Just on the southern edge of Kangaroo Island, off Australia's south coast, the Kangaroo Wilderness Trail extends an adventure that indulges you in the savage beauty of the islands’ distinctively unique environment. Here, the raw forces of nature never go to sleep, day or night, and every single turn on this epic trail breathes discovery. Let us walk you through one of the best hiking trails in Australia.
Discover why the Kangaroo trail is an adventure you cannot miss, find tips on planning your adventure, and some of the top spotlight-worthy sights you will encounter through its stretch. Explore our other South Australia Adventures to pair with your Kangaroo Island walk.
Photo credit: A Life Beneath Stars
Planning Your Adventure
- Best Time to Visit: the Kangaroo wilderness trail offers an all-year-round appeal. Nonetheless, the periods between March and November are the best times to visit. During these months, you will find the right balance of pleasant weather, comfortable walking temperatures, and lesser crowds; just the right amount for a really intimate experience.
- Duration: the main trail spans 60.4 kilometres and is usually covered in 5 days. However, you can always opt for side trips while on the walk. The trail offers several side trips along the way, allowing you to explore the islands’ beauty beyond the main trail.
- Essential Gear: comfortable hiking boots, waterproof jackets, sunscreens, and plenty of water are a must-carry on the trail.
- Permits and Reservations: The Kangaroo wilderness trail requires a trail free for access. This fee covers entry to the trail itself as well as access to the various campsites along the route. We recommend making reservations well in advance if you plan to embark on the walk without the help of a tour operator.
Pro tip: You’ll find the hassles of reservations and luggage transfer between composites more convenient with the help of a tour company.
Photo credit: Simeon Pitukolo
Why Choose the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail?
There are countless reasons to make Kangaroo Island your next adventure destination. Here are some of them:
- A Tapestry of Unspoiled Beauty
The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is famous for its scenic offerings, but it isn't just its unparalleled beauty that intrigues, it’s the fact that much of its diverse landscapes has been left virtually unspoiled through time, making a walk here even more spectacular. Throughout this epic trek, you’ll encounter a captivating lineup of mind-melting landscapes including wave-battered coastlines, tranquil eucalyptus groves, rolling sand dunes, secluded beaches, etc. Each unique setting offers a distinct charm, and passing through them invites you through an intimate experience that is as breathtaking as it is expansive.
- Wildlife Encounters
The trail isn’t just famous for its invigorating landscapes, but also the diverse wildlife that call this island home. Often called "Australia’s Galápagos", the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail features a thrilling array of wildlife that roam freely here. Traversing its expanse, you’ll find kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, seals, and a broad collection of bird species including the rare glossy black cockatoo, all of which call the island home.
- Camping Under the Stars
If the idea of outdoor camping under the stars intrigues you, then an adventure on this remarkable island is even more worthwhile. The designated trail provides an opportunity to savor the unfiltered wilderness with scenic camping along the way. Each campsite, whether pitched near the ocean's edge, surrounded by lush bushland, or amidst serene tea trees, is perfectly positioned in undisturbed, picture-perfect spots, allowing you to snug up under the stars with the peaceful sounds of nature as your only company.
- A Rewarding Challenge
The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail offers a perfect balance of challenge and accessibility, catering to hikers of all skill levels. The terrain varies from easy, flat coastal walks to more challenging sections with moderate climbs and rocky paths, making the trail both engaging and fulfilling without being overly strenuous. Seasoned hikers will appreciate the moments of elevation gain and rugged terrain, while less experienced trekkers will enjoy the sense of adventure without feeling overwhelmed. Each day on the trail brings a sense of achievement, with the reward of sweeping views, close wildlife encounters, and the satisfaction of conquering a trail that few have had the privilege to experience.
Photo credit: Jamie Marquis
Some of the Most Phenomenal Encounters on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
Flinders Chase National Park
Encompassing nearly 300,000 hectares, the Flinders Chase National Park is an audacious expanse of wilderness on Kangaroo Island and traces the trail path through its heart. The park showcases diverse ecosystems inviting you to explore nature paradise with ample opportunities to spot native flora and the lively wildlife that inhabit the rugged landscape
The Cape du Couedic and its historic lighthouse
This part of the trail spotlights wild coastal cliffs, rugged shorelines, and the historic Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, an emblematic sentinel cradled by the cliff’s edge. Constructed in 1909, this lighthouse has aided sailors to safely navigate the treacherous waters of the surrounding seas. Its tall, white tower with distinctive red bands still stands today as a beacon of maritime history against the sprawling ocean backdrop.
Remarkable Rocks
Sculpted by aeons of elemental forces–wind, water, and time itself, the Remarkable rocks on Kangaroo Island’s wilderness trail are nature’ own surreal masterpiece and one of the most iconic spots on the trails. These stunning, gravity-defying boulders look like abstract art installations, each defined by jagged peaks and smooth curves. Shades of ochre, burnt orange, and grey surge across their surface, reflecting the sun in vibrant hues that shift with changing light. As you approach this colossal wonder, the sense of scale becomes overwhelming, leaving you with an almost dreamlike feel.
The Fur Seals at Admiral’s Arch
One of the many thrilling animal encounters on the trail, the fur seals on Admiral's Arch are primarily New Zealand breeds found strutting on the rocky shores and waters around the arch. The arch’s natural rock formation, carved by the relentless sea, serves as shelter and breeding grounds for these once-threatened species of fur seals. On most days, you’ll find these majestic creatures playing in the waves, basking in the sun’s warmth, or lounging by the rocks with their sleek coats glistening in the light.
Be Part of a Relentless Adventure Through Time
Through its challenging distance, the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories. Each moment on this untamed, off-the-beaten-path adventure is filled with encounters shaped by nature’s relentless journey through time. Pack your bags, leave behind the comforts of a laid-back life, and join us on a whirlwind expedition through Australia’s Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail for a front-row seat showcasing nature’s wildest and rarest spectacles.
