National parks of

FEB 2020 Welcome to Kangaroo Island’s parks

Fires on Kangaroo Island have burnt of how you can join an organised tour about 210,000 hectares of land – nearly will be available at parks.sa.gov.au. half the island – since they broke out in We’re also looking at opportunities to December 2019. establish temporary infrastructure to But as many people remark when they provide better access to parks on the land on the island, it’s a big place – western side of the island while bigger than they expected. The third recovery continues and we look largest island off the coast of , forward to welcoming independent Kangaroo Island is home to unique travellers as soon as it is safe and natural beauty and a wide variety of practicable to do so. things to see and do. Thank you for visiting and being part of There’s still so much to explore here, the recovery of this special place. Every particularly in the parks that conserve trip you make and every dollar you an array of natural environments and spend will make a bigger difference to provide habitat to an abundant range the Kangaroo Island community than of wildlife. you’re ever likely to know. So head out, have a good time and be To keep up to date with fire assured that we’re working closely with recovery and park openings local staff, tourism operators and the check parks.sa.gov.au and community on fire recovery. facebook.com/NPWSSA. In March key sites in Flinders Chase National Park will open to visitors travelling with organised tours. Details

Cover image © South Australian Tourism Commission Contents

Welcome to Kangaroo Island’s parks...... 2 Map...... 2 What’s open?...... 4 Welcome, you’re here. Now what can you do that’s near?...... 6 Five of Kangaroo Island’s best wildlife experiences...... 8 Know before you go...... 10 Parks that are open now...... 12 Stay in parks...... 16 Walking trails that are open now...... 17 Wildlife notes...... 24 Bushfire safety for travellers...... 25

National parks of Kangaroo Island 1 Map

Sanctuary INVESTIGATOR STRAIT SZanocnteuary INVESTIGATOR STRAIT Zone Southern Spencer Gulf Emu Emu Marine Park Southern Spencer Gulf BaEmy u Bay Stokes Emu Encounter Marine Park of Shoals Bay Bay Bay MEnarcionuen Pteark Stokes Sanctuary Beatrice Snelling of Shoals Western River Bay Zone Islet CP Marine Park Cape Jervis Sanctuary Beach Sanctuary Beatrice Talisker CP Cove Snelling Western River Zone Islet CP ZoSnaenctuary Beach Talisker CP Cove Lathami CP Deep Zone Kingscote BAC Creek CP Lathami CP KS Deep Sanctuary Western River WPA Cygnet Kingscote TA BAC IR Creek CP Estuary CP Western KS S Flinders Sanctuary Western River WPA Cygnet TA Zone Cove IR PA Cape Western Penneshaw S S Chase NFPlinders AY Estuary CP S Zone HW Cove 2 PA A Torrens WCPaApe IG Penneshaw S G Cape BordCahase NP H AY Baudin CP S E Parndana CP HW D CP 2 A Torrens WPA IG A H Sanctuary G Cape Borda H O Baudin CP E Ravine D O Parndana CP R G Nepean Bay CP A H American SanZcotunaery Western des Casoars O O Eastern Ravine ORD R 1 PLAYF G American Zone KangaroWoestern des Casoars RD Parndana 1 River ECaostveern Antechamber PLAYFO Pelican Lashmar CP D River IslandKangaroo Parndana Beyeria CP B Cove AntechBaamy ber A A Lagoon CP Lashmar CP Y K A N G A R O O I S L A N D Y Pelican AD Island O D A Beyeria CP B RO Bay Marine R A A Lagoon CP W FlindYers K A N G A R O O I S L A N D Y Sanctuary AD Cape Ravine des O H A E RO Park Marine R G R Zone I W Flinders Seddon CP O Sanctuary WillCoaupgehby CP Ravine des H ChHase NP E Casoars WPA E R Park G Seddon CP M Zone L I Chase NP O Dudley CP Willoughby CP H H 3 Casoars KWPA E M Simpson CP C L C Dudley CP D IR 3 B H West A K Simpson CP C N C H IR E D B A West S Bay N H 7 6 E Bay S T Lesueur CP S Ca7pe65 E T Lesueur CP Rocky River W S Mount Cape 5 D'Estrees Bay Rocky River E Gantheaume CP W TW Mount Gantheaume CP D'Estrees Bay E OU Taylor CP N R Taylor CP Seal

Flinders SOUTH BayS eCaPl Flinders SOUTH COAST D Bay CP ROA Chase NP Kelly Hill CP COAST AD Cape Maupertuis Chase NP Kelly Hill CP RO Cape 4 Cape Maupertuis M Cape Vivonne Cape 4 Bay Cape Vivonne Gantheaume WPA Gantheaume CP Bay ar 0Bouguer WPA Bay Gantheaume WPA Gantheaume CP ch 02 Bouguer WPA Bay H2anson Sanctuary Hanson Vivonne Sanctuary Bay Vivonne Zone Bay Zone Bay CP Ca pe du Couedic Remarkable Rocks Bay CP Remarkable Rocks Admirals Southern SanctuSaarnyctuary Admirals Southern Arch Arch Kangaroo Island 0 20 Zone Zone Kangaroo Island 0 20 kkmm MaMrianrein Pea Prakrk WesteWrnestern SOUSOTHUETRHNER N O COECAENAN KangaKraonog Iasrloaon dIsland MarinMe aPrainrke Park

