Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area
Please note electric vehicle chargers are currently out of order at the Flinders Chase National Park Visitor Centre. Details
Ravine Hike access road is currently restricted to 4WD vehicles following multiple sand blowouts. Details
More information
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Flinders Chase National Park is essential for any Kangaroo Island adventure. This expansive wilderness features iconic Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a long-nosed fur seal colony.
Perched on ancient rocky platforms above the sea, Remarkable Rocks’ surreal shapes and golden orange hues offer extraordinary photo opportunities. Admirals Arch at Cape du Couedic is not only an impressive rock arch, weathered over thousands of years, but also home to a colony of long-nosed fur seals.
Entry fees apply. Tickets can be purchased at the new visitor centre, which also houses The Rocks Café where you can enjoy a variety of food and drinks. NPWS staff are available in the park daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Drive carefully at all times, especially at dawn and dusk. Pack enough water and snacks for your visit, and leave no trace to support bushland recovery.
During a severe weather event with damaging winds, Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks may be closed for public safety. Please visit the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre or phone (+61) 0428 766 269 for current information.
Download the park map.
Open daily.
Customer Service staff available at the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre, located 800m outside the park on South Coast Road.
Address: 8125 S Coast Rd, Karatta SA 5223
Visitor information and bookings:
Flinders Chase Visitor Centre:
Phone: 0428 766 269
Email: FlindersChase@sa.gov.au
Park management and general enquiries:
National Parks Wildlife Service South Australia Kangaroo Island office (office hours)
Phone: (+61 8) 8553 4444
Emergency contacts:
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero — 000
Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – After-hours duty officer
Phone: 0477 334 898
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact National Parks Wildlife Service South Australia Kangaroo Island office on (08) 8553 4444 or the after-hours duty officer on 0477 334 898.
Outside of the park
Please contact the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network on 1300 KIWILD (1300 549 453) or 0459 153 419.
Marine mammals
If you find a sick or stranded marine mammal (including whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins), please contact National Parks Wildlife Service South Australia Kangaroo Island office on (08) 8553 4444 or the after-hours duty officer on 0477 334 898.
You can visit Flinders Chase all year round. The mood of the park changes with the seasons. In winter, you’ll see the rivers and creeks flowing, diverse colours and shapes of fungi, and orchids begin to bloom. Spring brings prolific wildflowers, the frogs call and the birds and animals are breeding. Spring and summer are a wonderful time for camping, picnicing and exploring the many walking trails throughout the park. Summer is a busy time with mostly mild weather perfect for beach going.
More information on planning a trip in South Australia and on local weather.
Flinders Chase National Park is located 110km west of Kingscote, on Kangaroo Island. Follow the Playford and West End Highways or the South Coast Road.
Visit the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre for Information and park fees.
Address: 8125 S Coast Rd, Karatta SA 5223.
You can get to Kangaroo Island from mainland South Australia on the SeaLink ferries or by flying out from Adelaide airport.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located at Rocky River and Cape du Couedic.
Admirals Arch
Unfortunately reaching the arch can be tricky – while there’s a purpose-built boardwalk to get there, it’s steep with steps at the end that take you to see the arch itself. If you can’t make it down to the arch, the scenery along the way is still well worth a journey along the boardwalk. There are several places where seats are provided to rest and enjoy the view. From the lookouts at the car park and boardwalk there are spectacular views of Casuarina islets, seal colonies, the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and the very dramatic coastline.
Remarkable Rocks
There is an accessible boardwalk out to Remarkable Rocks, improved carpark accessibility and accessible toilets (located near the car park, at the start of the boardwalk).
Postman’s Cottage
This heritage-listed cottage offers self-contained accommodation for up to two guests. Stunningly restored and updated, the cottage features an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen, one bedroom with a queen size bed, and a spacious bathroom. Book online.
Designed with accessibility in mind, the cottage has step-free access throughout, spacious rooms, accessible bathroom with roll-in shower with fold-down shower seat, and on-site disabled parking.
