Overview
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT)
Plus nature connection and island highlights
A Kangaroo Island tour on Karta Pintingga Country.
In this fully supported adventure we walk end to end and pack-free along all five sections of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT). We witness and feel the regrowth and rebirth of varying ecosystems from woodlands and mallee scrub to the fragile coastal dune systems. Walking reflectively and mindfully, we deeply immerse you in this natural wonderland. With a maximum of 10 walkers, this is an opportunity to walk the entire trail safely, sustainably and with a small group.
However, this tour is more than just the trek. You’ll maximise your time on Kangaroo Island and experience so much more.
During our walk you have time to fully explore Admirals Arch, Remarkable Rocks and remote beaches on side trails. You will also have close up wildlife encounters in their natural environment. Plus, you have enough time on the Island for some fresh and authentic Kangaroo Island food and beverage experiences.
The accommodation too is adjacent the trail, so no long drives each day. Also single rooms and queen-sized bed are included, there’s no need to share with anyone else.
Our Leaders will be with you to guide and navigate through the undefined sections of trail and take care of all the detail, so you can relax and absorb the ever-changing surroundings.
Bring your comfortable walking boots and an open heart for this unique Island Trail.
If you choose to fly direct to and from Kangaroo Island, we can pick you up in Kingscote on Day 1 and drop you off at Kingscote Airport on Day 6 (See Important Information).
Itinerary
Day 1 | Depart Adelaide - Arrive at Kangaroo Island
We depart from Adelaide in the morning and enjoy a scenic drive in our bus through the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula.
At Cape Jervis we board the ferry and cross to Penneshaw where your island adventure begins! On the ferry journey, keep your eyes out for whales known for passing through the Backstairs Passage as well as dolphins and sea birds.
Reaching the island, we head west to Kingscote. Here, you can purchase any last minute items. Then it’s a short drive to our lunch spot, the picturesque Emu Bay Lavender Farm.
Continuing our journey south, we next drop in to Seal Bay Conservation Park. Here, local experts take you on a private guided beach tour amongst an Australian sea lion colony. This unique insight is a world-class experience.
Meals Included: Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 1km
Day 2 | Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT) - Rocky River Section
This morning we head into Flinders Chase National Park where your Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail walk begins.
We may spot rosellas, pardalotes and wrens as we follow the Rocky River. Highlights of the days walk include the Pardalote lookout and the soothing sounds of the Cascades where water flows through rocky chutes and pools. Also, a platypus may make an appearance today.
If you’re keen to extend your walk, we take an optional side trail and visit the mouth of the river. Here, a white sandy surf beach awaits and incredible baby waterfalls of the terraced river rock pools. This trail adds an element of adventure to the end of your day!
We then return back towards the Cup Gum Campground to conclude the days walk. Our transport will be waiting to take us to our comfortable accommodation next to the trail. Then its time to unwind and relax with a grazing platter while we prepare a delicious 2 course dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 12km or 16.5km
Day 3 | Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT) - Maupertuis Section
Today we head back to Cup Gum where we pick up from where we left the Wilderness Trail yesterday.
The trail winds its way back down to Rocky River where we have one more opportunity to spot platypus in the morning light.
We then make our way up and over the headland to huge views of the mighty Southern Ocean below. This section is exposed and offers perfect 180 degree views of the coastline.
Then down on to Maupertuis beach for a soft sand walk. This section can be testing, but with our light day packs this section is less daunting. Endangered hooded plovers nest in the dunes here and pied oyster catchers are often spotted on the shore along with seals who stray away from the Arch down the coast.
Entering the fragile dune ecosystem the trail can be hard to navigate at times, therefore we take this section slow to ensure we protect the delicate plants and shrubs re-establishing.
We finish our days walk at the Hakea Campground where our private transport will return us to our accommodation for sundowners and a freshly prepared 2 course dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 14km
Day 4 | Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT) - Sanderson Section
We start our adventure today at spectacular Admirals Arch where we have the seals to ourselves before the park opens to the public. Seals raise their young and breed here, so it’s a busy spot with young ones sparring or learning to swim in the safety of the rock pools. Tired mums sleep after doing long haul feeding missions while babies play nearby. It’s a feast for the senses and a great way to start our day.
Then, it’s a short drive back to Hakea Campground to continue along the Wilderness Trail to Banksia Campground.
The views of the dramatic coastline are amazing from this side and with Remarkable Rocks in the distance, our lunch spot landmark sits on the horizon. Our journey this morning takes us inland on a meandering and at times disorientating journey through thick coastal mallee scrub.
After time exploring Remarkable Rocks, we follow the coastline offering incredibly wild landscapes this afternoon. Making our way towards the feisty Sanderson Beach which we can see in the far distance. Walking on calcrete limestone trail with plenty of hard terrain underfoot, you can see the regrowth of salt loving succulents and even fungi.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 6km, 8km or 14km
Day 5 | Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT) - Grassdale Section
Today offers landscape and trail variance not yet seen before. Starting at Banksia Campground we walk to Cape Younghusband. You can see parts of native bush here untouched by bushfire while sections right to the cliff edge were singed in 2019.
Continuing past Cape Younghusband the trail can be littered with diggings so keep your eyes peeled for echidna and goanna.
