Kangaroo Island's Parks

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National parks of Kangaroo Island JUL 2020 Welcome to Kangaroo Island’s parks

Fires on Kangaroo Island burnt more than So head out, have a good time and be 200,000 hectares of land – nearly half the assured that we’re working closely with local island – in the January 2020 bushfire. staff, tourism operators and the community on fire recovery. We take the safety of our Six months on and as green shoots take hold visitors and staff seriously, particularly during in the landscape, parks are reopening to the COVID-19 pandemic, and our wide open visitors to share in a once-in-a-lifetime spaces are the perfect place to relax and opportunity to see the bush regenerating renew while practicing social distancing. around iconic sites such as Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. You can now drive a safe corridor through Flinders Chase National Park to see the As many people remark when they land on iconic sights of Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Kangaroo Island, it’s a big place – bigger than Arch, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and Weirs they expected it to be. The third largest island Cove. Seal Bay is ready to welcome you to a off the coast of Australia, Kangaroo Island is beach tour, walking trails across the island home to unique natural beauty and a wide remain open and at the end of the day you variety of things to see and do. can put your feet up with a stay in a unique Even as some parks experiences remain lighthouse keeper’s cottage. restricted because of bushfire recovery or Thank you for visiting and being part of the to be COVID-safe, there’s still so much to recovery of this special place. Every trip you explore here, particularly in the parks that make and every dollar you spend will make a conserve an array of natural environments bigger difference to the Kangaroo Island and provide habitat to an abundant range community than you’re ever likely to know. of wildlife. To keep up to date with fire recovery, park This little book is a moment in time that openings and COVID-19 updates check shares some of the best parks and parks parks.sa.gov.au and facebook.com/NPWSSA experiences that are ready to welcome you right now.

Cover image © South Australian Tourism Commission Contents

Map...... 2 What’s open?...... 4 Welcome, you’re here. Now what can you do that’s near?...... 8 Five of Kangaroo Island’s best wildlife experiences...... 10 Know before you go...... 12 Parks that are open now...... 14 Stay in parks...... 18 Walking trails that are open now...... 19 Wildlife notes...... 26 Bushfire safety for travellers...... 28

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 Cape Jervis Stokes Sanctuary Beatrice Snelling of Shoals Western River Bay Zone Islet CP Marine Park Sanctuary Beach Sanctuary Cape Jervis Talisker CP Cove Snelling Western River Zone Beatrice ZoSnaenctuary Beach Talisker CP Cove Lathami CP Islet CP Deep Zone Kingscote BAC Creek CP Lathami CP Kingscote KS Deep Sanctuary Western River WPA Cygnet 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 Cape Borda Torrens WCPaApe IG Penneshaw S G Cape BordCahase NP H AY Baudin CP S E Parndana CP HW D Nepean Bay 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 TaylorM CoPunt Gantheaume CP D'Estrees Bay Taylor CP Seal FlindFelirnsders SOUTH BayS eCaPl CO Bay CP SOUTH AST OAD ChasCeh NasPe NP h res Kelly Hill CP COAST R D Maupertuis it tr ROA Cape Cape w ic Kelly Hill CP Vivonne 4 Cape Maupertuis n t Cape Cape 4 Bay e i Vivonne Gantheaume CP o Cape Bay Gantheaume WPA Gantheaume CP

Bay p Bn ouguer WPA Bay Gantheaume WPA s O Bouguer WPA Sanctuary Hanson Sanctuary Hanson Vivonne Zone Bay Vivonne Zone Cape du Couedic Bay 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

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

2 National parks of Kangaroo Island Walking trails 1. Beyeria Walk – page 19 4. Tadpole Cove Walk – page 22 2. Ironstone Hill Hike – page20 5. Timber Creek Walk – page 23 3. Cape Willoughby Lightstation 6. Bald Hill Walk – page 24 Heritage Hike – page 21 7. Curley Creek Hike – page 25

