Impossibly attractive, imaginative sculptured rock forms, lighthouse, coastal scenery, evocative road journey and plenty of Australian wildlife, Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island is a bucket list destination
Flinders Chase National Park is a #aussiemustdo destination for visitors to Australia. An easily accessible National Park (a mere 45 ferry ride from Adelaide and you’ve arrived on Kangaroo Island). The park packs everything tourists imagine Australia to be within its diverse landscape. From rocky coastal ocean views to native bush walks.
FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK, KANGAROO ISLAND IN A DAY HIGHLIGHTS
Flinders Chase National Park in a day you will have time to:
- Cape du Couedic lighthouse lookout point (you cannot access the lighthouse) – view migrating whales (May – December) superb coastal views.
- Admiral Arch and Remarkable Rocks – spot fur seals from the many vantage points. There are numerous information plaques describing the flora and fauna.
- Enjoy the road trip on the scenic Cape du Couedic paved road to all locations – remember to pull over for the photo moment.
WHERE IS FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK, KANGAROO ISLAND LOCATED?
You will need transport to visit Flinders Chase National Park. It’s located in the remote west end of Kangaroo Island and 110 km from Kingscote, the largest town and ferry terminal (Adelaide to Kingscote).
Whale watching, Jetski adventures, Snorkel tours & MORE on Kangaroo Island – BOOK NOW & SAVE up to 67%!
Get JUCY Australia car and campervan hire deals
WHAT ARE THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK, KANGAROO ISLAND?
- Cape du Couedic road trip to the lighthouse, Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks
- Cape Borda Lighthouse
- Weirs Cove Ruins
- Whale watching (between May and December)
- Walks and hikes through regenerating bush and forest devastated by the 2019-2020 summer fire
- Excitement as you observe wildlife (kangaroos, echidnas and birds
Flinders Chase National Park TOURS – BOOK NOW, PAY LATER
WHEN IS THE MOST POPULAR TIME TO VISIT FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
The most popular time to visit Flinders Chase National Park, SA is the summer school holidays (December to February). The low season June to October, while it can be blustery it’s not freezing. The average winter temperature is 7c to 15c
The well known landmarks are easily accessible with wooden boardwalks to lookout points. The best time of the day to visit the park is two hours before sunset. You will avoid the crowds from the day tours and enjoy the sunset over the orange tinted rocks.
Admiral’s Arch walkway is 1 km (one way). There is a staircase to the cliff base. A superb place for observing a wild seal colony
Cape Du Couedic is the headland on the southwest of Kangaroo Island. The lighthouse is one of two on the island (both located in the national park).
Cape Borda Lighthouse is an unusual square shaped lighthouse that is OPEN (check opening hours). There is a museum and the ruins of the lighthouse keeper’s lodging nearby at WEIRS COVE RUINS.
Weirs Cove Ruin is an additional 1.5 km walk from Cape du Couedic lighthouse. Imagine hauling goods up the 90 m cliff face from the turbulent water below.
Exciting adventures for your loved ones as a gift from You!
Hikes in Flinders Chase National Park
Some of the well known walking trails in Flinders Chase are:
- Discovery Walk (200 metres one way) Bird watching & wildlife highlights from the Black Swamp lookout.
- Woodland Walk (1 km one way) A short easy bush walk with red river gums and acacia thickets.
- Platypus Water Holes Walk (4.5 km return A loop walk to view the very elusive platypus.
- Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse walk (2 km return)A spectacular coastal cliff top walk with plenty of information plaques along the way describing the flora and fauna.
- Ravine Hike (7 km circuit )Explore the Valley of the Cassowaries (now extinct). You are largely following a river and the walk ends at a remote beach.
Dedicated hikers can embark on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, a 61 km, five-day hike following the headlands. A modified Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail has reopened (after the devastating 2019-2020 fires) for walkers by licensed tour operators.
CAN YOU STAY OVERNIGHT IN FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK, KANGAROO ISLAND?
You can stay overnight in Flinders Chase National Park in the Harvey Return Campground, Mays Homestead, Postman’s Cottage & West Bay Campground (4 Wheel Drive only). For booking details check out Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area. Remember there is no food and drink vendors in the park. Vivonne Bay General Store is the closest supplier of Café food, drinks and fuel and the Discovery Holiday Parks Kangaroo Island sell basic food, drinks, ice cream and fuel.
Choose the perfect motorhome for your Australia journey!
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PARKS – A FEW RULES BEFORE ENTERING
TOILETS – check locations before embarking on a walk / hike. The visitor centre is the place toilets are located and it is very likely a pit stop will be few and far between.
FOOD & DRINK – the visitor centre could have a cafe, if it’s on the main tourist route otherwise assume there is nowhere to purchase food and water. Pack enough for the day. You need to carry your rubbish out as there are NO RUBBISH BINS in the parks due to animals deciding you’ve provided a snack in a plastic bag.
ROADS & DRIVING – if you want a sunrise or sunset photo watch out for animals who are foraging at their favourite time of the day. The roads could be gravel or even red dirt so care is needed especially if it’s been raining.
Your energy-self-sufficient lifestyle on the road
DRONES – banned and don’t even think about using a drone. Pets are prohibited and if there is a fence between you and the wildlife don’t climb over the fence for a ‘better selfie.’
WIFI & INTERNET ACCESS – Plan to be offline, disconnected or the connection is slow.
FEES – There is a day fee to enter a National Park and / other reserves. Check beforehand and purchase while your wifi is working. There are park rangers in the parks who could ask to view a receipt. Download a copy onto your mobile.
If we have accidentally used your photograph without your permission, we are sorry and will remove the photograph as soon as possible. Any use without permission is an oversight… for more information regarding our Terms and Conditions check HERE.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE