Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is a 34 mi point-to-point trail that starts at the Rocky River Campground, Flinders Chase, Kangaroo Island, South Australia and ends at the Kelly Hill Conservation Park. Loved for its wildness, expansive sea views and of course, its native wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas, Kangaroo Island invites visitors to explore by taking to the undulating scenic coastal hiking route, whilst camping along the way at its many well-placed campgrounds. The wilderness trail takes in the beautiful south-west of Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia; a rugged walk that follows the Rocky River to the sea before reaching the big blue, with the chance to spot whales, dolphins, sea lions and majestic birds of prey as you walk along the coast, skirting Bunker Hill before heading inland. Here you will come to the South West River and the chance to punt across the waters, said to be an unmissable experience and one that marks your entry to the Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area, as the trail heads towards the Kelly Hill Conservation Park and the end of the trail at the Kelly Hill Caves. The trail is graded as Medium difficulty (for how we grade trails, please click here) and is usually hiked in 3 – 5 days. Caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here. Usually split into five sections, to hike the whole route walkers must pay the trail fee of $161, although the first and fifth sections can be hiked free of charge. The terrain on the trail varies but is a mostly rugged bush trail, rocky path and singletrack, with some wooded areas. There are multiple opportunities to head off the trail whilst on route to see popular sites, including Weirs Cove, Couedic Lighthouse and Admirals Arch; Hanson Bay headland and settlement, and the Kelly Hill Caves. Dogs are not allowed in any National Park on Kangaroo Island for the protection and conservation of the island and its wildlife.