Heysen Trails Wild South Coast Way Guided Walking Tour | Hike the first five days of the Heysen Trail

Enjoy the best coastal section of the iconic Heysen Trail along this premium walking adventure

Wild South Coast Way | Heidi Lewis

The lodge takes advantage of spectacular coastal views on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Wild South Coast Way | Heidi Lewis

Enjoy the comfortable sleeping arrangements taking in the surrounding views

Enjoy views of the Bluff at Encounter Bay, the conclusion point of our walk

Each evening return to warm and welcoming lodge style accommodation after trekking the first sections of the famous Heysen Trail

Wild South Coast Way | Heidi Lewis

The all-weather conservatory provides a sublime indoor/outdoor experience that connects you with the surrounding nature

Wild South Coast Way | Heidi Lewis

The lodge takes advantage of spectacular coastal views on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Wild South Coast Way | Heidi Lewis

Enjoy the comfortable sleeping arrangements taking in the surrounding views

Enjoy views of the Bluff at Encounter Bay, the conclusion point of our walk

Each evening return to warm and welcoming lodge style accommodation after trekking the first sections of the famous Heysen Trail

Wild South Coast Way | Heidi Lewis

The all-weather conservatory provides a sublime indoor/outdoor experience that connects you with the surrounding nature

NEW Trip 2023Manaslu Circuit & Base Camp TrekView Trip Details

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5 Days$2890USD

View Inclusions

Activities

5 days walking

Accommodation

4 nights exclusive beachside lodge accommodation (twin share)

Meals

4 Dinners
5 Lunches
4 Breakfasts

Introductory to Moderate

Heysen Trails Wild South Coast Way Deluxe Walk Trip highlights

Trek remote and awe inspiring coastlines
Stay in exclusive beachside lodge style accommodation
Wildlife encounters
Marvel at spectacular cliff-top views
Spot migratory whales, white-bellied sea eagles, Australian fur seals and bottlenose dolphins
Walk with just a day pack on this fully supported trek
Learn about local Aboriginal culture and geology
Enjoy peaceful bush walks

On this fully supported trek you'll walk with just a day pack as you experience one of Australia’s most spectacular walks. You'll discover an abundance of wildlife, sculpted rock landscapes, pristine beaches, turquoise blue waters and dramatic coastlines as you walk the stunning newly developed Wild South Coast Way on South Australia's Heysen Trail. This 74km trail, with some additional return side trips starts from Cape Jervis where you’ll follow the trail into Deep Creek National Park and Newland Head Conservation Park before finishing at Encounter Bay. Over the course of 5 days you will complete the first sections of the famous long-distance hiking trail, the Heysen Trail, Australia's longest dedicated walking trail in Australia. The area offers some of South Australia's most spectacular and awe inspiring coastal walking imaginable.

Each evening return to warm and welcoming lodge style accommodation that includes a large living area with a unique cushioned day-bed, wood fire and communal dining space. The lodge offers spectacular beachside views and has been designed with natural materials in mind including local rammed earth and huge recycled jetty beams. Each bedroom will enjoy a private ensuite bathroom and expansive windows. The large all-weather conservatory comfortably accommodates everyone and provides a sublime indoor/outdoor experience that connects you with the surrounding nature!

The Wild South Coast Way Deluxe trip provides trekkers with a genuine sense of wilderness, featuring remote beaches, native bushland, rugged cliffs, First Nations’ history, breathtaking vistas, deep gullies and a rich diversity of native birds, bush and wildlife all combined with comfortable and inviting seaside accommodation. We hope you can join us on one of Australia’s best new walking trails.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Join Adelaide, Cape Jervis to Cobbler Hill (14km)

Our journey begins with a Adelaide accommodation pick-up between 7-7:30am before we start travelling south through the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula. Our journey starts at Cape Jervis a small township near the western tip of the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula and most well known as the gateway to Kangaroo Island. Our walk today follows sandy coastal tracks and exposed coastal hillsides, providing spectacular views over Backstairs Passage and over to Kangaroo Island, if we're lucky enough we might even spot a passing whale on the migratory journey. We take time to enjoy the tranquil waters at Fisheries Beach and Blowhole Beach. Keep an eye out for the Futuro House - shaped like a UFO, the house has become quite the sight to see for travelling trekkers. Towards the end of the day the trail enters Deep Creek National Park before a short climb through native bushland to Cobbler Hill and our pickup point. We enjoy our first night together as a group sharing a delicious meal prepared by our guides with stunning views over the Southern Ocean. | Hike -14km | Walking Time: 4-6 hours |

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Cobbler Hill to Tapanappa via Deep Creek Cove (16.5km)