Postman’s Cottage key accessible features:
- Step-free accommodation
- The cement floors in the open plan area and tiled bathroom are smooth for easy movement with plenty of room to move around
- The bedroom has a queen bed with sufficient room for wheelchair access. It has lamps within reach of the bed
- On-site disabled parking
- The shower is an open plan roll-in shower with a wall-mounted shower chair provided (a moveable shower chair is available upon request)
- The shower has a handheld showerhead and there is grab bar
- Wheelchair accessible water basin
- Accessible toilet with grab bar
- Extended lever mixers.
Share your parks experience
Parks are for all to enjoy, we would love to hear from you about your experience in nature. You can share your comments, pictures and videos with us and others by tagging @NationalParksSA and #AccessNPSA on Facebook, Instagram or email us.
Pets are not permitted in this park.
Discover which parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park tool or read 17 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.
Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.
As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.
Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or contact the visitor service centre via email or on Facebook.
While work to rebuild after the 2019⁄20 fires continues, many of our facilities have reopened.
The Flinders Chase National Park Visitor Centre is 800m outside the park on the South Coast Road, follow signage there.
Bins are not provided within the park. Remember to leave no trace and take your rubbish with you.
Generators are not permitted in the park.
Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited throughout the year. Gas fires are permitted, other than on days of total fire ban.
- Explore what other nature and outdoor activities are available in this area on the South Australia Tourism website.
- Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail website
- Parks management plans
- Trails SA
- SA Marine Parks
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
- It is an offence to fly drones (remotely piloted aircraft) in South Australia’s national parks, reserves and marine park restricted access zones without a permit. Permits are considered for scientific research and commercial filming.
Flora and fauna species lists
To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the ‘Create Simple Species List’ tab under ‘Flora Tools’ or ‘Fauna Tools’ in NatureMaps.
Find out how wildlife has recovered following the 2019/2020 summer bushfires.
Phytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora), otherwise known as root-rot fungus, is killing our native plants and threatens the survival of animals depending on plants for food and shelter.
This introduced fungus can be found in plant roots, soil and water. Help stop the spread by using hygiene stations, staying on tracks and trails and by complying with all Phytophthora management signs.
Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.
There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.
In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia.
Following many decades of lobbying by the Royal Society of South Australia (Fauna and Flora Protection Committee), legislation was passed in 1919 to set aside the area known as Flinders Chase for the “Protection, Preservation and Propagation of Australian Fauna and Flora”. Later declared a National Park, Flinders Chase bears its name from the British explorer Matthew Flinders, one of the first European explorers to make landfall and officially name Kangaroo Island.
Prior to its preservation as a Flora and Fauna Reserve, various tracts of Flinders Chase were farmed by pastoralists including the May family who worked the Rocky River Pastoral Lease (surrounding the current day Visitor Centre) between 1893 until 1914. Evidence of the Mays’ hard work and toil can be observed through their hand-constructed dwellings in May’s Homestead and Postman’s Cottage.
Harvey’s Return Campground is the old landing site for the Cape Borda light station and is near the historic light keepers’ cemetery. A 4WD is recommended for camping at Harvey’s Return as the gravel road to the campsite can be quite corrugated. 2WD access is subject to road conditions.
West Bay Campground is located at the western end of Flinders Chase National Park, set within a stunning coastal landscape and a short walk from a tranquil bay. This campground is 4WD only and is not suitable for caravans or large vehicles.
Campsites need to be booked prior to arrival. Book online to reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance.
West Bay Campground, West Bay Road and Shackle Road may be closed seasonally as the roads are unsafe following rain events. Please read our park alerts or phone (+61 8) 8553 4444 for current information.
Part of the original Rocky River Homestead precinct, heritage-listed May’s Homestead and Postman’s Cottage have been brought back to life following the 2019 – 20 summer bushfires. Lovingly restored, with contemporary features throughout, the cottages offer a distinctive heritage encounter in one of South Australia’s most iconic national parks.
Both properties are located at Rocky River, close enough to be booked together for sharing by a group, but far enough apart to be private.
One-bedroom Postman’s Cottage has been designed with accessibility in mind, while two-bedroom May’s Homestead is ideal for families. The two buildings are walking distance from one another and can be booked together to accommodate large families or groups.
