For hikers traversing the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail from end to end, consider adding this optional side trip starting from Hakea Campsite. If you have 3-4 hours to spare, it's a worthwhile excursion, ideally timed at the end of Day 2 or the beginning of Day 3.
The Cape du Couedic Spur Trail leads south from Hakea Campsite, linking with the Weirs Cove Hike and continuing on to the Admirals Arch Walk. At Weirs Cove, marvel at the remains of the flying fox used to haul supplies up the 90-meter cliff from the jetty below. As you proceed, the silhouette of the lighthouse, erected in 1909, draws closer against the horizon. Pass by this historic structure and descend toward Admirals Arch, where you'll encounter long-nosed fur seals sunbathing on the rocks and within the cave.
A brief stroll along the headland from the carpark unveils Admirals Arch, a magnificent geological formation shaped by the relentless waves of the Southern Ocean. Descend the wide, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, keeping watch for seals below.
While the final section involves navigating stairs, the reward is well worth it. Descend further to enter Admirals Arch itself, where viewing platforms offer breathtaking close-up encounters with the playful seal colony.
For the return journey, you can retrace your steps or opt for the shorter but less scenic access road route.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 8658 m
Max elevation: 153 m
Min elevation: 15 m
Total climbing: 245 m
Total descent: -246 m
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Flinders Chase National Park awaits on Kangaroo Island, a 110km journey west of Kingscote. Choose your island adventure:
- Ferry: Set sail on SeaLink or KI Connect ferries from mainland South Australia.
- Flight: Take a scenic flight with Qantas or Rex for a bird's-eye view before landing on Kangaroo Island.
Once on the island, navigate to the park using Playford and West End Highways or the scenic South Coast Road.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
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 crown jewel, Flinders Chase National Park, offers a chance to explore a vast wilderness teeming with wildlife. Witness the otherworldly shapes of the Remarkable Rocks, their golden hues contrasting with the ever-changing ocean backdrop. Stand in awe at Admirals Arch, a natural wonder carved by relentless waves, and observe a colony of long-nosed fur seals basking on the shores below.
Entry fees are required, and while there's a Wi-Fi hotspot for payment at Rocky River, reception can be unreliable. For a smoother visit, consider purchasing your day pass beforehand. Park rangers are stationed within the park daily (9am-5pm) to answer your questions.
Be mindful of wildlife while driving, especially at dawn and dusk. Pack sufficient water and snacks, and adhere to leave-no-trace principles to ensure the park's continued health. Public toilets are limited, and there are no shops inside the park, so plan accordingly.
Flinders Chase National Park offers a unique experience year-round:
- Winter: Witness cascading rivers, diverse fungi, and blooming orchids.
- Spring: Experience an explosion of wildflowers, lively frogs, and breeding birds and animals. Spring and summer are perfect for camping, picnics, and exploring the many walking trails.
- Summer: Enjoy mild weather, ideal for swimming on pristine beaches. However, expect larger crowds during this peak season.
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.
Looking for things to do in Flinders Chase National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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.
3 Reviews on “KIWT: Admirals Arch Hike Trip Side (9km)”
oops got a walk ahead of myself in the previous comment.
We walked to Admirals Arch after setting up camp. It’s a nice trail walk with views of Remarkable Rocks and the lighthouse. However it took longer than expected.
The bonus was we had Admirals Arch to ourselves, as it was early evening by the time we got there. However it was dark by the time we left. So we walked back via the road, which was a long slog.
After the days trail walk and then this side trip, it made for a 20km day and I don’t mind admitting I was pretty shattered by the time we crawled into the tent.
Day 3 was better, under foot than Day 2, some rocky cliff top walking but also a lot of inland trails. The inland trails are good under foot, so you don’t need to concentrate so much on your foot fall and can enjoy the scenery.