Intrepid Travel: Hike the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail

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.

Your walking distance to Snake Lagoon today will be approximately 12.4km or 5 hours on a not too difficult, mostly dirt track, with some rocky sections. There are no opt out points.

Staying in:

• Cabin (with shared facilities) in Karatta (1 night)

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.

The total distance from Snake Lagoon to Cape de Coudiac, including the Admirals Arch side trip is 18.7km or 8-9 hours walking. There is an optional 11.7km to complete the days walk from Wiers Cove to Remarkable rocks. Total distance with option is 29.7km. The terrain on this section of the track is sandy with exposed limestone. No big climbs but a bit of up and down walking. You will be exposed to the elements all day so protective clothing is important. There are no opt out points.

Staying in:

• Cabin (with shared facilities) in Karatta (1 night)

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.

Your walking distance from Remarkable Rocks to Hanson Bay today is 17km or 7 hours over dirt track with a few rocky sections. A mix of inland and coastal cliff walking.

Staying in:

• Cabin (with shared facilities) in Karatta (1 night)

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.

Your walking distance from Hanson Bay to Kelly Caves today is 10km or 3 hours. The trail is mostly dirt with a few sandy or rocky sections.