Hike the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail

This is the island life, reimagined. Discover Australian bushland and native Aussie animals on this five-day walking trip that will get you closer to the wilderness. The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail spotlights scenic terrains with ocean vistas as well as inland trails that take you through tall Malle forests and bush. You’ll discover the Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse and explore one of the island’s most-loved landmarks, Remarkable Rocks, carved by the sea and wind for the last 500 million years. With an expert guide leading the way, this is your chance to get back to nature, get active, relax and reconnect.

Itinerary

Day 1: Adelaide / Kangaroo Island

Welcome to Adelaide! Or Tandanya in the language of The Kaurna people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Adelaide is now located. This morning, you’ll meet your fellow adventurers and local leader at 8 am, then hit the road to Cape Jervis. Along the way, visit the Warriparinga Wetlands to learn about the cultural significance of this area and the Kaurna people from a local Aboriginal guide. Continue to Cape Jervis to catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island. When you arrive, strap on your walking shoes and take to the South Australian tracks. After your first walk of the trip, you’ll settle into your Kangaroo Island accommodation and join your newfound travel companions for a welcome dinner, where you’ll get to know one another and toast to the epic adventure ahead.

Day 2: Kangaroo Island

After breakfast, it’s time to drive to the Kangaroo Island wilderness trailhead to get started on today’s walk. There’ll be time to explore the Kangaroo Island National Park Visitors Centre where you’ll learn more about the history and wilderness of this area before you take to the track. This first section of the wilderness trail leads to Snake Lagoon and you’ll pass through forest and coastal vegetation along the way. Look out for kangaroos and echidnas as well as interesting plant species during your walk. You can recharge this afternoon as you settle into your new accommodation – your home for the next three nights.

Day 3: Kangaroo Island

Today, get ready to hit the coast, following spectacular sea cliffs and deserted bays below. As you walk along the wild and rugged coastline, you’ll be met with vast views across the Southern Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for bottled-nosed dolphins below and seabirds soaring above. You’ll notice the famous Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse that sits atop the headland in the distance – you’ll have time to explore the tower, built between 1906 and 1909 and get up close and personal with the local seal colony who call this area home. From here, make your way to Wiers Cove – a beautiful bay surrounded by calcarenite cliffs. Your walk will then end at Remarkable Rocks – a collection of granite boulders with bright orange lichen, sitting above the sea and one of the island’s most-loved landmarks. The rocks have been carved by the sea and wind for the last 500 million years! After some time to admire the natural wonders, you’ll make your way back to your accommodation.

Day 4: Kangaroo Island

The trip’s penultimate walk will send you high above the sea cliffs with coastal views and a good chance of spotting playful dolphins and whales! After some time on the clifftops on a rocky limestone path, you’ll make your way inland through tall Mallee forests and low coastal heath. The island’s comeback after the late 2019 bushfires is evident in the fresh flowers and regrowth that blanket much of the landscape. Seeing how the ecology of the island, particularly the local orchids, has bounced back from the devasting fires is a unique experience. Your guide will help point out echidnas and wallabies on this afternoon’s inland section of the track. You’ll return to your accommodation for one final dinner with your group.

Day 5: Kangaroo Island / Adelaide

Enjoy a final breakfast with your walking crew before you hit the tracks one last time to complete the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. You’ll spend the morning walking before making your way back to Penneshaw to catch the early afternoon ferry and head to Adelaide where your walking adventure will come to an end.

Departure Dates