Baudin Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island
| Location | Baudin Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island |
| Start/End Point | Baudin Conservation Park car park, Cape Borda Road |
| Distance | 4.5 km return |
| Time | 2–3 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Activity | Walking / Hiking |
| Region | Kangaroo Island |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
A Rugged Climb Through Kangaroo Island’s Western Bushland
The Ironstone Hill Hike in Baudin Conservation Park takes you through some of the most remote and untouched bushland on Kangaroo Island’s western end. This moderately challenging walk rewards hikers with sweeping views across the island’s interior and out toward the Southern Ocean, all while passing through dense native vegetation that feels a world away from the more popular tourist areas to the east.
The Trail
From the car park off Cape Borda Road, the trail heads south through low-growing mallee scrub and native grasslands before beginning its steady ascent up Ironstone Hill. The track surface is a mix of compacted earth and exposed ironstone rock — the rusty red-brown stone that gives the hill its name. The climb is gradual at first but steepens toward the summit, where the bush opens out and the views begin.
At the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the western reaches of Kangaroo Island. On a clear day, you can see the lighthouse at Cape Borda to the northwest and the dense canopy of Flinders Chase National Park to the south. The return follows the same route back down through the park.
Flora and Fauna
Baudin Conservation Park is home to a variety of native species typical of Kangaroo Island’s western woodlands. You may spot Kangaroo Island kangaroos grazing in the clearings, glossy black cockatoos feeding on she-oak seeds, and echidnas shuffling through the undergrowth. The park’s vegetation includes sugar gum woodland, drooping sheoak, and a diverse understorey of native shrubs and wildflowers that put on their best display in spring.
Planning Your Visit
Baudin Conservation Park is located on the western end of Kangaroo Island, about 15 minutes east of Cape Borda along an unsealed road. The park has no facilities — bring your own water, food, and sun protection. The trail is best walked in the cooler months from April to October, as the exposed sections at the top of Ironstone Hill can be very hot in summer. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the ironstone rock can be slippery when wet.
For those exploring this part of the island, the nearby Cape Borda Lightstation is well worth a visit, and Flinders Chase National Park is only a short drive to the south.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Kangaroo Island Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.