander to the tumultuous ocean. Good walkers will have the opportunity to hike off track along the rugged limestone cliff tops. This is a moody place with a real sense of isolation.

The afternoon walk is a circuit walk in the Rocky River area where there should be lots of wildlife and flora. Will you be lucky enough to spot an elusive platypus in the stream?

A major highlight today will be a late afternoon visit to Remarkable Rocks where we’ll sip champagne as the sun sets.

Accommodation: Cape du Couedic lighthouse

Sunset viewing with bubbly at Remarkable Rocks

Day 5: Today starts at remote Hansons Beach. The track meanders through delightful bushland walk passing several lagoons teeming with bird life. After lunch we’ll visit Kelly Hill Caves for a tour of the limestone caverns. Here you’ll see the most unusual helictites.

In the afternoon there will be an option of hiking back to Hansons Beach and continuing on a hard off-track section along the cliff tops or enjoying a visit to Vivonne Beach, a stunning arc of white sandy beach, recently voted the most beautiful beach in Australia.

There will be time for a stroll on the beach or a swim in the crystal clear waters.

Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat

More stunning coastal walking

Day 6: Today we’ll head for the very remote Cape Borda region. The morning hiking will take the path used by early lighthouse keepers to transport supplies from the boat landing to the Lightstation itself. After that there’s an entertaining tour of the Lightstation.

Our finale will be a remote hike in the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Area where you can explore some fascinating limestone caves.

Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat.

White sandy beach

Day 7: Travel back to Penneshaw, then ferry to the mainland then on to Adelaide to arrive around 2.30pm.

For more information please contact one of our adventure specialists, Anne Bird or Jane Patrick. They can be reached at 604-736-7447 or by selecting the 'contact us' button on the right hand side of the screen!