Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
About this walking route
The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is a 66 km, five-day walk across the island's south-west corner, threading through Flinders Chase National Park and its recovering bushland. You'll traverse coastal cliffs, visit the sculptured granite of Remarkable Rocks and the sea-arch wonder of Admirals Arch, then push inland through mallee scrub and stringybark forest scarred and regenerating from the 2019–20 fires. It's a moderate walk that demands solid fitness and self-sufficiency, with no resupply points and remote camping.
Highlights
- Remarkable Rocks: wind-sculpted granite boulders and panoramic views
- Admirals Arch: dramatic sea-carved limestone arch and seal colony
- Coastal cliff walking with Southern Ocean vistas
- Post-fire landscape recovery: wildflowers and renewed growth
- Remote bush camping under minimal light pollution
- Mallee and stringybark forest ecology
What to expect
Mostly well-formed track and obvious walking lines through recovering bush; some sections still rough post-fire. Coastal stretches include steep descents and climbs along clifftops. Inland sections roll through scrub and open forest with steady but not severe gradient. Spring brings wildflowers; summer heat is intense. Exposed ridges catch wind and rain. Camp on designated or obvious flat ground; water sources are limited and often unreliable—carry capacity or treat carefully.
Good to know
Walk May to September for mild temperatures and water reliability; December–February is hot and dry. Flinders Chase is day-use fee–entry; overnight walkers should check current camping permits and trail conditions with the South Australian Department for Environment and Water. No resupply: carry all food. Strong navigation and self-rescue skills essential in remote country. Respect fire-recovery closures and stay on track to protect regenerating vegetation. Bring hat, sun protection and 3–4 L water capacity.