MarineMarine Park Park SealedSe raolaed road OpenOpen DEW DEW managed managed park park NNPP NNaattiionall Park CCPP CCoonnsserrvation Park UnseaUlendse raolaed road ClosedClosed DEW DEW managed managed park park MarineMarine Park Park - Sanctuary- Sanctuary Zone Zone WWPPAA WWiillderrness Protecttedd AArreeaa Passenger ferry only 1 1WalkinWga ltkrianilg l otrcaailt iloncation ClosedFire affectedClosedFire DEW affected DEW managedareas managedareas park park Passenger ferry only PassengerPassenger and and car car ferry ferry

2 National parks of Kangaroo Island Walking trails 1. Beyeria Walk – page 17 4. Tadpole Cove Walk – page 20 2. Ironstone Hill Hike – page 18 5. Timber Creek Walk – page 21 3. Lightstation 6. Bald Hill Walk – page 22 Heritage Hike – page 19 7. Curley Creek Hike – page 23

Sanctuary Zone INVESTIGATOR STRAIT Sanctuary INVESTIGATOR STRAIT Zone Southern Spencer Gulf Emu Marine Park Southern Spencer Gulf Bay Bay Stokes Emu Encounter Marine Park of Shoals Bay Bay Bay Encounter Marine Park Cape Jervis Stokes Sanctuary Beatrice Snelling of Shoals Western River Bay Zone Islet CP Marine Park Cape Jervis Sanctuary Beach Sanctuary Beatrice Talisker CP Snelling Cove Western River Islet CP Zone Beach Zone Talisker CP Sanctuary Deep Cove Lathami CP Kingscote Zone BA Creek CP Lathami CP Deep CK Western River WPA Cygnet ST Sanctuary rn Kingscote B AI etu Western AC Creek CP IRS s R Estuary CP KS S SanFcltinudareyrs Zoney Western River WPA Cygnet TA P ve Cove PennesIRhaw PA ar Cape Estuary CP Western S S Flinders Chase NP H AY S Zone HW Cove PA 2 A Cape Borda Cape Torrens WPA HIG Penneshaw S G Chase NP Cape Borda AY S Baudin CP E Parndana CHPW D Nepean Bay CP 2 A Torrens WPA IG A H G Sanctuary Cape Borda H O Baudin CP E Ravine D O Parndana CP NepeaRn Bay CP G A H American Sanctuary Zone RWaveinsteern des Casoars ORD O O 1 Eastern PLAYF R G American Zone Western deKs aCnagsoaarros o RD Parndana 1 Eastern River Cove Antechamber PLAYFO Pelican Lashmar CP D River Kangaroo Island Parndana BReyivereiar CP B Cove Antechamber Bay A A LagoonL CasPhmar CP Y K A N G A R O O I S L A N D PelicanY AD Island D O A Beyeria CP B RO Bay Marine A R A Lagoon CP Y K AW FNlindeGrs A R O O I S L A N D Y AD Sanctuary Cape ROavine des A H E RO Marine Park R G R Zone W Flinders I Seddon CP O Sanctuary Cape Willoughby CP Ravine des H H Chase NP E Casoars WPA E R Park G Seddon CP M Zone Dudley CP LI Chase NP O Willoughby CP 3 Casoars WPA HK H E M L C C Dudley CP Simpson CP D IR 3 H B West K A Simpson CP C N C H IR D E B A West S Bay N H 7 6 E Bay S T Murray Lesueur CP S 7 6 Cape 5 T E Lagoon Lesueur CP RoS cky River W Mount Cape 5 D'Estrees Bay Rocky River E Gantheaume CP W Mount Taylor CP Gantheaume CP D'Estrees Bay Snake Taylor CP Seal Lagoon Flinders SOUTH Seal Bay CP Flinders SOUTH COAST D Bay CP ROA Chase NP COKAeSlTly Hill CP AD Cape ChaseM NauPpertuis Kelly Hill CP RO Vivonne Cape Cape 4 Maupertuis Cape Vivonne Cape 4 Gantheaume CP Bay Cape Bay GantheauGmaen tWhePaAume CP Bay Bouguer WPA Bay Gantheaume WPA Bouguer WPHAanson Sanctuary Hanson VivSoancnteuary Bay Vivonne Zone Bay Zone Cape du Couedic Bay CP Cape du Couedic Remarkable Rocks Bay CP Remarkable Rocks 0 20 Admirals Southern km Sanctuary AdmiSralnsctuary Southern Arch Arch Kangaroo Island 0 20 Zone Zone Kangaroo Island 0 20 km km Marine Park Marine Park Western Western SOUTHERN S O U T H E R N O C E A N OCEAN Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Marine Park Marine Park

