Know before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
The 74 km Wild South Coast Way follows the Heysen Trail in South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. As you walk, you’ll pass through scenic Deep Creek National Park and Newland Head Conservation Park, and a mix of beaches, farmlands, and road reserves. Along the way, there are several camping options, including four that are only accessible by foot.
Whether you prefer short loops, day hikes, or multi-day excursions, this trail has something for every level of hiker. And the best part? You do not need to book to walk the trail (just be sure to book your campsites). You can embark on your journey any day, in any direction, and tackle any part of the trail.
The trail caters for a variety of hiking styles, from short family walks to self-guided multi-day hikes, and everything in between. There are multiple places to step on and off the trail. Throughout Deep Creek National Park and Newland Head Conservation Park, the trail intersects with other trails, allowing you to undertake a loop walk or design your own adventure along the marked trails.
We’ve also picked out a range of hikes that showcase the most spectacular features of the trail. Options range from 30 minutes to the full five-day four-night experience. While these are our favourites, you are welcome to create your own adventure by using the network of trails that intersect with the Wild South Coast Way.
Licenced tour operators offer all-inclusive packages including guided walking and on-trail camping or off-trail accommodation. The trail is popular with school groups, but please note that the walk-in campgrounds have a capacity of 20 people.
You do not need to book to walk the trail; however you do need to book your campsites. Book online before you go, as mobile phone reception is limited along the trail and campgrounds fill up in peak periods.
The Wild South Coast Way is free for anyone to walk; however, all park campgrounds have a charge. The four walk-in only campgrounds are equipped with high-quality amenities that blend well with the surroundings and are designed sustainably. Therefore, these campsites are priced higher due to the added value they offer.
If planning to drive into Deep Creek National Park, visitors must pay a vehicle entry fee. And if you are leaving a vehicle in Deep Creek National Park overnight, you must pay a vehicle day entry fee for each day you are in the park.
The Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail offers an exciting, active adventure for walkers of all fitness levels.
The sections of the WSCW range in level of difficulty. Walking trails are graded according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System. Check the grade to help you work out if a walk will suit your level of fitness and experience.
Most of the trail is a grade 4 walk with steep climbs and descents, while some sections may be slightly flatter and easier at around a grade 3 walk. The grade 5 sections cater to those who were looking for challenging climbs and rock scrambling, requiring above average fitness from hikers.
For those looking for an easy walk, the grade 1 Kondoli – Keeper of Fire Walk and the grade 2 Goondooloo Ridge Walk are great options.
Four bespoke walk-in only campgrounds feature 10 camp sites with raised earth or timber platforms, toilets, untreated water, and a camp shelter with tables, food preparation spaces, sinks and even USB charging ports.
The four drive-in campgrounds along the trail are suitable for tents, with many sites suitable for camper trailers and caravans.
Self-contained accommodation is available in Deep Creek National Park and is managed by Southern Ocean Retreats. Other types of accommodation, ranging from off-grid cabins to luxury retreats, are available outside of the park, visit the South Australia tourism website or the Fleurieu Peninsula website.
Check the Book now page for more information.
Campfires are permitted at some campgrounds in Deep Creek National Park (Cobbler Hill, Trig and Tapanappa), outside of the Fire Ban Season. You must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within national parks is prohibited.
Campfires are not permitted at the walk-in campgrounds.
Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted at all campgrounds. The following conditions apply:
- Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for the parks.
- Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted through the year, other than on days of total fire ban.
- At walk-in campgrounds, gas fires and liquid fuel fires must only be used within the shelters — they are not allowed to be used at your campsite.
Gas, liquid or solid fuel fires are not permitted on private land along the trail.
Closures and safety
The parks are closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800362361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
The Wild South Coast Way is open year round except on days of Catastrophic fire danger.
The parks that the Wild South Coast Way traverses are closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800362361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
There may be other closures outside of fire season for sections of the trail, for example for feral animal control or prescribed burns within the parks. Check the Closures & alerts webpage for park closures and the Friends of the Heysen Trail website for other closures and reroutes.
Bushwalking safety
Ensure that you:
- Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
- Be aware of weather conditions and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day.
- Make sure you have appropriate weatherproof clothing.
- Carry enough water to be self-sufficient.
- Please be respectful of other users at all times.
- Stay on the designated trails and connector tracks for your own safety, and to prevent the spread of weeds and Phytophthora to other areas.
- Ensure someone knows your approximate location and expected time of return.
- Take appropriate maps.
- Select a walk to suit your level of fitness and experience by checking the Australian Walking Track Grading System.
Please help keep the Wild South Coast Way beautiful for future generations by following the Leave No Trace principles.
