Accommodation
Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area
Flinders Chase National Park is a must for any Kangaroo Island parks adventure. This vast area of wilderness features the iconic Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a long-nosed fur seal colony.
Sitting high on ancient rocky platforms above the sea, Remarkable Rocks’ surreal shapes and golden orange colours provide extraordinary photo opportunities. Admirals Arch at Cape du Couedic is not only an impressive rock arch, weather worn over thousands of years, it’s also home to a colony of long-nosed fur seals.
Flinders Chase National Park is recovering naturally following the 2019-20 summer bushfires, which burnt 96 per cent of the park (and the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area). Bushfires have played an integral part in shaping the ecology of the Australian landscape for millions of years. Many native plant species are adapted to survive, regenerate and thrive after fire and much of the park is regaining its green cloak of coastal health, mallee woodland and eucalypt forest. Goannas, koalas, eagles, kangaroos and echidnas are regularly spotted in the park.
Visitors can be part of the bushfire recovery journey by driving re-opened roads, including Cape du Couedic Road (and the wavy section which has become one of the most insta-famous roads in South Australia), visiting Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Weirs Cove and camping at West Bay and Harvey’s Return.
The heritage-listed May’s Homestead (sleeps 4) and Postman’s Cottage (sleeps 2) have been beautifully restored and now provide a distinctive heritage accommodation experience for visitors. Both properties are located at Rocky River, close enough to be booked together for sharing by a group, but far enough apart to be private. Guests can use the cosy self-contained accommodation as their base while exploring the western end of Kangaroo Island. Postman’s Cottage has been designed with accessibility in mind.
A selection of shorter trails have re-opened, including the Ravine des Casoars and Cape du Couedic hikes and the more challenging Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail.
Must-have rebuild works are being fast-tracked in Flinders Chase National Park. While they’re underway, you’ll find temporary facilities such as portable toilets at Rocky River.
Entry fees apply. There is a 24-hour wifi payment hotspot at Rocky River, 5 km inside the park entrance, but given the remote location the connection can be slow and it's best to pay day entry before you go. NPWS staff are in the park daily from 9am to 5pm.
Take care driving at all times and particularly at dawn and dusk, pack enough water and snacks for your visit, and leave no trace. This will give our bushland the best chance of recovery.
The park has limited toilets, there is no food or drink available for purchase throughout the park.
Vivonne Bay General Store is the closest supplier of food, drinks and fuel and the Western KI Caravan Park sells basic food, drinks and ice cream.
Pets, including dogs, are not permitted in the park.
Download the park map. Download the National Parks of Kangaroo Island Visitor Guide: May 2022.
Harvey Return campground
This campground is the old landing site for the lightstation and is near the historic light keepers’ cemetery. Cape Borda Lighthouse is within walking distance. The campsites provides very minimal shade and wind protection.
Access: 2WD and 4WD
Suitable for: tents, selected sites suitable for camper trailers and camper vans
Facilities: long-drop toilet, picnic area
Campfires: not allowed
Number of campsites: 8 allocated campsites
Electricity: unpoweredMays Homestead
This heritage-listed cottage offers contemporary and relaxed self-contained accommodation for up to four guests. Stunningly restored and updated, the cottage features a cosy lounge room, full kitchen/dining, two bedrooms, and a spacious bathroom.
Take the opportunity to disconnect from the busy world (there is no wifi or TV and phone reception is limited), and connect with your loved ones – board games and cards are provided.
There is reverse-cycle air-conditioning in the kitchen/dining and lounge room, and a wood-fired combustion heater in the lounge room.
Enjoy outdoor dining on the large paved deck and gathering around the fire pit in the cooler months (fire restrictions apply), while Cape Barren geese and kangaroos graze just steps away.
Shower chair and accessibility ramp available on request – contact Flinders Chase National Park prior to your visit on (+618) 8553 4444.Postmans Cottage
This heritage-listed cottage offers cosy self-contained accommodation for up to two guests. Stunningly restored and updated, the cottage features an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen, one bedroom with a queen size bed, and a spacious ensuite bathroom.
Designed with accessibility in mind, the cottage has step-free access throughout, spacious rooms, accessible bathroom with roll-in shower, wall-mounted shower chair and on-site disabled parking. Portable shower chair available on request – contact Flinders Chase National Park prior to your visit on (+618) 8553 4444. For more information, check the Accessibility web page.
The fully equipped kitchen includes an oven with 4‑burner stovetop, fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster, coffee plunger (BYO fancy coffee), cooking utensils, pots and pans, glassware, crockery and cutlery. Cooking basics (tea, instant coffee, sugar, oil, salt and pepper) are provided.
Take the opportunity to disconnect from the busy world (there is no wifi or TV and phone reception is limited), and connect with your loved ones – board games and cards are provided.
Enjoy outdoor dining on the large paved deck and gathering around the fire pit in the cooler months (fire restrictions apply), while Cape Barren geese and kangaroos graze just steps away.West Bay Campground (4WD)
Located at the western end of the park, this secluded campground set within a stunning coastal landscape is a short walk from a tranquil bay. There is very minimal shade at these campsites.
Access: 4WD only
Suitable for: tents and camper trailers
Facilities: long drop toilet, picnic area
Campfires:not allowed
Number of campsites: 8 allocated campsites
Electricity: unpowered