Marine Park Marine Park Sealed road Sealed road Open DEW managedOpen park DEW managed park NP National Park NP National Park CP Conservation PCaPr k Conservation Park Unsealed road Unsealed road Closed DEW managedClosed park DEW managed park Marine Park - SanctuaryMarine Zone Park - Sanctuary Zone WPA Wilderness PrWotPeAc t e d W Airledaerness Protected Area 1 Walking 1trail locWataiolkning trail locationClosedFire affected DEW managedareasClosedFire affected park DEW managedareas park Passenger ferry onlyPassenger ferry only Passenger and car ferryPassenger and car ferry

National parks of Kangaroo Island 3 What’s open? R Opening hoursOpening Tours fees Tour entry Vehicle fees Camping fees Camping Accommodation Accommodation fees allowed Dogs Toilets Campfires Water Fishing walk Easy hike Moderate Trek Information centre Refreshments souvenirs and area Picnic BBQ Wheelchair access phone Public Lookout allowed Drones

Baudin CP 24/7 N N N N N N N N N N N N N Y N N N N N N N N N

Beyeria CP 24/7 N N N N N N N N N N N N Y N N N N N N N N N N

Murray Lagoon 24/7 N N N N N N N N N N N N Y Y N N N N N N N Y N

D'Estrees Bay 24/7 N N N Y $16 N N N N N N N Y N N N N N N N N Y N

Cape Gantheaume 24/7 N N N Y $16 N N N N N N N N N Y N N N N N N N N Wilderness Protection Area CP

$236 See Cape Willoughby CP Y Y N N N Y see N Y N Y N Y N N Y Y N N N N Y N below p.16

Lashmar CP 24/7 N N N Y $16 N N N Y Y N Y Y N N N N Y Y N N N N

See Seal Bay CP Y Y Y N N N N N Y N Y N Y N N Y Y Y N Y Y Y N below

Cape Willoughby CP Park opening hours: sunrise to sunset. Extended hours during SA spring, Visitor centre: 9 am-3.30 pm. Extended summer and autumn school holidays: hours during spring, summer and autumn daily 12:15 pm, 12:45 pm, 4 pm. school holidays - 9 am - 5 pm. Prices Tours Lightstation history tour Lightstation history tours (duration 45 Adult $16.50, Concession $13.50, minutes): Daily: 11 am, 2 pm. Extended Child $10.50. Family $44*. hours during spring, summer and autumn Lighthouse climb tour: Per person $10 school holidays: daily 11 am, 2 pm, 3 pm. Self-guided walk (does not include Lighthouse climb tour (duration access to lighthouse): Per person $5. 20 minutes): Daily: 12:15 pm, 12:45 pm.

4 National parks of Kangaroo Island Seal Bay CP Bay Seal Lashmar CP Willoughby CP Cape CP Beyeria Baudin CP Cape Gantheaume CP Wilderness Protection Area Protection Wilderness Gantheaume Cape BayD'Estrees Murray Lagoon below See 24/7 below See 24/7 24/7 24/7 24/7 24/7

Opening hours Y N Y N N N N N Tours Y N Y N N N N N Tour fees Y N N N N N N N Vehicle entry fees N Y N Y Y N N N Camping N $16 N $16 $16 N N N Camping fees N N Y N N N N N Accommodation N N p.16 see $236 N N N N N Accommodation

fees N N N N N N N N Dogs allowed Y Y Y N N N N N Toilets N Y N N N N N N research see tours, and private sunset, offers also Bay Seal change. to subject tourOpening hours, times and prices are Notes: $37, Concession Adult pm. 9am-4 from Begin approximately 45 every minutes tours Bay guided Seal 5pm. entry school Australian holidaysSouth - last during pm 9am-6 hours Extended 4 pm. entry - last Day) Christmas (except Park hours opening BaySeal CP Campfires R N N N Y N Y N N Water N Y N N N N N N Fishing parks.sa.gov.au/SealBay Y Y Y N Y Y Y N

: 9 am-5 pm daily daily pm : 9am-5 Easy walk Certificate of ExcellenceCertificate N N N N N Y N Y Moderate hike N N N Y N N N N

Trek

Y N Y N N N N N Information centre Y N Y N N N N N $44.50*. Family $10.50, Child $13.50, Concession summer school holidays). Adult $16.50, SA during 5pm or 4pm entry (last open is park the while time any at taken be Can boardwalk tours: BaySeal self-guided $90*. Family $21, Child $29.50, R * information. 12 and 16 and and 16 and 12 apply, restrictions Campfire see pages 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children. and 2adults for are tickets Family Refreshments and souvenirs Y Y N N N N N N Picnic area N Y N N N N N N

National parks of Kangaroo Island parks.sa.gov.au BBQ Y N N N N N N N Wheelchair access accommodation camping and

parks.sa.gov.au Y N N N N N N N

Book Public phone online at for more more for Y N Y N Y Y N N

Lookout

N N N N N N N N

Drones allowed

5 Welcome, you’re here. Now what can you do that’s near?

Discover ’s oldest Certificate of Excellence 1 lighthouse at Cape Willoughby The first lighthouse erected in South Australia, the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, lights the between Kangaroo Island and the mainland. Visitors rate visiting the lighthouse as one of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island thanks to the encyclopaedic knowledge of the lighthouse’s tour guide and the incredible views the lighthouse offers of rugged coastline. © Ben Goode

