At a Glance
Enjoy an abundance of wildlife, sculpted rock landscapes and dramatic coastlines on the five-day walking holiday through Kangaroo Island. Stay at historic lighthouse accommodation in Flinders Chase National Park and enjoy the amazing array of wildlife on the island including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, goannas, sea lions, fur seals and a myriad of bird life.
Visit the Remarkable Rocks at sunset, take a tour to see the gorgeous and playful sea lions at Seal Bay, admire magnificent Admirals arch and watch Australian and New Zealand fur seals frolicking in the rock pools below. Head underground and see the beautiful underground Kelly Hills Caves and marvel at the turquoise blue waters.
Your time away on Kangaroo Island allows you to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural environment enjoying excellent accommodation and delicious ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Experience an intimate day-pack-only walking tour with a small group of 10 or fewer guests, designed meticulously to offer extraordinary walks and captivating sightseeing through our carefully curated and unique itinerary
- Daily guided walks curated to immerse you in the region’s unique landscape, history, flora and fauna, highlights including the Remarkable Rocks and section of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
- Two guides who are experienced, accredited and safety gear equipped. Our guides play a versatile role ensuring a seamless and enriching tour experience, they are our story tellers, our chefs, and our legends in the field
- Return transport ex-Adelaide, and all tour transfers in our comfortable 12-seater mini-coach with luggage trailer
- 4 nights comfortable twin-share accommodation (limited single supplements at additional cost), with ensuites if available and sustainably provided
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 two-course dinners, plus trail mix, nibbles, fresh fruit, snacks, tea and coffee, biscuits / cake and non-alcoholic drinks throughout
- Return ferry passage to Kangaroo Island
- Guided tours to Hanson’s Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Kelly Hill Caves
- All National Park entry fees
- Carbon offset program per our sustainability principles
Itinerary
Approx. 3 km, 1.5 hours walking, Easy Grade Depart central Adelaide at 6.30am. Trip to Cape Jervis – board Sealink Ferry for a 9am departure. The trip is a scenic 45-minute crossing, crossing the so-called Backstairs Passage, across to Penneshaw and Kangaroo Island. Mid-morning we walk from Penneshaw, discovering historic features along the beach on the way to the Ironstone Hill Hike in the Baudin Conservation Park. This walk follows the historic Bullock Track towards Cape Willoughby and leads to Ironstone Hill, overlooking a magnificent coastal vista and revealing some of the area’s farming heritage. In the afternoon, stop off to take in the beauty of Antechamber Bay and take a short walk along the coastline to soak in the turquoise waters and captivating views of this coastal haven you will get to know and love over the next few days. Then it’s off to our accommodation at American River settlement, for pre-dinner nibbles and a delicious two-course dinner prepared by your guides. |
Approx. 16 km, 3-4 hours walking, Moderate to Hard Grade After breakfast and lunch making we take a short drive to begin our journey on part of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. The trail heads south up the rocky headland above where the mouth of the Rocky River meets the ocean. From there, we venture southeast, tracing the untamed coastal cliffs and bone white Maupertuis Beach that hugs the coastline of the majestic and vast Southern Ocean, leading us towards the Cape du Couedic lighthouse. On this spectacular walk, we will enjoy coastal views over the mighty Southern Ocean where nothing but deep blue sea is between you and Antarctica, experience colorful coastal plants and the stunning and rugged beauty of the Flinders Chase National Park. Bottle-nose dolphins and birds of prey are often spotted along this section of the trail. At Cape du Couedic, we meet back up with the van and enjoy some afternoon tea with time to view the lighthouse and explore Admirals Arch - a rock arch formed by the amazing forces of nature. This rugged Cape is home to a large colony of Australian Fur Seals which can be viewed at proximity playing in their natural habitat. We then head back to our accommodation for some well earned down time, delicious nibbles and a two-course dinner prepared by your guides. |
Approx. 7 km, Moderate to Hard Grade On today’s journey we will begin where we finished on day two in Flinders Chase National Park. Start the morning looking out over the historical Weirs Cove -an area rich in maritime history - the original and only access point for the lighthouse keepers that was serviced by a flying fox from circa 1908. Then a quick trip in the van takes you to the Remarkable Rocks where you have time to explore and capture some iconic photos amidst seemingly artistic sculptures and extraordinary formations of the granite outcrops. Here we begin our walk along the Flinders Chase Wilderness Trail through the Sanderson section, one of the more remote sections of the trail. You’ll experience a beautiful mixture of coastal cliff edges and inland trails in the shade and away from coastal winds. A short side trip takes you to Sanderson Bay where in the right conditions, swimming is possible. This afternoon we have some time back at our accommodation and an early dinner before heading out on a nocturnal tour at Hanson’s Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where you can encounter Tamar Wallabies, Kangaroos, Koalas, Boobook owls and a range of other wildlife. |
Approx. 10 km walking, Moderate Grade After breakfast and lunch making we take a short drive to beautiful Hanson’s Bay, where we will begin our oneway walk to Kelly Hill Caves. Renowned as one of the most iconic hikes on the island, this trail takes us through a rich tapestry of ecosystems. Our path meanders through diverse habitats, ranging from intricate 'karst' cave systems to rejuvenating woodlands and vibrant freshwater lagoons teeming with a myriad of woodland and wading birds. Along the way, we traverse pink gum woodlands, banksia heath, Mallee, and coastal heath, with encounters of towering grass trees, the majestic Xanthorea. As we wander over undulating dunes, we are treated to panoramic views that stretch inland and along the picturesque coastline, leading us to the celebrated spot that signifies the culmination of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. In the afternoon, we take a Ranger guided tour of the Show Cave at Kelly Hill, which provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the spectacular and ornate limestone formations of this underground world, we learn about the island’s geology and heritage and experience local bushfire recovery projects. On our way back to our accommodation, we take a short detour to one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, Vivonne Bay. Back at our accommodation, we again enjoy a meal together, before resting for a final day on Kangaroo Island and our return ferry ride to the mainland. |
Approx. 3 km, Easy Grade Following our last breakfast and completing checkout, we gather our belongings and bid farewell to our cozy accommodation. As we set off this morning, we leisurely traverse the northern route of the island, marveling at the astounding contrast it presents in comparison to the south. Along the way, we pause at enchanting destinations, seizing the chance to explore some of Kangaroo Island's local producers and their offerings. This leisurely journey ensures we savour the captivating beauty and delights the island has to offer before bidding it adieu. Our next step entails embarking on an early afternoon ferry excursion from Penneshaw, transporting us back to the mainland. Today is a combination of panoramic beach views, short walks and refreshing swims with options to visit artisans and sample local gins, honey and other goodies. We aim to have you back in Adelaide at the Terrace Hotel around 5pm. * This itinerary is provided as an example only - prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings or private departures.
More Info
- The departure point is Adelaide SA
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Adelaide
A destination for all seasons, Kangaroo Island’s climate is as dynamic as the scenery – from season to season the Island yields fresh perspectives. The Mediterranean climate produces warm summers and temperate winters. Daytime temperatures range from 25-35°C in summer to 14-18°C in winter. More details of monthly climate statistics for Kangaroo Island
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 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 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 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 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.
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 4 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.