Camping safety
When camping along the Wild South Coast Way, it’s important to remember the following:
- Always let someone responsible know your travel plans, especially when travelling in remote areas. It’s a good idea to let them know when you expect to return.
- Check the weather forecast before you leave, including overnight temperatures on the Bureau of Meteorology. Even during very mild weather, the nights can get very cold.
- The quality and quantity of water cannot be guaranteed at campgrounds. Please bring plenty of water and food to be self-sufficient. Water at campgrounds should be treated before use.
- Always camp in designated sites. It’s also a good idea to check that there are no insect nests nearby.
- If campfires are permitted, you must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within national parks is prohibited. Extinguish your campfire with water (not sand or dirt) until the hissing sound stops.
- Ensure that you are familiar with the fire restrictions along the trail.
Water safety
- Strong currents and rips can make swimming dangerous along the coastline.
- Do not climb on slippery rocks along the coastline or rivers.
- Do not attempt to cross rivers or creeks during periods of high flows.
The 450 m loop Kondoli – Keeper of Fire Walk follows a spray-sealed 1200 mm wide path. The trail includes several spots to sit and take in the coastal views, as well as undercover picnic areas. Interpretive signs tell the story of how Ramindjeri people came about the tools to create fire.
The 4.2 km return Goondooloo Ridge Walk is a spur trail off the main Wild South Coast Way trail and has a hard packed surface, about 1 m wide, and slopes gently down towards the Goondooloo Lookout. The lookout offers spectacular views across Backstairs Passage and The Pages island group to Kangaroo Island. The walk is a grade 2 trail so some people may require assistance. The trail is suitable for prams.
The SA National Parks app provides options for visually or hearing-impaired visitors including voiceover, audio transcripts and image descriptions. Multilingual support is also provided, with 27 languages supported.
Parking
There are two accessible parking spaces at Goondooloo picnic area and one at Tapanappa Lookout.
Toilets
There are accessible toilets at Goondooloo picnic area and Tapanappa Lookout (Deep Creek National Park), Waitpinga Beach (Newland Head National Park) and Muwerang Kent Reserve in Victor Harbor.
Camping
There are two accessible campsites available at Stringybark Campground in Deep Creek National Park. This campground is not located on the trail but is a short drive away. For more information, contact Deep Creek National Park Headquarters on (+618) 85980263.
Accommodation
Southern Ocean Retreats offers fully compliant wheelchair friendly accommodation at one of their Ridgetop Retreats in Deep Creek National Park. Check the Fleurieu Peninsula website for other providers.
TrailRider
The TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair allows people with limited mobility to explore the diverse trails. The one-wheeled chair is a cross between a wheelbarrow and sedan chair. The TrailRider requires a minimum of two reasonably fit people (one at each end of the chair).
The District Council of Yankalilla have a TrailRider wheelchair available for free hire for up to three days. Chair users are required to bring a bike helmet and undertake a chair induction via short video prior to use. It weighs 25kg but can easily disassemble and fit in the back of most medium sized SUVs.
The TrailRider can be used on a number of different walking trails and in a variety of locations, including along the Wild South Coast Way. You will need two or four fit helpers, depending on the trails you wish to travel and the strength and level of fitness of your helpers. The chair is motorised, making it easier to explore some steeper and longer trails.
Visit the Deep Creek National Park webpage to find out more.
The amount of gear you need depends on the length and difficulty of your walk, and the weather conditions of the day. Water, sunscreen and a hat are bushwalking essentials for any walk. Check out our packing guide which includes recommendations for both day walks and multi-day hikes.
If you are doing a multi-day or long hike, you should be self-sufficient and carry enough water with you to last you the day on each leg of the trail — at least three to four litres per person per day.
Untreated rainwater tanks are available at each of the four walk-in campgrounds, and at Waitpinga Campground in Newland Head Conservation Park.
Cape Jervis to Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi (Eagle Waterhole Campground) — Full day, 16 km
Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi (Eagle Waterhole Campground) to Tapanappa / Yapari Ngawanthi (Cliffs Campground) — Full day, 13 km
Tapanappa to Ballaparudda Creek / Kurri Ngawanthi (Creek Campground) — Full day, 18 km
Ballaparudda Creek to Newland Head / Natunyuru Ngawanthi (Sand Dunes Campground) — Full day, 13 km
Newland Head to Victor Harbor — Full day, 14 km
Note: the distances listed above are between the walk-in campgrounds. There are several vehicle-based campgrounds located along or near the trail; check a map for their locations. Distances are approximate.
The Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail is located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor.