Stay in a heritage-listed 2 lighthouse keepers’ cottage Not only can you tour the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, you can stay nearby. Enjoy spectacular sunrises, listen to the waves crashing onto the nearby cliffs and catch glimpses of wildlife while staying in one of two restored five-bedroom heritage-listed lighthouse keepers’ cottages at Cape Willoughby Conservation Park. The cottages are great places for families and friends to relax and unwind with cozy bedrooms, a kitchen and even board games. Both cottages sleep up to nine people and can be booked at parks.sa.gov.au. More information on page 16.

6 National parks of Kangaroo Island Take a self-guided drive to 3 D’Estrees Bay This self-guided nature drive at Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park begins at the second boat ramp seven kilometres from the junction of Elsegood Road and D’Estrees Bay Road. Look out for the osprey trail markers along the eight kilometre drive that takes in bushland and coastal views. Download a self-guided drive booklet at parks.sa.gov.au.

Join a tour 4 with a local Whether you’re on Kangaroo Island for 48 hours or five days, southaustralia.com has you covered with itineraries that share the best of the island and include ideas for experiences with local tour companies. Explore marine parks by swimming with dolphins, staying dry on deck with a sightseeing tour or going fishing; and discover terrestrial parks with tours that traverse Seal Bay and beyond. © South Australian Tourism Commission

Take a walk amongst 5 nature’s best With its diverse landscapes that range from bushland to rugged coastline and abundant wildlife, Kangaroo Island is a walker’s dream. And there’s a lot of it to walk – the island is 155 km long and up to 55 km wide, ringed by 509 km of pristine coastline and has walking trails that stretch throughout its parks. Turn to page 17 for ideas on walks that range from easy 20 minute strolls to more challenging four-hour return jaunts.

© South Australian Tourism Commission

National parks of Kangaroo Island 7 Five of Kangaroo Island’s best wildlife experiences

Kangaroo Island is celebrated for its often rest during the day under vegetation, extraordinary wildlife and has many coming out to graze in the early morning opportunities to see Australian and late afternoon. animals in their native habitats. Spot them on the Hog Bay Road from Here are just a few of the island’s Prospect Hill to Baudin Beach. Take care best wildlife experiences. when parking and ensure that your car is Australian sea-lions completely off the road when parked. Tammar wallabies Seal Bay is the only place in the world where you can see Australian sea-lions at Kangaroo Island has the largest remaining close quarters and walk on a beach where natural population of Tammar wallabies. pups play, bulls fight for supremacy and Much smaller than kangaroos, Tammar resting mothers suckle their young. wallabies have a dark grey coat with reddish-brown arms, feet and flanks, and There are no enclosures or cages here. white cheek stripes. You can walk to the heart of the sea-lion colony on the beach with an experienced They’re nocturnal and best seen at dawn guide who will teach you about these and dusk in Cape Gantheaume endangered animals. If you prefer, you can Conservation Park along the D’Estrees Bay set your own pace on the wheelchair Road up to Wheatons Beach; in the accessible 900 metre (return) boardwalk township at Nepean Bay, via Western Cove which meanders through the dunes to a Road; and in Baudin Conservation Park. number of viewing platforms. More Access to the carpark is along Frenchmans information on page 15. Terrace and south along Binneys Track. Kangaroos Short-beaked echidnas Kangaroo Island was named for its Kangaroo Island short-beaked echidnas kangaroos, which have evolved differently appear to be abundant across the island from mainland kangaroos since the island due to suitable habitat and no significant was connected to the mainland 9500 predators. They can be found across the years ago. Kangaroo Island kangaroos island and are generally solitary, feeding

8 National parks of Kangaroo Island day and night and sheltering in hollow logs, under piles of debris, in self-constructed burrows and among tree roots. Echidnas have exceptional hearing and a good sense of smell. They’ll freeze when disturbed and then curl into a ball, often trying to bury themselves in the leaf litter or soil. If you find an echidna, watch quietly and patiently from at least 20 metres away. If they change their behaviour while you are watching then you are probably too close. Dolphins Kangaroo Island’s pristine waters are home to a diverse and important range of marine life. The island is surrounded by four marine parks that ensure increased protection to approximately two-thirds of its waters. Pennneshaw’s Hog Bay looks out over Encounter Marine Park and is home to a pod of dolphins that cruise though every day. The perfect spot to see them is from the rocks at the eastern end Commission Australian South Tourism © of the beach, near Frenchmans Rock.

