The Ravine des Casoars Hike is a rewarding 7.4-kilometre journey through the namesake wilderness protection area in South Australia. Classified as a grade 3 hike, it typically takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete. The trail winds its way along the ravine valley, following the creek bank at times and offering scenic overlooks of the valley floor below.
This path holds historical significance. In 1802, French explorer Nicolas Baudin encountered the Kangaroo Island Emu here, mistakenly identifying it as a cassowary. Tragically, this flightless bird became extinct at least a decade before the first official settlement arrived in 1836.
The adventure begins on Ravine des Casoars Road, 7 kilometres south of the Playford Highway near Cape Borda Lightstation.
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: 7047 m
Max elevation: 89 m
Min elevation: 15 m
Total climbing: 155 m
Total descent: -155 m
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Accessing Ravine des Casoars requires a journey to Kangaroo Island. From Adelaide, you can either catch a ferry from Cape Jervis (around a 1.5-hour trip) or fly into Kingscote Airport (a 30-minute flight). Once on the island, you'll need a car to navigate the 80km distance west to the Ravine des Casoars. The route from Kingscote involves following the Playford Highway and West End Highway, offering a scenic drive through Kangaroo Island's heart.
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.
Carved out of Flinders Chase National Park in 1993, the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area shelters Kangaroo Island's western tip. Its diverse landscapes range from rugged coastlines with sandy beaches to rocky gorges carved by rivers, all interwoven with pockets of dense forest. The park's French name translates to "Gully of the Cassowaries," a poignant reminder of the dwarf cassowary, a flightless bird that once thrived here but is now extinct.
Today, the Ravine des Casoars provides a vital habitat for a variety of Australian wildlife, including endangered species like the southern cassowary (a relative of the extinct dwarf cassowary), the glossy black-cockatoo, and the western quokka. Visitors can explore this wilderness by hiking designated trails, camping under the stars, or simply observing the abundant wildlife. A highlight of the area is the Remarkable Rocks, a collection of precariously balanced granite boulders that draw visitors from around the world.
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.
1 Review on “Ravine Des Casoars Hike (7.4km)”
The Ravine Des Casoars Hike, located in the Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area on the western end of Kangaroo Island, is a truly scenic and varied walk. As you make your way through, you’ll experience a mix of rugged terrain, river crossings, and rocky paths, which add a bit of a challenge. The stunning landscapes include expansive caves, beautiful sand dunes, and vibrant wildflowers. The highlight of the hike is the impressive caves at the end of the beach, where you’ll find fascinating stalagmites and stalactites. It’s a rewarding experience that combines adventure with breathtaking natural beauty.