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 Sanctuary Beach Sanctuary Cape Jervis Talisker CP Snelling Cove Western River Zone Beach Zone Beatrice Talisker CP Sanctuary Deep Cove Lathami CP Islet CP Kingscote Zone BA Creek CP Lathami CP Kingscote Deep CK Western River WPA Cygnet ST Sanctuary rn 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 Flinders Lagoon Flinders SOUTH Seal Bay CP SOUTH COAST D Bay CP ROA Chase NP Chase NP COKAeSlTly Hill CP AD Cape Maupertuis 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 WPA Sanctuary Hanson Sanctuary Hanson Vivonne Zone Bay Vivonne Zone Cape du Couedic Bay 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 Sealed road Sealed road Open DEW managedOpen park DEW managed park Marine 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 - Sanctuary Zone Marine 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 only Passenger 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 Wilderness Protection 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

Cape Gantheaume CP Gantheaume Cape Area

$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 pg 7 p.18 9 am Flinders Chase NP Y Y N N N N N N Y N Y N Y N N N N N N Y N Y N -5 pm 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

Seal Bay CP See pg 6 Y Y N N N N N N Y N Y N Y N N Y Y N N Y Y Y N

COVID-19 update: In the interest of public health we are operating under COVID-safe restrictions. This means that sites such as visitor information centres and experiences such as guided tours may be closed or restricted. Please check parks.sa.gov.au for up to date information and book tours before you go.

4 National parks of Kangaroo Island Seal Bay CP Bay Seal Lashmar CP Flinders Chase NP Willoughby CP Cape CP Beyeria Baudin CP Cape Gantheaume CP Area Wilderness Protection Gantheaume Cape BayD'Estrees Murray Lagoon 24/7 24/7 24/7 See pg 6 pg See 24/7 pm -5 9 am 7 pg See 24/7 24/7

Opening hours Y N Y Y N N N N N Tours Y N Y Y N N N N N Tour fees N N N N N N N N N Vehicle entry fees N Y N N Y Y N N N Camping N $16 N N $16 $16 N N N Camping fees N N N Y N N N N N Accommodation N N N p.18 see $236 N N N N N Accommodation

fees N N N N N N N N N Dogs allowed Y Y Y Y N N N N N Toilets R N N N N N N N Y N Campfire restrictions apply, see pages 12 and 16 and parks.sa.gov.au and 16 and 12 pages see apply, restrictions Campfire Campfires R Y N N N N N Y N Y Water N N N N N N N Y N Fishing Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Easy walk N N N Y N Y N N N Moderate hike N Y N N N N N N N Trek Y N N N N N Y N N Information centre Y N N N N N Y N N Refreshments and souvenirs N N N N N N N Y N Picnic area N N N N N N N Y N National parks of Kangaroo Island BBQ for more information. N N N N N N Y N Y Wheelchair access accommodation Book camping, parks.sa.gov.au

and tours at N N N N N N Y N N Public phone Y N Y Y N N Y N Y Lookout

N N N N N N N N N

5 Drones allowed Seal Bay CP Certificate of Excellence Park opening hours: 9 am-5 pm daily bookable up to 9 hours before (except Christmas Day) - last entry 4 pm. tour departure. Please note: additional tours run Self-guided boardwalk tours are also during South Australian school holidays available for walk-ins. and public holidays – please check our website for details. Tour times are Note: Due to COVID-19 gathering subject to change. restrictions delays may be experienced Seal Bay guided tours for both the guided tours and boardwalk, Guided tours are available, book at especially over long weekends and sealbay.sa.gov.au before you go school holidays. to avoid disappointment. Tours are T: 08 8553 4463

Flinders Chase NP Park opening hours: 9 am-5 pm daily. Tours Note: The park has limited toilets, no Commercial tours operate in this park, rubbish bins and there is no food or drink check parks.sa.gov.au for details. available for purchase throughout the Self-guided tours park. Please be COVID-safe by Visitors can access a safe corridor of maintaining good hygiene and social Cape du Couedic Road and stop at the distancing, particularly at the iconic tourist drawcards of Remarkable boardwalk to Admirals Arch. Rocks, Admirals Arch, Cape du Couedic T: 08 8553 4463 Lighthouse and Weirs Cove. Details on page 16.