After an appetizing breakfast prepared by our guides we are transferred back to yesterday's pickup point along the trail. Prepare to be amazed by some of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia while exploring the spectacular valleys of Deep Creek and spotting wildlife in their native habitats such as joeys emerging from kangaroo pouches and short-beaked echidnas scurrying for food. We will journey through dense sheoak forests with rugged terrain and enjoy a peaceful pit stop at Deep Creek Waterfall. Today we take an extra side trip to visit Deep Creek Cove where have a steep descent that provides sweeping views across rugged coastline and dense vegetation. We will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Deep Creek in this secluded cove before making our way back towards Tapanappa lookout and our nearby pickup point. We enjoy another restful evening gazing at the stars and swapping stories. | Hike -16.5km | Walking Time: 5-7 hours |

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Tapanappa to Ballaparudda Creek (17.5km)

This picturesque section highlights the diversity of the Wild South Coast Way and Heysen Trail. Our walk continues through dense native bushland in Deep Creek Conservation Park before veering toward the coast providing unparalleled views of Tunkalilla Beach - be sure to keep an eye out for some playful seals! We then complete a steep descent to Boat Harbor Beach, from the lookout we might catch dolphins playing in the surf. Some more coastal walking leads to a challenging section along Tunkalilla Beach where we have the chance to cool off in the refreshing Southern Ocean before our steep climb up to Balquhidder Hill. We enjoy the final section of our walk through the rolling hills and farmland that the iconic Fleurieu Peninsula is known for. | Hike - 17.5km | Walking Time: 6-8 hours |

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Ballaparudda Creek to Waitpinga (12km)

After a filling breakfast we head out on a stunning section of the Wild South Coast Way that is filled with picturesque farmland, unspoilt sandy beaches, rocky headlands and numerous chances to spot whales and dolphins enjoying the untouched shoreline. With a shorter walk today we have plentiful time to enjoy the powerful Southern Ocean up close at both Parsons Beach and Waitpinga Beach. We return to our accommodation in time for you to enjoy the secluded Kings Beach and its ancient Aboriginal fish trap, which serves as a safe and private ocean swimming pool. We enjoy our final dinner together as a group as we watch final rays of sun disappear over the horizon. | Hike - 12km | Walking Time: 3-5 hours |

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Waitpinga to The Bluff, transfer to Adelaide (13.5km)

Today's walk includes numerous highlights including one of the most iconic landscapes in South Australia, the Waitpinga Cliffs rising up 100 metres from the sea. Keep an eye out for white-bellied sea-eagles, one of a just a few breeding pairs of sea-eagles on the mainland inhabit the cliffs here. Enjoy the constant peaceful sounds of the ocean crashing against shore and birds sweeping overhead. We conclude our walk at The Bluff, offering splendid views of Encounter Bay and the Southern Ocean. At the completion of the Wild South Coast Way trekkers often marvel at their journey over the last 5 days completing a dramatic hike along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia. Going off grid, seeing wildlife in the wild, meeting likeminded travellers, engaging all five senses, and having a sense of achievement creates long lasting memories of this fabulous adventure. Congratulations on all you have achieved over the last five days! Our journey concludes when we drop you back at your Adelaide accommodation by approximately 3-4pm. | Hike - 13.5km | Walking Time: 3-5 hours |

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

All meals: healthy track snacks, local fare, and fresh in-house dinners, complemented by local produce
4 nights at exclusive beachside lodge (twin share)
National Park fees
Professional wilderness guides
Emergency communications and group first aid kit
Transport from Adelaide

What's not included

Airfares
Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance
Accommodation in Adelaide

Accommodation

Exclusive beachside lodge

Each evening we will return to warm and welcoming lodge style accommodation that includes a large living area with a unique cushioned day-bed, wood fire and communal dining space. The lodge offers spectacular beachside views and has been designed with natural materials in mind including local rammed earth and huge recycled jetty beams.

Private comfortable rooms and facilities

You will be staying in either double or twin bedrooms, with all linen and towels supplied. Each bedroom enjoys a private ensuite bathroom and expansive windows. If you're a solo traveler and do not wish to share a room with another solo traveler of the same gender, we have a single supplement available to guarantee your own room.

Easy access to the secluded Kings Beach

The large all-weather conservatory comfortably accommodates everyone and provides a sublime indoor/outdoor experience that connects you with the surrounding nature! Kings Beach and its ancient Aboriginal fish trap (which serves as a safe and private ocean swimming pool) is only a two minute walk away.

Departure dates

Notes

High Season

Option

Note:

A high season supplement applies from 1 March to 31 May and 1 September to 30 November, and for any trips that overlap with a public holiday.

Dates or itinerary don't fit?

Create a custom made itinerary for the perfect adventure. Choose when you travel, what you see and where you go.

Priceper person from

$2890USD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementUSD$580

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Heysen Trails Wild South Coast Way Deluxe Walk trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.