Know before you go Turn to page 24 for information on how to experience wildlife safely and responsibly. 9 Know before you go

What’s open Getting about All of the experiences and parks outlined The island is traversed by 1600km of in this book have not been affected by roads. The majority are unsealed. The bushfire and are open. ironstone gravel used to form some unsealed roads resembles small marbles The Department for Environment and and can make the surface slippery. Water (DEW) offers a range of activities in Unsealed roads are often corrugated and parks on Kangaroo Island. Guided tours bumpy – please drive carefully. are available at Seal Bay and Cape Willoughby and opening hours have Kangaroo Island has an abundance of recently been extended for these sites. wildlife. Please drive slowly. The best way Sites are open every day (except Christmas to avoid a collision with wildlife is to reduce Day). Tour times and fees apply. speed and avoid driving in the early morning, late afternoon and at night. See page 14 and 15 for more information.

What’s closed DEW manages 26 national parks, conservation parks and wilderness protection areas on Kangaroo Island that total 126,743 hectares. In early 2020 fires burnt up to 86,699 hectares, or 68 percent, of this land. The following DEW-managed Kangaroo Island parks are closed until further notice: • Flinders Chase National Park • Western River Wilderness (including Cape Borda). Key sites in Protection Area this park will open to visitors • Kelly Hill Conservation Park travelling with organised tours from • Cape Bouguer Wilderness March. Protection Area • Wilderness • Parndana Conservation Park Protection Area • Lathami Conservation Park • Cape Torrens Wilderness • Vivonne Bay Conservation Park Protection Area • Seddon Conservation Park • Mount Taylor Conservation Park

Information on park closures is regularly updated at parks.sa.gov.au.

10 National parks of Kangaroo Island The island is much bigger than • Coastal treks need to be discussed with people think: a ranger in advance. • 4500 km2 in area • Stay on walking trails as these have • 155km long and up to 55km wide been routed to ensure the easiest and • Two hours by car from east to west safest passage to your destination. • Most of the beaches and coves are • Please read the important fire safety located many kilometres off the major information on page 25. ring roads – allow extra driving time • Be aware of park closures (for purposes Your safety such as feral animal control, public safety, threatened species breeding, trail Your safety is important. You can do much maintenance etc). Check to ensure your personal safety while in parks.sa.gov.au for up to date parks by observing the following: information on park or trail closures. • The recreational use of drones is • Obey all road, track and trail signs – generally not permitted in national they have been provided for your safety. parks or reserves, including for • Large areas of the island’s coastline photography and filming. This is are dominated by tall limestone cliffs – because they can severely disrupt stay well clear and use lookouts resting and breeding animals. They also where provided. take away from the remote wilderness • If you are hiking or trekking, leave an experience that many of our parks offer. itinerary with a responsible person. They should contact police if you have not returned by a pre-arranged date and time.

National parks of Kangaroo Island 11 Parks that are open now Baudin Conservation Park Lashmar Conservation Park This small park adjoins the long sandy beach at Antechamber Bay. The Ironstone Hill Hike in Baudin Conservation Park follows the historic Antechamber Bay Bullock Track to Cape Willoughby and leads to Ironstone Hill. Interpretive signs explore the life of Harry Bates and his early farming Picnic and camping facilities are available at endeavours. Get a sense of this area’s this popular swimming and fishing beach. farming heritage and see some stunning Solid fuel fires are not permitted during fire seascapes and sheoak woodlands. danger season. Comfort fires are permitted in fire pits only. Comfort fires are not Hike Ironstone Hill Hike page 2. permitted during the fire season. Refer to cfs.sa.gov.au for further information. Beyeria Conservation Park Always use the fire pits provided, do not leave fires unattended and carefully extinguish all fires before you leave. Check Discover some of Kangaroo Island’s rare parks.sa.gov.au for more information plants. Interpretive signs along the short about comfort fires in parks. Beyeria Walk give an insight into ‘the many faces of the mallee scrub’. Visitors have the opportunity to read about the mallee broombush plant community, the natural process of change and rare endemic plants that grow in the area. Book camping Walk online at Beyeria Walk page 17. parks.sa.gov.au

12 National parks of Kangaroo Island Cape Gantheaume Tadpole Cove Walk, camping, or walking Conservation Park the secluded beaches. Murray Lagoon Walks and treks Tadpole Cove Walk page 20.

Self-guided drive Birdwatchers: visit Kangaroo Island’s largest Follow the signs marked with the osprey lagoon. The walks and hike take bird and discover the natural and cultural you through a range of wetland plant significance of the area. communities with spectacular views Cape Gantheaume and birdwatching opportunities. Wilderness Protection Area Walks and hikes Timber Creek Walk page 21, Bald Hill Walk page 22, Curley Creek Hike page 23. Cape Gantheaume Wilderness Protection D’Estrees Bay Area covers 20 000 hectares. Visitors may access the area on foot. For further information please speak to a ranger at the Natural Resources Centre, Kingscote. Historically D’Estrees Bay was the site of a whaling station and later partly cleared for Trek Cape Gantheaume Coastal Trek page 23 farming. Today the area conserves coastal (Seasonal closure applies, contact park vegetation and provides habitat for wildlife. office or visit Relax at D’Estrees Bay by doing the parks.sa.gov.au for latest closure information).

