Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail

This morning we depart early for Cape Jervis, a two hour drive south, through the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula. 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 |

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 amazing 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