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Remarkable Rocks - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Australia
Remarkable Rocks - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail  | Julie Fletcher
Remarkable Rocks - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Australia
Remarkable Rocks - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail  | Morgan Sette
Admirals Arch - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Australia
Admirals Arch - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail  | Lauren Bath
Remarkable Rocks - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Australia
Remarkable Rocks  | Di Westaway
Exploring beaches on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Australia
Exploring beaches on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail  | Isabelle Hardinge
Waterfalls along Rocky River - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Australia
Waterfalls along Rocky River  | Earle Westbury
Kangaroo - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Australia
Kangaroo  | Di Westaway
Walker on Kangaroo Island - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Australia
Walker on Kangaroo Island  | Holly-Mae Bedford

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail

Australia

5 Days from

$2160 USD

Trip Code: KIT
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Duration
  • 5 Days
Activities
  • 5 days walking
Accommodation
  • 4 nights wilderness camping
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

20kg of CO2-e PP per day

(79kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail Trip highlights

  • Trek remote and spectacular coastlines
  • Enjoy peaceful bush walks
  • Wildlife encounters
  • Marvel at Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks
  • Exclusive Seal Bay tour
  • Walk with just a day pack on this fully supported trek

Overview

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 Wilderness Trail on South Australia's Kangaroo Island. This 60.4km trail, with 12.6km of return side trips (73km overall) starts from the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre where you’ll follow the trail over Black Swamp before turning west along Rocky River. The remote trail then weaves its way along the wild coastline with side trips to the magnificent Admirals Arch and the iconic Remarkable Rocks. From here you’ll walk on to Hanson Bay before returning inland through the forests to Kelly Hill. We hope you can join us on one of Australia’s best walking trails.

Itinerary

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We pick you up from the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, 55 Frome Street, Adelaide, at 6:30am and drive two hours south through the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula to the small township of Cape Jervis. Our ferry from Cape Jervis is booked for the morning and the crossing to Kangaroo Island takes approximately 60 minutes. On arrival we'll make our way to the the Flinders Chase National Park and commence our walk along the Wilderness Trail. We start at Rocky River where you'll quickly be immersed in dense eucalypt woodland flourishing with fresh green growth. This area is home to a diversity of bird life and native animals. Reaching the Pardalote Lookout you will see the meandering Rocky River far below you as it flows out towards the Southern Ocean. We then pass through riverbank and mallee habitats where wildflowers provide stunning arrays of colour all year around. Traversing our way down from the ridge towards the river we come across the spectacular sight of the Rocky River Cascades. Today's walk comes to an end at the Cup Gum Campground, a peaceful setting for our first night's rest set among tall sugar gums and old-growth cup gums. | Hike - 12km | Walking Time: 3-5 hours | Overnight - Cup Gum Camp | *You will need to arrive in Adelaide the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:00pm pre-trip briefing.

Meals: L,D

Our hike today takes us along the Rocky River towards its mouth at the coast. Not long into the walk we'll be rewarded with our first views of the deep blue sea of the mighty Southern Ocean. The trail then cuts south along the island's wild and rugged coastline where birds of prey may be seen flying overhead and bottle-nosed dolphins often surface the water as they hunt for fish. Reaching Maupertuis Bay we head down from the clifftop onto the bone white beach below. The trail eventually winds its way back up to the rocky clifftop, bringing us ever closer to the famous Cape du Couedic Lighthouse that sits atop the headland in the distance. We turn back inland for the final stretch to camp. Tucked away in a swale, the Hakea Campground offers protection from the coastal winds and you can relax with the sound of crashing waves on the nearby cliffs. If time permits, you may want to venture to nearby Admirals Arch to finish the day with a spectacular sunset. | Hike -14km | Walking Time: 4-6 hours | Overnight - Hakea Camp |

Meals: B,L,D

We require an early start today if we wish to complete the optional side trip off the wilderness trail to view the popular sites of historic Weirs Cove, Cape du Couedic lighthouse and Admirals Arch. The side trip is well worth the effort and we we'll also have the opportunity to view the enchanting antics of Australian and long-nosed fur seals and Australian sea-lions that visit this section of the coast. Back on the Wilderness Trail the track heads east towards Sanderson Bay and enters dense coastal mallee before breaking out to the awesome sight of the famed Remarkable Rocks. We have the opportunity here for another short side trip off the wilderness trail to visit this incredible site. Continuing on, the path hugs the coastline and offers inspiring views. At the end of day we'll arrive at Banksia Campground, located in a sheltered area close to Sanderson Bay, where we can drop our bags and take a short walk down to the small secluded beach to cool our tired feet. | Hike - 13km (optional side trips – Remarkable Rocks 1km) | Walking Time: 3-5 hours | Overnight - Banksia Camp |

Meals: B,L,D

Today presents coastal trekking at its best, with massive swells, towering cliffs and extended views along the coast all the way from Sanderson Bay to the spectacular Cape Younghusband. Looking back we’ll see Remarkable Rocks, framed by the surrounding wild landscape. As the trail turns inland and we head towards Hanson Bay we’ll notice a dramatic change in vegetation from low coastal heath to tall, dense mallee and tea tree. Reaching the South West River we have the opportunity to use a punt to cross the river; a novel experience not to be missed. The river crossing marks the gateway to the Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area and the most untouched area on the trail. Another short side trip off the wilderness trail takes us to nearby Hanson Bay headland and the small settlement of Hanson Bay where we have the opportunity to dip our toes in the crystal clear water. Back on the Wilderness Trail we follow the winding river to Kelly Hill Conservation Park and the Tea Tree Campground, located adjacent to the historic Grassdale property. This afternoon we will visit Seal Bay as no trip to Kangaroo Island is complete without a visit to one of the most exceptional nature-based experiences in the world. Seal Bay has been home to an Australian sea lion population for thousands of years, during our visit we will be taken into the heart of the colony on a private guided tour where we will have the opportunity to learn about these endangered animals. A short walk from the campground is the original cottage that housed the Edwards family who were pioneers in the early settlement of the western end of the island. At sunrise and sunset you will encounter Kangaroo Island kangaroos as they emerge to fed on the open grassland. | Hike - 13.5km (optional side trip – Hanson Bay 700 metres) | Walking Time: 3-5 hours | Overnight - Tea Tree Camp |

