2 of the best long walks in South Australia

If you’re ready to step up your hiking, these 2 unique multi-day hikes will take your breath away this autumn.

Wild South Coast Way

Less than 2 hours drive from Adelaide, the Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail is one of Australia's most captivating coastal trails.

Embark on a journey where rugged cliffs meet the wild ocean across a 74km stretch between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbour on South Australia's south coast.

There are lots of bushwalking options to choose from. Each trail is graded to help you find the perfect one for you. The full, breathtaking experience can be walked over 5 days, or you might like to choose a section or 2 for an overnight trip.

If you’re planning a multi-day walk, camping at one of the camp­grounds along the way is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this stunning coastline. There are four walk-in only campgrounds and four drive-in campgrounds on or near the trail. You can check out an interactive map to see where campgrounds are located on the trail and plan ahead to book your campsite.

The Wild South Coast Way traces the final footsteps of an ancient ancestor named Ngurunderi, who is said to have shaped the landscapes, spiritual identities and cultural traditions of the Ngarrindjeri palek (people).

The trail connects the parks along our stunning southern coastline from Cape Jervis to Victor Harbor including Deep Creek National Park, Ballaparudda Creek Recreation Park and Newland Head Conservation Park and every day of the walk offers visitors a new experience and challenge.

To start planning your next walk, check out our online resources for the Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail.

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is a hidden gem among Australia's multi day walks that combines wildlife and wilderness in an extraordinary island adventure.

This world class 66km, 5-day walking trail gives you unparalleled access to some of the most rugged, remote and spectacular coastlines in South Australia.

Starting at the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre, it winds its way past the famous Platypus Waterholes and through dense eucalypt woodland filled with wildlife and native flora. Day 2 rewards walkers with the island’s wild and rugged coastline.

Walkers may spot bottle-nosed dolphins and between June and early October, even glimpse a Southern Right Whale on their annual migration. As the walk progresses through the Island’s unparalleled

beauty, walkers may see the Australian long-nosed fur seals and sea lions that visit this coastline.

The variety of terrain, wildlife and vegetation make this a walk that continues to delight with every step. There are many optional extensions for those who want to soak up even more of Kangaroo Island’s most remarkable landforms, including the Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, boat trips and Kelly Hill Caves. The walk concludes in Kel­ly Hill Con­ser­va­tion Park.

Autumn is the perfect time to walk this spectacular route through the most botan­i­cal­ly unique area in South Aus­tralia.

Her­itage accom­mo­da­tion and camp­ing is avail­able with­in Flinders Chase Nation­al Park or vis­it Kan­ga­roo Island Tourism for oth­er accom­mo­da­tion options close to the trail. Advance book­ings are essen­tial.

There are four ded­i­cat­ed overnight camp­ing areas along the trail. Each camp­ground offers pad or plat­form based tent camp­ing, uni­sex toi­lets, shel­ter for food prepa­ra­tion and cook­ing, fil­tered rain­wa­ter, boot clean­ing stations and basic camp fur­ni­ture for your comfort.

To plan your trip take a look at our trip essentials or to learn more, visit https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/experiences/kiwt

Love multi-day hikes? Check out these 4 parks perfect for overnight hiking trips.