At a Glance
Venture on an unforgettable adventure to South Australia's remote Kangaroo Island and be among the first to experience the new and exclusive four-day guided walk. Carrying only a daypack, explore the island's pristine wilderness by day, and return each evening to the private and newly resorted Cape du Couedic Lightkeeper Cottages nestled in the heart of Flinders Chase National Park. Enjoy chef-inspired meals paired with local beer and wine while immersing yourself in the wild beauty of towering sea cliffs and breathtaking sunsets, finding peace in this serene wilderness.
Begin your adventure in Adelaide, setting sail on a thrilling ferry ride to the rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island. Your journey starts with a 3-hour hike along the Black Swamp and Platypus Waterholes Trails, winding through scrubland and tracing the picturesque Rocky ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 3 nights' accommodation at the Cape du Couedic Lightkeeper Cottages on a twin share basis
- Meals as specified including on-alcoholic beverages and a selection of local beer, wine, and gin
- Use of a lightweight backpack and Gore-Tex jacket for the duration of the walk
- National Parks Pass for the duration of the walk
- Return transfers from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island including the ferry
- Two qualified guides for the duration of the walk
Itinerary
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Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 3 hours walking Welcome to Adelaide! At 7:15 AM, gather at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel on 55 Frome Street, Adelaide, for an energising walker briefing. Be sure to fuel up before coming as we gear up for a thrilling ferry ride to Kangaroo island. Once we set foot on the Island, the adventure begins. Strap on your lightweight daypack for a 3-hour hike along the Black Swamp Hiking Trail, connecting to the Platypus Waterholes Walking Trail. This path winds through scrubland and low-lying terrain along the Rocky River, offering gorgeous riverside vistas. As we hike, soak in the scenic views while our knowledgeable guides illuminate the ancient history of Gondwana and its mega-fauna. Make sure you pack in a camera, there’s loads of photo moments in wait, from the picture-perfect landscapes to possibly spotting a platypus swimming in the river. Midway, we’ll pause for a well-deserved break and enjoy a delicious, secluded lunch prepared by your guides. |
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Our destination for the day and base for the next three nights is the charming Cape du Couedic Cottages, located within Flinders Chase National Park. These thoughtfully renovated, historic twin-share quarters now feature new bathrooms, amidst the hand-carved limestone walls built in 1907. Before settling in, take some time to explore the fascinating historic lighthouse, wildlife-rich Admirals Arch, and the lively fur seal colony. Alternatively, opt for a more laid-back option with a soothing hot bath to set the tone for a blissful evening. As the day winds down, gather at Wickies Lounge, the communal pavilion, for a delightful BBQ featuring locally sourced produce awaits. With a glass of fine wine in hand, enjoy fireside chats as the sun sets over the sea, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. |
Cape du Couedic Lighthouse Keeper's Cottages
Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 15 km (9 miles), 7-8 hours walking Wake up to the aroma of breakfast and freshly brewed coffee prepared by your hosts. Fueled for the journey ahead, we’ll board a one-hour shuttle to Snake Lagoon. Our journey’s course today follows the mesmerising Snake Lagoon Trail, passing through an enchanting eucalypt forest where the scent of eucalyptus and the riveting sight of dappled sunlight creates a magical scenery. Making our way out of the forest, we’ll trod along the scenic Maupertuis Bay beach, covering 5 km of dazzling coastline that stretches to an endless horizon. During the walk, listen to stories of shipwrecks like the Loch Sloy from 1899, highlighting the challenges faced by ships navigating the treacherous waters around Kangaroo Island. These tales add a historical dimension to the natural beauty and adventure found along the Island's coastline. Take some moments to absorb the breathtaking sights of the lapping waves and the crisp salt air wafting through your nostrils. A short ascent takes us through jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, where the lighthouse peaks in the distance, signalling we’re close to base. |
Cape du Couedic Lighthouse Keeper's CottagesBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 9.5 km (6 miles), 5-6 hours walking Get your cameras ready to click as we set out for the day’s task. Our starting point is none other than one of Kangaroo Island's most iconic sites: the Remarkable Rocks. Located on the southwest coast of the island, these colossal granite formations have been sculpted by millions of years of wild weather, paving the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photo ops. Once you’ve had your fill, get back on trail as we walk along cliff edges, revealing unobstructed views of the southern coast that culminate in the tranquil beauty of Sanderson Bay. The day isn't over just yet! A quick transfer to Weirs Cove awaits. Here, we'll enjoy a delightful treat featuring celebratory champagne and fresh oysters by the beach. While at it, keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant wildlife that roam here such as the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Striated Thornbill, Red and Little Wattlebirds, Brown-headed Honeyeater, and Grey Currawong species. And If you’re looking hard enough, you might spot a Scarlet Robin too. |
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After a day filled with epic coastal vistas, we’ll retrace our steps back to the Cape du Couedic cottages for yet another evening of fine local wine, beer, cheese, and seafood. Capped off with stories and laughter, the day takes another interesting end. |
Cape du Couedic Lighthouse Keeper's CottagesBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 9 km (6 miles), 4-5 hours walking Awaken to a steamy, hearty breakfast on your last day, reminiscing about memories of the past few days with every bite. Afterwards, we shuttle to Kelly Hill Conservation Park for the last leg of our exciting expedition on Kangaroo Island. On arrival, the limestone caves here are an immediate highlight and our starting point for exploration today. These ancient caves serve a habitat for various endangered species including the Kangaroo Island dunnart (a small marsupial), the Kangaroo Island echidna (a unique subspecies of echidna), and the glossy black-cockatoo (a distinctive bird known for its glossy plumage and red markings), among many others. |
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The day is spent walking through lush bushlands before arriving at Hanson Bay Beach where we’ll celebrate the completion of your adventure with delicious lunch spreads and refreshing drinks at Kangaroo Island Spirits. Phasing out of the journey so far, swap stories and share memories before being collected for the return trip to Adelaide. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures or group bookings.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Adelaide
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Adelaide
Kangaroo Island has a Mediterranean climate: warm to hot dry summers (December – February) with very low humidity; and cool, mild winters (June – August). The majority of rainfall occurs from April – September, while strong winds are a possibility throughout the year.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Each trip requires a minimum of 6 guests and has a maximum of 12 guests. All accommodation is twin share.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 6 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
