A Coastal Heritage Walk to the Historic Supply Landing on Kangaroo Island
| Activity | Walking (Intermediate – Grade 3) |
| Distance | 1.41 to 3.3 kilometres (return) |
| Duration | Approximately 20 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Region | Kangaroo Island |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Start Point | Cape du Couedic Day Visitor Area, Flinders Chase National Park |
| End Point | Cape du Couedic Day Visitor Area (return) |
| Park Entry | $11 per person (purchase online or at Ranger Station) |
| Dogs Allowed | No |
Overview
On the wild south-western corner of Kangaroo Island, where the Southern Ocean pounds against ancient granite cliffs with relentless force, the Weirs Cove Hike offers a walk through some of Australia’s most dramatic coastal scenery — and into a remarkable chapter of maritime history. This short trail descends from the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse to Weirs Cove, the tiny, cliff-hemmed inlet where supplies were once hauled ashore by crane and cable to sustain the lighthouse keepers who lived at this remote outpost.
The walk is not long, but the setting is extraordinary. The trail follows the cliff edge high above the ocean, with views that sweep across towering granite formations, surging seas, and colonies of New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks below. It combines the raw beauty of Kangaroo Island’s coastline with a vivid sense of the human determination it took to maintain a working lighthouse in one of the most exposed locations in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Walk
From the Lighthouse
The trail begins at the Cape du Couedic Day Visitor Area, where a large car park sits near the lighthouse. The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse was built in 1909 to guide ships navigating the treacherous waters off Kangaroo Island’s south-west coast, and it remains one of the most photogenic lighthouses in South Australia — a white tower set against a backdrop of grey ocean and green scrubland.
From the lighthouse, follow the signed pathway to the left, which heads out along the cliff edge. The path is well-formed but the terrain drops away steeply on the ocean side, and the views are immediately impressive. Below, the ocean surges into narrow channels and over submerged rock platforms, sending spray high into the air on rough days.
Descending to Weirs Cove
The trail descends steadily towards the cove, following a series of steps and switchbacks cut into the cliff face. As you descend, the history of the site becomes tangible. Before the road was built, everything needed to sustain the lighthouse — building materials, food, fuel, equipment, and even the lighthouse keepers’ families — had to be brought in by sea. Small boats would ferry supplies from ships anchored offshore, landing them on the tiny rock platform at the base of the cliffs. From there, a crane and a steep tramway hauled the goods up to the station above.
The remains of this supply infrastructure are still visible at the cove — rusted iron fittings, the footings of the old crane, and the path of the tramway carved into the rock. Standing at the bottom, looking up at the cliff face and imagining the effort required to land supplies here in heavy seas, gives a powerful appreciation for the isolation and hardship faced by the early lighthouse keepers.
Wildlife
The coastline around Cape du Couedic is one of the best places on Kangaroo Island to see New Zealand fur seals. A large colony inhabits the rock platforms below Admirals Arch, a spectacular natural rock arch just a short walk from the lighthouse. The seals can often be seen from the Weirs Cove trail as well, hauled out on rocks below or playing in the surge channels. Seabirds are abundant along the cliff edges, including Pacific gulls, crested terns, and the occasional albatross.
Nearby Attractions
The Weirs Cove Hike sits within easy reach of two of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic natural landmarks. Admirals Arch is a short walk from the Cape du Couedic car park and features a massive natural rock arch draped with stalactites, with fur seals resting on the rocks below. The Remarkable Rocks, a collection of enormous, precariously balanced granite boulders sculpted by 500 million years of wind, rain, and crashing waves, are a 15-minute drive away within the same national park. Together, these three attractions make the south-western corner of Flinders Chase an essential stop on any Kangaroo Island itinerary.
Planning Your Visit
Flinders Chase National Park is located at the western end of Kangaroo Island, approximately 110 kilometres from Kingscote. A park entry permit is required ($11 per person), which can be purchased online or at the Ranger Station. The Cape du Couedic car park is accessible by sealed road. The trail is open year-round and is suitable for walkers with moderate fitness, though the descent to the cove involves some steep sections and uneven steps. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water. The exposed clifftop sections can be very windy, so dress in layers.
The Weirs Cove Hike is a walk that blends natural grandeur with human history in a way that few coastal trails can match. It takes you to the edge of a continent, to a place where lighthouse keepers once battled wild seas to receive their supplies, and where fur seals still haul out on rocks that have been pounded by the Southern Ocean for millennia. It is short, vivid, and unforgettable.
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 Weirs Cove / KI Wilderness Trail? See our Kangaroo Island Tours guide for recommended tour operators and experiences in this region.