The final part of our journey today involves crossing the South-West River in a row boat. Once reaching the opposite bank it’s just a short walk onto Hanson Bay beach. With views across the bay and stunning turquoise waters it’s great swimming here if you’re keen.
Tonight we enjoy our final dinner together and a restful evening as the sun sets behind the gum trees.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 12km
Day 6 | Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT) - Kelly Hill Section | Return to Adelaide
Today, we follow the brackish river towards the open plains of Grassdale and then Kelly Hill Conservation Park. With not far to go, the trail will climb over small hilly sections past the lake and lagoon, with fast regrowth seen amongst gums, acacia and grass trees.
Completing the trail at Kelly Hill caves, you then venture underground. We take you on a private tour of this spectacular cave system.
Next is a celebratory lunch at Cactus, the funkiest café on Kangaroo Island. Our destination has rave reviews and a brilliant global menu with delicious meals to choose from. This happening place is known for creating tasty food from locally sourced produce. We include a drink of your choice with lunch. So why not try a local beer, a local wine, artisan coffee, or freshly pressed juice.
After lunch it’s all aboard as we make our way back to Penneshaw and our ferry back to the mainland. At Cape Jervis we enjoy the journey in comfort back to Adelaide feeling accomplished and rewarded by this incredible wilderness experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Walking Distance: 8km
Need To Know
Inclusions
Travel
- Comfortable private vehicle transport
- Return ferry to Kangaroo Island
Meals
- All meals and snacks as per the itinerary
- 2 course dinners
- B x 5 | L x 6 | D x 5
Accommodation
- 5 nights hotel room
single room with queen-size bed
Activities
- Professionally guided walks by our leaders
- Hike the full length of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
- Seal Bay Tour (private)
- Cactus – the funkiest café on the island
- Emu Bay Lavender Farm
- Kelly Hill Caves Tour (private)
Safety
- Each trip has 3 Guides/Leaders
- Group First Aid kit and emergency communication device
- Leaders certified in Remote Area/Wilderness First Aid
- Qualified Bushwalking Leaders
Environmental
- Small group guided experience
- Leave No Trace principles
- Invitations to connect with nature
- Reduce waste through recycling, reusing and composting
- National Park and trail fees
Big Heart Extras
- Big Heart Adventures designed ioMerino hiking top
- Big Heart Adventures designed head sock
- Big Heart Adventures journal
- Guided pre-departure training walks and or program (trip specific)
- Discount card for pre-departure purchases at Exurbia
- A charity contribution to our Give Back program
Exclusions
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Meals and drinks not stated on itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
- You may choose to fly to Kangaroo Island in lieu of taking the ferry with the group
Packing List
A detailed packing list is provided prior to travel
- Gear you will need:
- Rainproof jacket and pants
- Daypack (35 litre approx.)
- Water bottles/hydration kit (min 2Ltrs)
- Personal medications
- Clothing suitable for walking that is quick drying and breathable – consider merino/synthetic clothing
- Sun protection such as hat, sunglasses and suncream, insect repellent
- Sleeping attire
- Casual attire
Accessibility
There are stairs, uneven surfaces and moving luggage to and from accommodation, plus walking bush and sandy trails on this trip. Please talk to us about your accessibility needs before booking
Details
- Type: Challenge Trek Guided
- Adventure: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT)
- Destination: Kangaroo Island, South Australia
- Traditional Country: Karta Pintingga
- Group Size: Max 10 plus leaders
Fitness Requirement
- A good level of fitness is required to walk the trails on this trip
- You will be walking pack free (day packs only)
- You will walk on a variety of surfaces including undulating trails, rocky limestone paths, uneven terrain and soft sand
- Our longest walking day is up to 16.5km and we walk 5 consecutive days on this adventure
- Trail rating: Moderate
Important Information
- *Eligible Past Traveller Discount applies if you’ve travelled with us on any of our guided tours which were 5 days duration or longer
- Read terms and conditions before booking
- Itinerary and price subject to change at any time
- Travel Insurance is recommended. Get a quote from Covermore or Go Insurance
- Note weather, group member welfare and a range of circumstances outside our control can mean last minute changes to our itinerary are necessary once on tour
- Single room accommodation with personal ensuite included each night
- Please contact us before booking any flights. Depending on flight arrival and departure times extra nights accommodation may be required at own expense. Airport transfer cost not included if arriving or leaving on different days or at times that require private transfers
- A minimum number of travellers are required for this trip to depart so ask someone to join you. If minimum numbers aren’t reached, we may decide to still go or we will provide a full refund
- Training walks start 8 weeks prior to departure. We recommend you attend these walks to maximise your enjoyment and for the groups welfare when away
- If this trip departs during Fire Ban Season – last minute changes to our itinerary or walking days may be required for safety reasons
- Accommodation – hotel room (single) with queen-size bed
- Private transport to and from Cape Jervis is included from Adelaide
- Private transport on Kangaroo Island plus daily trail transfers is included
- If you have additional needs please connect with us, we’re committed to being inclusive and accessible
Adventure Leaders
Our team is qualified, experienced and super friendly. We will ensure you have a fun and connecting adventure. Leaders are certified in Remote or Wilderness First-Aid. All leaders carry a group first-aid kit, emergency communications device, emergency documentation and equipment.
