Kangaroo Island, South Australia
| Location | Western Kangaroo Island — Flinders Chase National Park to Kelly Hill Conservation Park |
| Start Point | Rocky River Visitor Centre, Flinders Chase National Park |
| End Point | Kelly Hill Caves, Kelly Hill Conservation Park |
| Distance | 61 km (5-day guided walk) |
| Time | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Activity | Walking / Hiking |
| Region | Kangaroo Island |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Key Feature | Multi-day coastal wilderness walk through some of Australia’s most pristine landscapes |
Five Days Through Kangaroo Island’s Wild South Coast
The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is one of Australia’s great multi-day walks, traversing 61 kilometres of wild and largely untouched coastline along the island’s rugged south-western edge. The trail passes through Flinders Chase National Park, Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area and Kelly Hill Conservation Park, offering walkers an immersive experience in landscapes shaped by thousands of years of wind, sea and isolation.
The trail is operated as a guided experience, with walkers staying in purpose-built eco-camps along the route. Each day covers between 8 and 17 kilometres, with terrain ranging from sandy beaches and coastal cliffs to dense eucalyptus woodland and open scrubland.
The Route
Day 1: Rocky River to Sanderson Bay — Begin at the Rocky River precinct in Flinders Chase and head south through banksia woodland and sugar gum forest. The trail descends to the coast at Sanderson Bay, a remote beach backed by towering dunes.
Day 2: Sanderson Bay to Maupertuis Bay — Follow the coastline through coastal heath and along dramatic cliff tops. The route passes through wind-sculpted vegetation with views across the wild Southern Ocean.
Day 3: Maupertuis Bay to Grassdale — This section crosses through the Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area, one of the most remote parts of the island. Platypus can be spotted in the creeks along the way.
Day 4: Grassdale to Kelly Hill — The trail winds through tall eucalyptus forest and across the island’s interior, finishing near the remarkable Kelly Hill Caves limestone formations.
Day 5: Kelly Hill Caves exploration — The final day includes a guided tour of the Kelly Hill Caves system, with its spectacular stalactites, stalagmites and other calcite formations.
Wildlife
The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is one of the best places in Australia to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. The island is free of foxes and rabbits, allowing native species to thrive. Expect to see kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, goannas and platypus, along with abundant birdlife including sea eagles, glossy black cockatoos and Cape Barren geese. New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions are often spotted along the coastal sections.
Planning Your Walk
The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail operates as a guided walk during the walking season, typically from March to November. Bookings are essential and places are limited. The walk includes accommodation in eco-camps, meals, guides and national park fees. Walkers need a moderate level of fitness and should be prepared for variable weather conditions.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Kangaroo Island Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.