6 National parks of Kangaroo Island Cape Willoughby CP Park opening hours: sunrise to sunset. Note: Tours of the lighthouse are Visitor centre: Closed in the interest currently unavailable in the interest of of public health. public health. Tours Accommodation Modified tours of the lightstation grounds Open, book at parks.sa.gov.au are available during school holidays. Self- T: 08 8553 4466 guided tours are also available. Bookings and details at parks.sa.gov.au

Notes: Opening hours, tour times and prices are Seal Bay also offers sunset, private and subject to change. research tours, see parks.sa.gov.au/SealBay

National parks of Kangaroo Island 7 Welcome, you’re here. Now what can you do that’s near?

Get your ‘gram on at 1 Flinders Chase Much of Flinders Chase National Park was burnt in the January 2020 bushfires. The landscape is now recovering and you can visit the safe corridor that has been established along Cape du Couedic Road – including the part which has become one of the most instagrammable roads in South Australia. You can stop at the iconic tourist drawcards of Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and Weirs Cove. You’ll find car parking at each of these sites. © Quentin Chester

Stay in a heritage-listed 2 lighthouse keepers’ cottage Not only can you tour the grounds of 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 cosy 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.

8 National parks of Kangaroo Island Take a self-guided drive 3 to 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 19 for ideas on walks that range from easy 20 minute strolls to more challenging four-hour return jaunts.

National parks of Kangaroo Island 9 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 17. 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

10 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 26 for information on how to experience wildlife safely and responsibly. 11 Know before you go

What’s open Getting about Most key sites and experiences operated The island is traversed by 1600km of by National Parks and Wildlife Service roads. The majority are unsealed. The South Australia are now open following the ironstone gravel used to form some January 2020 bushfires. However, sites unsealed roads resembles small marbles may operate under restrictions because of and can make the surface slippery. bushfire recovery activities and to be Unsealed roads are often corrugated and COVID-safe. bumpy – please drive carefully.

It’s best to check parks.sa.gov.au for Kangaroo Island has an abundance of up-to-date information before you go. wildlife. Please drive slowly. The best way to avoid a collision with wildlife is to reduce COVID-19 update: Social distancing speed and avoid driving in the early should be practiced at all times. Please morning, late afternoon and at night. do not visit a park if you are feeling sick or are required to self-isolate.

What’s closed National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia 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: • Ravine des Casoars Wilderness • Kelly Hill Conservation Park Protection Area • Cape Bouguer Wilderness • Cape Torrens Wilderness Protection Area Protection Area • Parndana Conservation Park • Mount Taylor Conservation Park • Lathami Conservation Park • Western River Wilderness • Vivonne Bay Conservation Park Protection Area • Seddon Conservation Park

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

12 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 28. 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 13 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 20. 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 Book process of change and rare endemic plants that grow in the area. camping online at Walk parks.sa.gov.au Beyeria Walk page 19.

14 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 22.

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 23, Bald Hill Walk page 24, Curley Creek Hike page 25. 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 National Parks office, Kingscote. Historically D’Estrees Bay was the site of a whaling station and later partly cleared for Trek Cape Gantheaume Coastal Trek (Seasonal farming. Today the area conserves coastal closure applies, contact park office or visit vegetation and provides habitat for wildlife. for latest closure Relax at D’Estrees Bay by doing the parks.sa.gov.au information).