Situated 5 km into Flinders Chase National Park, this accommodation is the perfect location to immerse yourself in nature and make your base for exploring some of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic locations.
Book online to reserve your accommodation up to 12 months in advance.
May’s Homestead (2 bedroom, sleeps 4)
This heritage-listed cottage offers cosy self-contained accommodation for up to four guests. Stunningly restored and updated, the cottage features an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen, two bedrooms, and a spacious bathroom.
Bedroom 1 has a queen bed, while Bedroom 2 has two single beds.
The fully equipped kitchen includes an oven with 4‑burner stovetop, fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster, coffee plunger (BYO fancy coffee), cooking utensils, pots and pans, glassware, crockery and cutlery. Cooking basics (tea, instant coffee, sugar, oil, salt and pepper) are provided.
Take the opportunity to disconnect from the busy world (there is no wifi or TV and phone reception is limited), and connect with your loved ones – board games and cards are provided.
All linens and towels are provided. Hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner and body wash supplied.
There is reverse-cycle air-conditioning in the kitchen/dining and lounge room, and a wood-fired combustion heater in the lounge room.
Enjoy outdoor dining on the large paved deck and gathering around the fire pit in the cooler months (fire restrictions apply), while Cape Barren geese and kangaroos graze just steps away.
While the cottage is not fully accessible, an access ramp for the front door and a shower chair are available on request. Contact Flinders Chase National Park prior to your visit on (+618) 8553 4444.
Minimum two night stay.
Postman’s Cottage (1 bedroom, sleeps 2)
This heritage-listed cottage offers cosy self-contained accommodation for up to two guests. Stunningly restored and updated, the cottage features an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen, one bedroom with a queen size bed, and a spacious bathroom.
Designed with accessibility in mind, the cottage has step-free access throughout, spacious rooms, accessible bathroom with roll-in shower with fold-down shower seat, and on-site disabled parking.
The fully equipped kitchen includes an oven with 4‑burner stovetop, fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster, coffee plunger (BYO fancy coffee), cooking utensils, pots and pans, glassware, crockery and cutlery. Cooking basics (tea, instant coffee, sugar, oil, salt and pepper) are provided.
Take the opportunity to disconnect from the busy world (there is no wifi or TV and phone reception is limited), and connect with your loved ones – board games and cards are provided.
All linens and towels are provided. Hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner and body wash supplied.
There is a reverse-cycle air-conditioner in the bedroom, and a wood-fired combustion heater in the living area.
Enjoy outdoor dining on the large paved deck and gathering around the fire pit in the cooler months (fire restrictions apply), while Cape Barren geese and kangaroos graze just steps away.
Minimum two night stay.
Postman’s Cottage key accessible features:
- Step-free accommodation
- The cement floors in the open plan area and tiled bathroom are smooth for easy movement with plenty of room to move around
- The bedroom has a queen bed with sufficient room for wheelchair access. It has lamps within reach of the bed
- On-site disabled parking
- The shower is an open plan roll-in shower with a wall-mounted shower chair provided (a moveable shower chair is available upon request)
- The shower has a handheld showerhead and there is grab bar
- Wheelchair accessible water basin
- Accessible toilet with grab bar
- Extended lever mixers
Kangaroo Island’s rugged coastline offers keen bushwalkers spectacular coastal scenery, pristine rivers, tracts of undisturbed native vegetation and opportunities to observe abundant and diverse wildlife. Most of the coast is very isolated and provides trekkers with a true wilderness experience. Our trails cater for all levels of fitness and adventure and our classification system makes it easy to select an experience suitable for you.
- Walk, hike or trek — what’s the difference?
- Bushwalking safety
- Bushwalking minimum impact code
- Park trail maps
Moderate hikes
- Cape du Couedic Hike (40 min loop, 2km)
Spectacular coastal cliff top views and interpretive signs. Learn about the park’s coastal vegetation and maritime history.
Access: this trail starts at the Cape du Couedic day visitor area.
- Ravine Hike (3 hrs, 7km)
Explore the Valley of the Cassowaries, named after the now extinct dwarf emu. Take a shaded walk into the valley, then follow the river to a remote sandy beach.