National parks of Kangaroo Island 13 Cape Willoughby importance of coastal shipping to early Conservation Park colonial trading and passenger transport well into the 20th century. Light refreshments Cape Willoughby Lightstation and souvenirs are available.

Walks and tours A range of walks, tours and self-guided tours are available. Details: page 4

Accommodation The ocean backdrop to Cape Willoughby Heritage lightkeepers’ cottages – Seymour Lightstation is spectacular. Join a guided Cottage, Thomas Cottage page 16. tour of South Australia’s first lightstation and enjoy the views across Backstairs Passage On the way to or from Cape Willoughby, visit from the top of the lighthouse. Hear stories Baudin and Lashmar Conservation Parks. about working and living in such a harsh and remote environment. Learn about the

14 National parks of Kangaroo Island Certificate of Excellence

Seal Bay Conservation Park Allow time to look at the visitor centre displays (including a touch table) and for buying quality souvenirs. Picnic facilities are available at nearby Bales Bay, a few kilometres drive away.

Seal Bay is home to the third largest Seal Bay Sanctuary Zone adjoins Seal population of one of the world’s rarest Bay Conservation Park to protect the marine mammals, the Australian sea-lion. immediate marine habitat of the Australian Guided beach tours give visitors the sea-lions. Please be aware of the opportunity to observe the natural restrictions in these zones. behaviour of these wild animals. The beach at Bales Bay is part of the Cape The 900 metre Don Dixon boardwalk is an Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area. easy stroll through the terrestrial habitat of Walk the Australian sea-lion. A platform Self-guided - The Flowering Plants overlooking the beach gives visitors a great of Seal Bay Conservation Park, view of sea-lions resting and coming and coastal plants identified along the going from foraging trips at sea. The trail to the lookout. boardwalk has interpretive signage along Opening hours and tours the way giving visitors an overview of the See page 5. habits of the Australian sea-lion.

National parks of Kangaroo Island 15 Stay in parks

Heritage accommodation Prices: $236 per cottage, per night Cape Willoughby (subject to change). Bookings and details at parks.sa.gov.au Seymour and Thomas Cottages are located on the rugged easternmost point up to nine guests. They are fully furnished of the Island overlooking the treacherous with five bedrooms, a comfortable living Backstairs Passage. These cottages, and dining room, a fully-equipped kitchen built in 1927, form part of the lightkeepers’ and a refurbished bathroom. Take in settlement of Cape Willoughby. They offer scenic views of the lighthouse and coast spacious self-contained accommodation for from the verandah. Camping

Campground Online Caravan Public Toilets Water Hot Camp Gas bookings accessible phone showers fires BBQs required Cape Gantheaume Wilderness         Protection Area* D’Estrees Bay     ~    Lashmar Conservation Park Antechamber         Bay ~ water supply cannot be guaranteed. If available, water must be treated. * Contact Natural Resoures Centre, Kingscote

Solid fuel fires Prices: $16 per campground per night. Bookings and details at Solid fuel fires are prohibited at all times parks.sa.gov.au in reserves across Kangaroo Island. The only exception is at Antechamber Bay South Campground in Lashmar CP Gas fires where small comfort fires are permitted Gas fires permitted all year, except on within designated fire pits outside of declared Total Fire Ban Days. The Country fire danger season. Please use the fire Fire Service (CFS) broadcasts notices on pits provided, do not leave fires local radio 891 ABC (AM) and 765 5CC (AM), unattended and carefully extinguish all phone CFS hotline 1800 362 361 or check fires before you leave. Follow all CFS cfs.sa.gov.au standards cfs.sa.gov.au

16Flinders National Chase parks National of Kangaroo Park Island Walking trails that are open now 1. Beyeria Conservation Park, Beyeria Walk

This walk is a delightful short stroll through Access Kangaroo Island narrow-leaved mallee The walk begins at the car park adjoining with broombush understorey. Beyeria Willsons Road. Conservation Park was named after the endemic turpentine bush, Beyeria subtecta. Suitable for all ages. The walk has twenty interpretive signs along the way highlighting ‘The Many Faces of Mallee Scrub’. Easy walk 30 min return / 1.5 km return

Emu Bay Emu Bay Cape Jervis Cape Jervis

Kiingsscotte Kiingsscotte Penneshaw Penneshaw Parrndana American River Beyeria Walk Parrndana American River

0 20 km 0 20 km

Beyeria ROAD Conservation Park ONS WILLS

Beyeria Walk

BEYERIA CONSERVATION PARK

0 150 300

metres

National parks of Kangaroo Island 17 2. Baudin Conservation Park, Ironstone Hill Hike

This hike follows the coast east Access of Penneshaw along a section of Follow Frenchmans Terrace along the the original bullock track to Cape foreshore at Penneshaw to the car park Willoughby and provides spectacular at the start of Binneys Track. views across Backstairs Passage to the . After climbing through regenerating sheoak vegetation, the hike leads to Moderate hike the ruins of Harry Bates’ cottage and 1.5 hours return / 4 km return a stone threshing floor on Ironstone