Meals: B,L,D

The final day’s walk is spectacular and beautiful. The trail passes through a diverse array of habitats, from recovering woodlands to freshwater lakes and ‘karst’ cave systems. Upon reaching the stunning Wilderness and Grassdale Lagoons, we’ll be rewarded with sightings of local and visiting woodland and wading birds. The Wilderness Lagoon provides vital habitat even in dry years when other water bodies dry out. A relatively short walk through beautiful sugar gum woodland brings the trail to its conclusion at the Kelly Hill Caves. From here we transfer to the Penneshaw for final lunch and board our afternoon ferry back to the mainland. You will be dropped directly at your city center Adelaide accommodation between 4:00 & 5:00pm. Some guests may decide to remain on Kangaroo Island for a couple of extra days of exploring and then fly home from there. If you would prefer to be dropped at Penneshaw instead on our way back to Adelaide please just let us know. We recommend Kangaroo Island Seafront Hotel in Penneshaw - [email protected] / 08 8553 1028 | Hike - 7.5km | Walking Time: 2-3 hours |

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

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

Ready to start your adventure?

3 scheduled departures between 16 Aug 2026 and 11 Oct 2026.

  • Departs 16 Aug 2026 – ends 20 Aug 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 4 Oct 2026 – ends 8 Oct 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 11 Oct 2026 – ends 15 Oct 2026 (5 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners
  • 4 nights vehicle supported camping including group camping equipment
  • Professional wilderness guides
  • National Park and camping fees
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Transport from Adelaide

Not included

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

Responsible Travel

The cultural conversation at Standley Chasm will teach you more about Arrente country | Luke Tscharke
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
 
As an Australian-owned and operated organisation, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing custodianship of the land, waters and culture for over 60,000 years.
 
In April 2024, we launched our inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. Our vision is to create cultural safety within the community, our organisation, and on all the lands we are privileged to share, through collaboration, meaningful engagement, and continuous learning while respecting the wisdom of Traditional Custodians.
 
For nearly four decades, we have worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to curate immersive adventure experiences across Australia. Every journey begins with a meaningful Acknowledgement of Country, and most of our Australian multi-day itineraries include cultural engagement with local Traditional Custodians.
 
Our Australian Walking Holidays, Tasmanian Expeditions, and Blue Mountain Adventure Company divisions hold Triple Certification from Ecotourism Australia, including the Respecting our Culture Certification, underscoring our dedication to cultural authenticity, responsible business practices, and acknowledging the profound spiritual connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land and water.
 
Read our RAP

Extra trip info

Campsite in the heart of Western Australia | Jason Chua

WILDERNESS CAMPING

During the trip we camp in 2-person tents at the trails public campsites. Each campsite has tent sites for self-guided walkers, and a separate area for group tour tent sites, a communal kitchen and dining shelter, toilets and rainwater. Your guides will prepare all the meals and run the camp, however you will be asked to contribute by putting up your own tent and rolling up your sleeping mattress. Participation around the camp will make for a more enjoyable experience for everybody.

-Most groups are made up of a mixture of single participants and couples. Tents are given out as per person or couple, there is no need to share with people you do not know.

-Sleeping bags are essential for warmth. You are required to bring your own.

- There are no showers on the trail.

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The guides will prepare and cook all of your evening meals, and cater for a wide range of dietary requirements.

You will need a fair level of fitness for this trek. You need to be capable and prepared for long, medium paced walks. Previous experience on multi day walks is recommended but not essential. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

You must arrive in Adelaide the day before your trek begins.

Generally speaking, the weather is fine on Kangaroo Island and there is plenty of sun. It can be cool and breezy at times as fronts roll off the Southern Ocean and bring showers and wind to the Southern Coasts. We go in the warmer months as this is the most comfortable time for trekking on Kangaroo Island. Daytime temperatures in September to November and April – May are mild while December to March can be warm and occasionally hot. Over summer, the days get progressively warmer and the occasional hot day may require us to modify the days trekking to suit the conditions. On rare occasions, rain can force us to alter our schedule.

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is fully vehicle supported. You will carry just a day pack containing the items you need during the day (including water, sun hat, snacks, lunch, camera, waterproof and warm layers, etc). This is likely to weigh between 5-7kg.

Any excess luggage can be stored at your pre/post tour accommodation in Adelaide.

Yes. The terrain on this trek is rugged. For your comfort, you must have high supported boots with a heavy duty grip. There are lots of rocky, uneven and unstable sections, so ankle support will be beneficial.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

It is possible to charge batteries using an inverter run off the vehicle battery. However this can be slow and is limited to times when the vehicle is driving and to be shared between the whole group, so we advise carrying extra sets of batteries for your cameras and/or portable chargers.

No. A water tank will be carried in the support vehicles and the guides will provide you with drinking water each day.

There are no showers on the trail. You may like to bring your own wet wipes. There is occasionally the option to use water from the trailer to have a small bird bath so a small flannel/wash cloth could be useful.

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