Access: this trail starts from the car park on Ravine Road, in the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area.
Harveys Return Hike (30 mins, 1km)
This short hike follows the original route used by lightkeepers from nearby Cape Borda. Enjoy oceans views with striking landscapes, but come prepared for steep sections.
Access: this hike begins from the carpark at Harveys Return campsite. Look for the picnic table by campsite one for access to the trail.
- Return Road Hike (3 hrs, 9km)
This undulating hike follows the lightkeepers’ old cart track which transported suppliers between Harveys Return and Cape Borda. You’ll spot sugar gum woodland and the lightkeepers cemetery. The trail finished at Cape Borda, where you can extend your walk by completing the short Clifftop Hike to a lookout.
Access: This hike can begin at either Harveys Return or Cape Borda Lightstation.
Waterfall Creek Hike (2 hrs, 5km)
Follow the trail down to a creek and onto steeping stones that lead you to a winding trail to a lookout with stunning seasonal waterfall.
Access: This hike begins in the car park in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area, off Colmans Road.
- Platypus Waterholes walk (2 hrs, 4.5km)
After being devastated by the January 3, 2020 firestorm, the 4.5‑kilometer walking track along the Black Swamp and Rocky River has been rebuilt, allowing visitors to explore the habitat where the island’s platypus reside.
Access: This walk begins at Flinders Chase Visitor Centre.
Treks
- Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (5 days, 61km)
This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows walkers to see the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail environment as it’s never been seen before. Find out more.
Between mid-May and late October whales migrate from sub-Antarctic water to the comparatively warmer waters of the South Australian coast to calve and mate. While our whale visitors are mostly southern right whales, we also have sightings of sperm whales, humpbacks, blue whales and the occasional orca.
Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area offer ideal vantage points to see these majestic creatures. If you are visiting during whale season, keep an extra keen eye on the ocean at these following places
- Cape du Couedic Lookout (accessible only from the Cape du Couedic hike), Flinders Chase National Park
- Weirs Cove Lookout, Flinders Chase National Park
- Admirals Arch Lookouts, Flinders Chase National Park
- Cape Borda Lightstation, Flinders Chase National Park
- Scott Cove Lookout, Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area
Remarkable Rocks
Visit the exquisite naturally sculptured Remarkable Rocks whose formation lies atop a remnant granite outcrop.
Following the 2019 – 20 summer bushfires, the rebuilding of visitor facilities at this site is now complete. A new boardwalk, viewing platform and interpretive signage is now in place.
Admirals Arch
Located at Cape du Couedic, Admirals Arch is a beautiful natural rock arch that displays the power of the ocean and weathering which has shaped the coastline. This area is also home to a large breeding colony of long-nosed fur seals.
During a severe weather event with damaging winds, Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks may be closed for public safety. Please visit the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre or phone (+61) 0428 766 269 for current information.
Cape Borda Lightstation
Drive Shackle Road to Cape Borda. Once there, you can explore the Cape Borda Lightstation that sits upon towering cliffs overlooking Investigator Strait. Take a self-guided tour around the Cape Borda Lightstation settlement. It will give you an insight into the early lightkeepers’ living conditions, and how isolation and a demanding routine dominated their often harsh lives. Book your self guided tour online before you go.
After the self-guided tour, enjoy a stroll along one of the walking trails around the park including the Clifftop Hike. This short trail through a picturesque rock garden takes you to a stone lookout that provides an ideal vantage point for spotting whales and dolphins.
You can ride your bike on roads open to the public. All walking trails within the park are for pedestrians only.
Fishing is actively managed in South Australia by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA.
Check out these useful links before embarking on your fishing adventure:
In Flinders Chase National Park you can see a range of wildlife.
Find out how wildlife has recovered following the 2019/2020 summer bushfires.
Here are some of the animals you may encounter:
Kangaroo Island kangaroo
This kangaroo is smaller, darker and longer furred than its closest mainland relative. During the day they often rest under vegetation, coming out to graze in the early morning and late afternoon.