Emu BayEmu Bay Hill. The farming heritage of the area is Emu Bay Cape JerCvaispe Jervis Cape Jervis interpreted on signs along the hike. KiingsscottKeiingsscotte Kiingsscotte PenneshPaewnneshaw Penneshaw American River ParrndanaParrndana American River Ironstone Hill Hike Parrndana American River

Backstairs Passage Encounter Marine Park

0 0 20 20 km km 0 20 km Hog Bay

Hill Hike Baudin ne sto Conservation Park Iron ruin Penneshaw (Harry Bates Cottage) Ironstone B IN Hill N k BAUDIN e E e Y r S CONSERVATION C PARK

ruin ruin

k r o P

Dudley Peninsula

T R

0 250 500 A

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CAPE WIL AD LOUGHBY RO

18 National parks of Kangaroo Island 3. Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, Cape Willoughby Lightstation Heritage Hike

This hike will take you into the sheltered information about the original lightstation gully of the early 1853 settlement. It will settlement at points of interest along give you an insight into the early the trail. lightkeepers' lives and how their Cost: $5 per person demanding routine and sense of isolation was heightened by the distance between Access their homes and the lighthouse. This return loop hike begins and ends at the A self-guided walking trail brochure visitor centre. is available at the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Visitor Centre. It gives Moderate 1 hour return / 1.9 km return Cape Willoughby LightstatioCnap Hee Writiallgoeu gHhikbey Lightstation Heritage Hike Emu Bay Emu Bay Cape Jervis Cape Jervis

Kiingsscotte Kiingsscotte Penneshaw Penneshaw Parrndana American River Parrndana American River

0 75 150 0 75 150 Moncrieff metres metres Bay 0 20 km 0 20 km

Encounter Encounter C Cape Willoughby a MaCrine Park Marine Park p ap Conservation Park e Wil y Light e loughb sta Willoughby Lights ti tat on io H n e H r e it r age it ag Hik e H e ike CAPE WILLOUGHBY C C CAPE WILLOUGHBY A A Cape P P Cape E CONSERVATIONE PARK Willoughby CONSERVATION PARK Willoughby

W W Southern Southern ILLO IL UG D LOU HB ROA GH Ocean AD Ocean Y BY RO

Dudley Peninsula Dudley Peninsula

National parks of Kangaroo Island 19 4. Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, Tadpole Cove Walk

This walk combines unusual coastal scenery Access with early settlement heritage sites. The The walk begins in the car park adjacent to walk starts at an old grain threshing floor, the threshing floor just south of Wreckers used by early settlers to process locally Beach, D’Estrees Bay Road. grown grain, and takes you past the ruins of a small cottage dating from the same period. The walk then meanders through regenerating vegetation to a lookout above Walk Tadpole Cove, which is named after an 20 min return / 800 m return unusual rock formation in the centre of the

Emu Bay Emu Bay Cape Jervis cove. Watch for ospreys soaring along the Cape Jervis

Kiingsscotte cliff edge as they hunt for fish in the calm Kiingsscotte Penneshaw Penneshaw Parrndana American River Tadpole Cove Walk American River waters of the cove. Parrndana

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20 National parks of Kangaroo Island 5. Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, Timber Creek Walk

This walk at Murray Lagoon offers the visitor Access a tea-tree swamp experience. Waterfowl The walk begins 500 metres west of such as ducks, swans and waders flock to Murray Lagoon park headquarters off the lagoon to create a bird-lovers’ delight. Seagers Road, which can be seasonally Hawks and eagles prey upon the waterfowl, flooded. while chats and little grassbirds sing Note: walking trail subject to flooding in winter months. among the thickly vegetated shorelines. During drought years and late in the summer the best views of Murray Lagoon Walk can be seen from the Bald Hill (6) and Curly 1 hour return / 1.5 km return Creek (7) trails.

Emu Bay Emu Bay Cape Jervis Timber Creek Walk Cape Jervis

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National parks of Kangaroo Island 21 6. Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, Bald Hill Walk

Bald Hill provides spectacular views Lagoon park headquarters, Cape overlooking Murray Lagoon and is an ideal Gantheaume Conservation Park. Bald Hill spot to observe a variety of wetland birds as can also be accessed via the Curley Creek they feed from the lagoon below. In the Hike from Curley Creek, 6 km from the distance the visitor can see the dense bush headquarters or 4 km from the South Coast and impressive sand-dunes of the Cape Road off Seagers Road. Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area to Note: walking trail subject to flooding in winter months. the south. Access Bald Hill can be accessed via the Bald Hill Walk Walk from Seagers Road, 2 km from Murray 1 hour return / 1.5 km return

Emu Bay Bald Hill Walk Emu Bay Cape Jervis Cape Jervis

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22 National parks of Kangaroo Island 7. Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, Curley Creek Hike

This hike follows an old fire access track office or 4 km from the South Coast Road which skirts the edge of Murray Lagoon. off Seagers Road. The Curley Creek Hike Walkers will not only discover a large range can also be accessed via the Bald Hill of birdlife but also a variety of vegetation Walk, 2 km from the Murray Lagoon communities. Bald Hill provides spectacular park headquarters. views overlooking Murray Lagoon and is an Note: walking trail subject to flooding in winter months. ideal spot to observe migratory waders as they feed from the lagoon below. Access Moderate hike 4 hours return / 11 km return The Curley Creek Hike begins at Curley

Creek, 6 km from the Murray Lagoon park Emu Bay Emu Bay Cape Jervis Curley Creek Hike Cape Jervis

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National parks of Kangaroo Island 23 Wildlife notes

Slow down for native wildlife distance. This minimises disturbance to the Kangaroo Island is refuge to an abundant animal and allows you to observe many of array of native wildlife. Please reduce your the natural behaviours exhibited by native speed because: animals in the wild.

