The Burgess & May Circuit Walk is a short loop trail (1.2 kilometers) suitable for most fitness levels (grade 3) within Kelly Hill Conservation Park, South Australia. This easy-to-moderate hike, taking approximately 45 minutes to complete, winds through the towering sugar gum forest above the famed Kelly Hill Caves. The trail serves not only as a scenic walk but also offers a glimpse into the cave system below. Hikers can observe the numerous sinkholes dotting the landscape, acting as natural drainage points for the caves. Interestingly, the trail even passes by the original entrance used to access the caves before modern exploration methods.
For visitors participating in a guided tour of the Show Cave, the Burgess & May Circuit Walk presents a unique alternative route to or from the cave entrance, adding another dimension to the Kelly Hill Caves experience. Additionally, during springtime, the trail transforms into a vibrant display of wildflowers, further enhancing the natural beauty of the area.
About KelÂly Hill Caves
Nestled within Kangaroo Island's Kelly Hill Conservation Park lies a remarkable geological wonder – a labyrinth of ancient limestone caves. Formed over two million years ago, the story of these caves begins with a fluctuating sea level. As the ocean receded, exposing the continental shelf, calcareous shell fragments were deposited by wind onto the island's southern and western coasts. Over time, these sediments hardened into a porous limestone, further sculpted by percolating rainwater. This process at Kelly Hill resulted in a vast underground network of sinkholes and caverns, believed to stretch for kilometers.
Venturing into these caves is like entering another world. Adorned with beautiful and delicate speleothems – stalagmites rising from the floor, stalactites hanging from the ceiling, and twisting helictites – the formations paint a mesmerizing picture. Towering columns complete the awe-inspiring scene, leaving visitors breathless before the majesty of nature's handiwork.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 1241 m
Max elevation: 54 m
Min elevation: 32 m
Total climbing: 28 m
Total descent: -28 m
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Nestled along Kangaroo Island's south coast, Kelly Hill Conservation Park is a must-visit for spelunking enthusiasts. The park is conveniently located near other island attractions, including Flinders Chase National Park and the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
For visitors arriving by car, the Kelly Hill Visitor Centre serves as the starting point for guided cave tours. Reaching the center takes roughly an hour's drive from Kingscote or 90 minutes from Penneshaw, following the South Coast Road. Since public transportation isn't available within the park, joining a guided tour is recommended for those without a vehicle.
For those unfamiliar with Kangaroo Island geography, Kelly Hill Conservation Park sits 85 kilometers southwest of Kingscote. If you're planning a trip to Kangaroo Island, you can reach the island from mainland South Australia via SeaLink or KI Connect ferries or by flying with Qantas.
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A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Kangaroo Island's Kelly Hill Conservation Park boasts a remarkable subterranean treasure: a network of ancient limestone caves. Discovered in the 1880s when a horse named Kelly fell through a hidden entrance, these caves have become a popular tourist destination.
Guided tours are the only way to access the caves. The standard show cave tour, offered regularly throughout the day, takes visitors on a journey past dramatic rock formations, colorful shawls adorning the cave walls, and towering stalagmites and stalactites. A captivating light show further enhances the beauty of these natural wonders. For a more adventurous experience, book an add-on caving tour, venturing deeper into the cave system.
Above ground, the Kelly Hill Visitor Centre serves as a starting point for various walking tracks catering to different interests. For a leisurely stroll, explore the surrounding bushland trails. The ambitious can embark on the Hanson Bay Hike, an 18-kilometer round-trip journey through diverse landscapes, including lagoons, woodlands, and sand dunes.
The Kelly Hill Caves are just one highlight of Kangaroo Island's natural wonders. Neighboring Flinders Chase National Park offers stunning rock formations like Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks. Seal Bay provides a chance to witness Australian fur seals basking on the beach. Explore the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, where koalas reside in the eucalyptus forests. The island's north coast boasts pristine beaches like Snellings Beach and Stokes Bay, while the interior offers scenic walks around Murray Lagoon.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
