Bushwalking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, keep fit and spend time with family and friends. South Australia's national parks feature a range of trails that let you experience a diversity of landscapes.
Easy walks
Stringybark Loop Walk (30 min loop, 1.5 km)
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A short, relatively flat walk through old growth stringybark forest. There is a lot of wildlife in this area of the park. Close to the popular Stringybark campsite, this walk is ideal for families. The walk starts at the picnic ground near park headquarters on Tapanappa Road.
Forest Circuit Walk (1 hr return, 2.6 km)
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This is a fairly flat and easy stroll through tall stringybark forest. This is a lovely morning or late afternoon walk. In autumn you may see fog settle among the trees. In late winter and early spring you will see a profusion of wildflowers. The trail starts from Stringybark Campground, opposite site 10.
Goondooloo Ridge Walk (2 hrs return, 4 km)
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This trail along Goondooloo Ridge offers spectacular views of Backstairs Passage. Along the way you can often view large mobs of kangaroos grazing in the open fields, or resting under eucalypts. This walk begins at the Aaron Creek picnic area located on Blowhole Road, 15 metres from Goondooloo Cottage.
Spring Wildflower Walk (2.5 hrs return, 5 km)
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A perfect nature walk. You'll see native wildflowers during late winter and early spring in this regenerating sclerophyll forest. The walk follows roads and fire trails so it is fairly flat and good for families. The trail starts at Stringybark Campground, opposite site nine.
Moderate hikes
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tent Rock Road (2 hrs return, 3.5 km)
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Incorporating part of the famous Heysen Trail, this hike takes you down to a year-round waterfall nestled in the heart of the park. Along the way you can see spectacular views of densely wooded hills. Although short, certain parts of this hike can be quite steep. The trail starts from the car parking area on Tent Rock Road.
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Trig Picnic Area (2.5 hrs, 6.4 km)
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On this popular trail you'll have great views of the Southern Ocean as you wind your way down to the secluded cove where Deep Creek finishes its journey to the ocean. Be prepared to scramble over rocks to get down to the cove. The trail starts at the Trig Picnic Area. Follow Tent Rock Road past Trig Campground to the picnic area.
Aaron Creek Circuit Hike (3 hrs return, 5.5 km)
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One of the park's hidden gems. This hard but rewarding hike takes you down to Aaron Creek through tall gums and scented wattles. In winter (the best time for this hike) you will pass a cascading waterfall. Be prepared for moderate inclines and some rock scrambling. The trail starts at the car park, 15m from Goondooloo Cottage, on Blowhole Creek Road.
Talisker Silver Lead Mine Hike (2.5 hrs return, 6.4 km)
This interpretive hike, in Talisker Conservation Park, guides you through a nineteenth century mining and ore processing operation. Learn about the ingenuity of the Cornish miners and their families as you walk through naturally regenerating bushland teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. The trail starts in Talisker Conservation Park, 9km west of Deep Creek.
Hard hikes
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Tapanappa Lookout (2.5 hrs return, 3.4 km)
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A rugged coastal hike through steep terrain and dense vegetation with spectacular views of Deep Creek. Suited to experienced and fit bushwalkers. Be prepared to scramble over steep rocks on your way down to the cove. The trail starts at the Tapanappa Lookout. It can also be started from Tapanappa Campground (add 3km return).
Blowhole Beach Hike (2.5 hrs return, 3 km)
This trail winds down a steep hill to beautiful Blowhole Beach, a popular local fishing and surfing spot. From the picnic area at Cobbler Hill you'll have extensive views of Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo Island. This hike may seem easy on the way down, but on the return climb the incline is steep. The trail starts from Cobbler Hill Picnic Area, on Blowhole Creek Road.
Blowhole Beach - Cobbler Hill Marrano Creek Hike (3.5 hrs return, 6.7 km)
See excellent views of Kangaroo Island and The Pages Islands on this loop, which follows the Blowhole Beach Hike down to the beach, joins the famous Heysen Trail and follows it up to Cobbler Hill Campground and Marrano Creek. Take the main road to finish back at the Cobbler Hill Picnic Area. The trail starts from Cobbler Hill Picnic Area or Cobbler Hill Campground.
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tapanappa Lookout (3.5 hrs return, 7 km)
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See excellent views of Deep Creek amid the park's renowned thick vegetation and rugged terrain on this hike for experienced and fit walkers to the waterfall. The trail begins at the Tapanappa Lookout. Alternatively you can start from Tapanappa Campground (add an extra 3km return).
Boat Harbor Circuit Hike (4 hrs, 7.3 km)
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Taking in part of the Heysen Trail, this unique hike has breathtaking views of Kangaroo Island, The Pages Islands and Tunkalilla Beach. Those prepared for a steep trail and rock scramble can take a small diversion off the circuit trail to Boat Harbor Beach, a rocky cove where Boat Harbor Creek enters the Southern Ocean. The trail begins on Tapanappa Ridge. Follow the road towards Tapanappa Campground and turn to the ridge on your left before reaching the campground. This hike does not start at Tapanappa Lookout.
Aaron Creek Hike (6 hrs return, 11 km)
The first section of this magnificent trail follows the Aaron Creek Circuit Hike, then into natural bushland. After a steep climb you'll look out to Kangaroo Island before descending into a small rocky cove. This hike is challenging but rewarding with steep sections and a rock scramble at the ocean end. Give yourself plenty of time. The trail starts at the car park on Blowhole Rd, 15m from the Goondooloo Cottage turn-off.
Deep Creek Circuit Hike (7 hrs return, 10.9 km)
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This hike offers some of the best ocean and bush views in the park. It takes you to the waterfall and down into Deep Creek Cove. In wet weather it can be difficult to cross Deep Creek, do not try to cross when flooded. Best taken in a clockwise direction, this is the most challenging trail in the park. Suited to experienced, fit walkers. The trail can be started from Trig Picnic Area or from Tapanappa Lookout.