Kangaroo Island
| Location | Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia |
| Start Point | Rocky River Precinct, Flinders Chase National Park |
| End Point | Rocky River (circuit walk) |
| Distance | 4 km circuit |
| Time | 1.5–2 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Activity | Walking |
| Region | Kangaroo Island |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Key Feature | Native bushland loop through Flinders Chase with abundant wildlife encounters |
Into the Heart of Flinders Chase
The Rocky River Hike offers an accessible introduction to Flinders Chase National Park, one of Kangaroo Island’s most significant conservation reserves. Beginning from the Rocky River precinct — which serves as the park’s visitor centre and administrative hub — this gentle circuit winds through native bushland along the banks of Rocky River. The trail showcases the island’s remarkable biodiversity and provides some of the best opportunities for close wildlife encounters anywhere in South Australia.
The Walk
The trail departs from the Rocky River visitor area and follows the course of Rocky River through a landscape of sugar gum woodland and native grassland. The understory is rich with native plants including grass trees, yaccas, and a variety of wildflowers that bloom prolifically in spring. The circuit takes you through sections of dense bushland before opening up to reveal the gentle floodplains of the river valley. The park was devastated by the 2019–2020 bushfires, and the regenerating landscape tells a powerful story of ecological resilience and recovery. New growth pushes through blackened trunks, and the return of wildlife to the area has been remarkable.
Wildlife
Kangaroo Island’s wildlife is the star of this walk. The Rocky River area is renowned for its tammar wallabies, Kangaroo Island kangaroos, and Cape Barren geese, which are commonly seen grazing on the open grasslands near the trailhead. Koalas — introduced to the island in the 1920s — can be spotted resting in the eucalyptus canopy above the trail. The island’s birdlife is equally impressive, with crimson rosellas, glossy black cockatoos, and the Kangaroo Island subspecies of the superb fairy-wren all present in the park. After dark, brush-tailed possums and short-beaked echidnas become active in the area.
Planning Your Visit
Flinders Chase National Park is located at the western end of Kangaroo Island, approximately 110 kilometres from Kingscote. A Kangaroo Island Parks Pass is required for entry and can be purchased at the Rocky River visitor centre or online. The Rocky River precinct includes picnic facilities and interpretive displays about the park’s natural and cultural history. The trail is suitable for most fitness levels, though sections may be muddy after rain. For those wanting to extend their visit, the nearby Snake Lagoon campground offers bush camping in a beautiful setting. The walk can easily be combined with visits to Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, both located within the park.
- Contact us if you have any feedback or information (including trail notes and photos) to contribute to the ongoing development of Trails SA.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Kangaroo Island Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.
Guided Tours
Want a guided experience around Flinders Chase? See our Kangaroo Island Tours guide for recommended tour operators and experiences in this region.