The trail can be accessed from multiple points. The following locations provide direct step-on access, can be reached by vehicles and have car parking:
- Cape Jervis (the WSCW trailhead is located behind the ferry terminal)
- SeaLink offer a secure long-term carpark at the ferry terminal for a fee. Must be booked ahead of your arrival.
- Big 4 Cape Jervis Holiday Park offers a secure long-term carpark for a small fee and also offers a free shuttle service to the ferry terminal.
- Fishery Beach
- Blowhole Beach — 4WD access only (Deep Creek National Park*)
- Cobbler Hill Campground (Deep Creek National Park*)
- Trig Campground (Deep Creek National Park*)
- Tapanappa Ridge Lookout or Tapanappa Campground (Deep Creek National Park*)
- The Pages Lookout (Deep Creek National Park*)
- Boat Harbor Road — 4WD access only (Deep Creek National Park*)
- Tunkalilla Road — 4WD access only
- Ballaparudda Creek Recreation Park, Mount Scrub Road
- Parsons Beach Road (Newland Head Conservation Park)
- Waitpinga Beach (Newland Head Conservation Park)
- Waitpinga Campground (Newland Head Conservation Park)
- Kings Beach
- Longkewar (The Bluff)
- Muwerang Kent Reserve, Victor Harbor
Check parking restrictions, ensure your vehicle is locked and do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
*If you are planning to drive into Deep Creek National Park, you must pay a vehicle entry fee. And if you are leaving a vehicle in Deep Creek National Park overnight, you must pay a vehicle day entry fee for each day you are in the park and park only in day visitor areas (unless you have booked a campsite in one of the vehicle-based campgrounds).
Bus options
Getting to Victor Harbor: LinkSA runs a bus service departing from central Adelaide and arriving in Victor Harbor most days of the week.
Getting to Cape Jervis: SeaLink offers a daily coach service between Adelaide and Cape Jervis, and between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor. For a coach connection timetable with pick-up and drop off locations visit the SeaLink timetables webpage.
The Backyard Universe run door-to-door shuttle bus services for the southern Heysen Trail and southern Fleurieu Peninsula; including transfers to and from Adelaide airport and the Kangaroo Island ferries.
Some accommodation providers may also offer shuttle services to the trail.
View an interactive map of the Wild South Coast Way, including campground locations.
Park maps
Campground maps
- Wuldi Krikin (Eagle Waterhole) campground map
- Yapari Ngawanthi (Cliffs) campground map
- Kurri Ngawanthi (Creek) campground map
- Natunyuru Ngawanthi (Sand Dunes) — campground map
- Waitpinga — campground map
Maps of the Heysen Trail
There are various maps available, including a series of eight official Heysen Trail sheet maps. Map 1: Cape Jervis to Kuitpo Forest includes detailed 1:50000 topographic maps of the Wild South Coast Way. These map sheets are available for purchase online from Mapland, the Friends of the Heysen Trail, leading outdoor stores and map retailers. Digital versions of these maps are also available via the Avenza Map app — see below.
To view the Heysen Trail in interactive maps or to download GPX files to use on a handheld GPS unit, visit the Friends of the Heysen Trail.
Maps on mobile
If you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the free Avenza Map app and have interactive national park maps on hand when you need them.
The app uses your device’s built-in GPS to plot your real-time location within the park onto a map. The app can be used without a network connection and without roaming charges. You can also measure area and distance, plot photos and drop placemark pins.
How to get it working on your device:
- Download the Avenza Maps app from the app store (iOS/Android) whilst you are still in range (it’s free!).
- Open up the app and click the shopping cart icon.
- Click‘Find’ and type the name of the national park or reserve you are looking for.
- Click on the map you are after and install it (all our maps are free).
- You will now find a list of your installed maps on the home page of the Avenza Maps app.
- Use our maps through the Avenza Maps app while in the park and never take a wrong turn again.
The topographic Heysen Trail Map 1: Cape Jervis to Kuitpo Forest is available to purchase on Avenza for a small fee. Depending on the section you require, search for:
- ‘Heysen Trail Map 1’ (Cape Jervis to Kuitpo Forest)
- ‘Heysen Trail map 1a’ (Cape Jervis to Tunkalilla)
- ‘Heysen Trail map 1b’ (Tunkalilla Beach to Victor Harbor)
Google Street View
Want to explore a trail before you leave home or use Google Maps to navigate straight from your door to the trailhead?
We’ve worked with Google to film more than 600 km of walking trails, park roads, campgrounds and waterways in some of our most beautiful places. Click to see what the parks offer and the available facilities before you go. This is an especially great tool if you have accessibility needs, are visiting with people of varying ages or fitness levels or are pushing a pram and want to view a trail before leaving home.