• Echidnas are slow moving animals. Help stop the spread • Goannas need to bask in the sun before of Phytophthora becoming active. Phytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora), otherwise • Nocturnal animals are active at night. known as root-rot fungus, is killing our • Your headlights can dazzle native plants and threatens the survival nocturnal animals. of animals depending on plants for food and shelter. Please don’t feed the wildlife Let wildlife fend for themselves because: This introduced fungus can be found in plant roots, soil and water. Help stop the • Human food may be poisonous to spread by using hygiene stations, staying wildlife. It can seriously disrupt their on tracks and trails and by complying with digestive systems. all Phytophthora management signs. • Feeding changes natural behaviour The national parks code patterns which are essential for survival in the bush. Please ensure that you: • Feeding can cause dangerous situations • leave your pets at home when animals become aggressive and • do not feed birds or other animals–it cause injury. promotes aggressive behaviour and an • Keep our wildlife healthy. unbalanced ecology • do not bring generators, chainsaws or Wildlife watching guidelines firearms into the park Always remember: • place rubbish in the bins provided • Stay on the trail. or take it with you • Put the animal’s welfare first. • abide by the road rules • Move slowly and quietly. (maintain the speed limit) • Observe from a distance. • respect geological and heritage sites • Use binoculars for that close-up look. • do not remove native plants • are considerate of other park users For your safety Important: Collection of firewood within All native animals in national and National Parks is prohibited. conservation parks are wild and should be observed and photographed from a

24 National parks of Kangaroo Island Bushfire safety for travellers

Bushfires can occur without Think about what you will do on those days: warning and can quickly impact obey fire bans, avoid activities that could your travel route. start a fire (such as driving through long grass, campfires), and avoid activities that In South Australia, bushfires occur regularly. can place you in areas of high risk. Being out on the road during a bushfire is extremely dangerous – last minute For your safety evacuations are a life-threatening option. Go to www.cfs.sa.gov.au Fire danger ratings Monitor ABC Radio 891 (AM) Every day during the Fire Danger Season, Contact Bushfire Information Hotline weather and other factors are used to 1800 362 361 (TTY 133677) calculate Fire Danger Ratings for each district. These ratings are not predictors of Seek advice from the Natural Resource how likely a bushfire is to occur, but how Centre, Kingscote 8553 4444 dangerous it could be if it did occur. To report a fire, dial 000. Total Fire Bans Bushwalking The CFS may declare Total Fire Bans It is advisable not to go bushwalking on on days of severe weather, when high Total Fire Ban days, but if you are caught temperatures, strong winds and low in a bushfire you should: humidity could cause fires to become uncontrollable. Certain activities like • Never try to outrun the flames. barbeques and campfires are banned • Head for a natural fire break, on these days. e.g. streams, clearings or rock outcrops. • Keep away from high ground Do you know what you can in the path of the fire. and can’t do on Total Fire • Never shelter in an above ground water Ban days? tank or dam. • Cover yourself or shelter behind a solid On Total Fire Ban days object such as a rock, to protect On Total Fire Ban days, it is best to yourself against radiant heat. postpone a trip into the bush, since the dangers of fires starting and moving rapidly are extremely high.

National parks of Kangaroo Island 25 Seal Certificate of Excellence Bay Tour times 9.00 am, 9.45 am, 10.30 am, 11.15 am, 12.15 pm, 1.00 pm, 1.45 pm, 2.30 pm, 3.15 pm, 4.00 pm. Please note: additional tours run during South Australian school holidays and public holidays – please check our Seal Bay is Kangaroo website for details. Tour times are subject to change. Island’s premier tourist Sunset Tour attraction and is consistently in South Australia’s top ten Book a once in a lifetime experience with one of our knowledgeable guides and enjoy tourist destinations, as voted up to two hours on the beach as the sun sets on TripAdvisor. over Seal Bay. This is an exclusive tour, meaning your group (of no more than 12 people) will be the only ones on the beach for this memorable experience.

See below for more contact details or visit parks.sa.gov.au/SealBay

Further information Seal Bay Natural Resources Centre T: (08) 8553 4463 Kangaroo Island E: [email protected] 37 Dauncey Street, Kingscote SA 5223 T: (08) 8553 4444 | E: [email protected] Cape Willoughby Lightstation naturalresources.sa.gov.au/ T: (08) 8553 4466 kangarooisland E: [email protected]

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