National parks of Kangaroo Island 15 Cape Willoughby Flinders Chase Conservation Park National Park Cape Willoughby Lightstation This park is home to beautiful coastal landscapes and iconic features such as Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. The ocean backdrop to Cape Willoughby The majority of the park and much of its Lightstation is spectacular. In line with infrastructure was burnt in the January COVID-19 restrictions, modified tours of 2020 bushfire. The good news is that green the lightstation grounds are available shoots are emerging from vegetation in the during school holidays. Self-guided tours park and there are native animal sightings are also available. Hear stories about in the area such as goannas, eagles, working and living in such a harsh and kangaroos and KI echidnas. remote environment. Learn about the importance of coastal shipping to early It now offers an incredible opportunity to colonial trading and passenger transport witness a landscape regenerating after fire well into the 20th century. Bookings and and is open for self-guided tours and details at parks.sa.gov.au commercial tours along a safe corridor that has been established along Cape du Walks and tours Couedic Road. You can stop at the iconic A range of walks, tours and self-guided tourist drawcards of Remarkable Rocks, tours are available. Admirals Arch, Cape du Couedic Accommodation Lighthouse and Weirs Cove. You’ll find car Heritage lightkeepers’ cottages – Seymour parking at each of these sites. Cottage, Thomas Cottage page 18. Once at the sites you can browse around On the way to or from Cape Willoughby, them on-foot. Please pack enough water visit Baudin and Lashmar conservation and snacks for your visit, take your rubbish parks. with you and leave no trace. This will give our bushland the best chance of recovery. The park has limited toilets, and there is no food or drink available for purchase throughout the park. We urge you to stick to the safe road and take extra care for roaming wildlife to give the fragile environment time and space for regeneration and recovery.

16 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 and barbecue facilities are available at nearby Bales Bay, a few kilometres drive away. The beach at Bales Bay is part of the Cape Seal Bay is home to the third largest Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area. population of one of the world’s rarest marine mammals, the Australian sea-lion. Seal Bay Sanctuary Zone adjoins Seal Guided beach tours give visitors the Bay Conservation Park to protect the opportunity to observe the natural immediate marine habitat of the Australian behaviour of these wild animals. sea-lions. Please be aware of the restrictions in these zones. The 900 metre Don Dixon boardwalk is an Opening hours and tours easy stroll through the terrestrial habitat of the Australian sea-lion. A platform See page 6. overlooking the beach gives visitors a great view of sea-lions resting and coming and going from foraging trips at sea. The boardwalk has interpretive signage along the way giving visitors an overview of the habits of the Australian sea-lion.

National parks of Kangaroo Island 17 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 parks office, 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

18Flinders 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 19 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 Fleurieu Peninsula. 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

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20 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

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

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National parks of Kangaroo Island 21 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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22 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 23 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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24 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 25 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

26 National parks of Kangaroo Island National parks of Kangaroo Island 27 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 National Parks office, how likely a bushfire is to occur, but how 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.

28 National parks of Kangaroo Island Plan your trip

National parks of Kangaroo Island 29 Seal Certificate of Excellence Bay Tour times Guided tours are available, book at sealbay.sa.gov.au before you go to avoid disappointment. Tours are bookable up to 9 hours before tour departure. Self-guided Seal Bay is Kangaroo boardwalk tours are also available for walk-ins. Island’s premier tourist Please note: additional tours run during South Australian school holidays and public holidays – please check our attraction and is consistently website for details. Tour times are subject to change. in South Australia’s top ten Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions delays may be experienced for both the guided tours and boardwalk, tourist destinations, as voted especially over long weekends and school holidays. on TripAdvisor. See below for more contact details or visit parks.sa.gov.au/SealBay

Further information Seal Bay National Parks Office, Kingscote T: (08) 8553 4463 37 Dauncey Street, Kingscote SA 5223 E: [email protected] T: (08) 8553 4444 | E: [email protected] Cape Willoughby Lightstation T: (08) 8553 4466 E: [email protected]

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