You can start exploring some sections of the Wild South Coast Way on Google Street View using the links below.
Mobile phone coverage can be patchy and unreliable along the trail, especially if you are in low-lying areas. If using the Avenza PDF Maps app or the SA National Parks Tour app, download the content before you go.
There is always something to catch your eye along the Wild South Coast Way. For some suggestions for unmissable spots, check out the What you’ll love page.
Every season on the Wild South Coast Way offers something different, so you’re sure to have an amazing experience whenever you visit. The Fleurieu Peninsula’s weather is variable year round and changes in temperature and conditions can occur suddenly and without much warning given the trail’s exposed location. You’re likely to experience a bit of everything on your walk – sunshine, wind and rain.
Spring (September — November): the season of rebirth and a wonderful time to see the spectacular array of wildflowers, reptiles, frogs, birds and butterflies galore. With sunny days and early mornings perfect for adventure and an ideal time to explore.
Summer (December – February): wildlife retreats to bushland habitat to shelter during the heat of the day, summer wildflowers and the new growth of native trees add colour to the landscape and cool sea breezes provide relief on hot days. Share early morning beach adventures with shorebirds and uncover natural treasures.
Autumn (March – May): a time of transition with modest rainfall bringing waterways back to life and providing new growth for wildlife to feed on and sea winds are calmer. Sea treasures are washed ashore.
Winter (June – August): orchids, moss and fungi are prolific, rivers are flowing, winter swells crash into towering cliffs providing a breathtaking spectacle, echidnas form‘mating trains’ where up to eight males follow a female around, majestic southern right whales pass the shores and high rainfall produces lush, green vegetation.
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero (000)
Police Assistance
Phone: 131444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – After-hours duty officer
Phone: 0427 556 676 (emergencies only)
Yes. Keep in mind that each of the walk-in campgrounds have a limit of 20 people (max. 2 people per campsite). Book online before you go.
If your group is larger, you’ll need to stay in one of the vehicle-based campgrounds in Deep Creek National Park or Newland Head Conservation Park, or stay off the trail.
Located forty minutes South of Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers some of South Australia’s finest coastal, scenic and culinary experiences. Spend quality time in nature’s playground discovering charming and historic townships. Check out Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism to find out more.
Want to help maintain the Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail?
The not-for-profit organisation the Friends of the Heysen Trail maintains the Heysen Trail in partnership with the Department for Environment and Water.
The Friends of the Heysen Trail also offer a regular walking program year-wide, with different grades of walks catering for beginners to experienced walkers.
To find out more about the Friends of the Heysen Trail please visit the Friends of the Heysen Trail.
Want to join others and become a Park Friend?
To find out more about Friends of Parks groups please visit Friends of Parks South Australia.
You could join others to help look after a park. You can take part in working bees, training and other events.
Become a Campground Host
Combine your love of camping with doing a good deed by becoming a volunteer campground host in this park.
A campground host is a volunteer who stays at the park either for a specific peak period, like the Easter break or a long weekend, or an extended period of time (up to a few months) to support park rangers.
If you are passionate about the environment, a keen camper, like to meet people from all around the world, and are a happy to help, then hosting could be right up your alley.
Visitor information and park management
Deep Creek National Park Headquarters
Phone: (+618) 8598 0263
All camping booking enquiries:
Victor Harbor National Parks and Wildlife Service Office
Phone: (+61) 7133 7300
Email: DEW.FleurieuOnlineBookings@sa.gov.au
Fleurieu Peninsula visitor information
Visit Fleurieu Coast
Fleurieu Coast Visitor Information Centre (Yankalilla)
Phone: (+618) 8558 0240
Email: cooee@visitfleurieucoast.com.au
Visit Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor Visitor Information Centre
Phone: 1800 557 094
Email: vic@victor.sa.gov.au
SA National Parks Tours app
The SA National Parks Tours App shares cultural stories of the area, information about things to see and helpful hints for those walking along the Wild South Coast Way. Hear from Ramindjeri elders and park rangers, identify plants and animals along the trail, and take part in guided meditations. Download the app before you depart on the App Store or Google Store.
Heysen Trail information
Check out The Friends of the Heysen Trail website for detailed information on the Wild South Coast Way including distances, access points, and accommodation, transport and service providers.
Useful information
- Check out Your guide to the new family-friendly trail in Deep Creek National Park on the Good Living blog.
- Check out Nature Play SA’s 40 things to do in Deep Creek National Park.
- Explore what other nature and outdoor activities are available in this area on the South Australia Tourism website.
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