Tammar wallaby
These wallabies are nocturnal and are best seen at dawn and dusk. During the day Tammar wallabies rest in dense, low vegetation. They move through tunnels in the vegetation from their daytime shelters to grassed areas to feed in the evening.
Short-beaked echidna
Echidnas are found across Kangaroo Island in all types of habitat. Short-beaked echidnas are generally solitary, but during the breeding season from May – September male echidnas form trains behind females. Echidnas can be seen throughout Kangaroo Island, across all types of habitat.
Platypus
Kangaroo Island contains the only wild population of platypus in South Australia. In the 1920s concerned conservationists recognised platypus were becoming endangered on the mainland of South Australia and consequently introduced them to Flinders Chase National Park.
Australian sea-lion
The Australian sea-lion is one of the rarest seals in the world. Seal Bay Conservation Park is home to the world’s third largest breeding colony.
Spot one in this park or at Seal Bay Conservation Park on a guided tour.
Long-nosed fur seals
Long-nosed fur seals live along rocky shores around Kangaroo Island where they rest and breed in colonies.
Spot them at Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park.
Glossy black-cockatoo
Glossy black-cockatoos feed during the day returning to their nests at dusk.
Koala
Koalas were not on Kangaroo Island at the time of European settlement. In the 1920s conservationists released 18 koalas in Flinders Chase National Park to save their declining mainland population. The population quickly established and their numbers rapidly increased and koalas moved across the island. Koalas spends most of the day resting in a tree fork, usually climbing into the canopy around dusk to feed. Look for their ball-shape high in the canopy, or as they move between branches.
Heath goanna
Heath goannas are active during the day and are often seen basking in the sun. Spot one along one of the park’s walking trails or alternatively at Bales Bay in Seal Bay Conservation Park.
Cape Barren goose
Cape Barren geese can be seen on Kangaroo Island from autumn through to early spring. Spot one at the grassy areas near the entrance of the park, where they breed.
Whales
There have been 29 different types of whales recorded in South Australia. The most common are the southern right whale, humpback whale, sperm whale, blue whale and orca whale (killer whale). Of these you are most likely to spot a southern right whale along the South Australian coast.
Southern right whale
Every year, between May to October, southern right whales gather along the southern coastline of Australia to mate and calve, before returning to sub-Antarctic waters to feed.
The southern right whale is a large whale which can grow up to 17.5 metres and weigh over 80 tons. The vast majority of southern right whales are black in colour with distinctive white patterns on their heads that are calluses formed by small crustaceans known as ‘whale lice’. The patterns are visible at birth and are unique to each whale allowing researchers to identify individual whales.
Become a volunteer in South Australia’s national parks.
Visiting Kangaroo Island with the kids? Make sure you pick-up a Kangaroo Island Parks Passport. This free initiative invites families to collect stamps and memories as you explore the island. Embark on an unforgettable journey as you learn fun facts about each location. Once you’ve explored each spot and answered the questions, simply ask the friendly staff at each location to stamp your passport, and you’re all set for more island adventures! Here’s a taste of what you’ll experience:
Cape Willoughby Lighthouse: South Australia’s oldest lighthouse, shining since 1852.
Seal Bay Conservation Park: A natural sanctuary for Australian sea lions.
Flinders Chase National Park: Home to iconic attractions like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.
Kelly Hill Caves: The experience starts with a guided above-ground walk, setting the stage for an underground adventure.
Pick up your KI Parks Passport from one of these locations: Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, Seal Bay Conservation Park, Flinders Chase National Park, Kelly Hill Caves or the Kingscote NPWS Office.
Kangaroo Island’s rugged coastline offers keen bushwalkers spectacular coastal scenery, pristine rivers, tracts of native vegetation undergoing bushfire recovery and opportunities to observe abundant and diverse wildlife. Most of the coast is very isolated and provides trekkers with a true wilderness experience. However, this isolation also means that good planning is essential to ensure that your trek is as enjoyable and safe as possible. Some parks are closed seasonally to protect threatened species during their breeding season. We recommend discussing any trekking plans with a park ranger.
Essential trip preparation includes:
- Sufficient water for the conditions
- Protective clothing and footwear suitable for the activity and the season
- Sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat
- Food for the duration of the trip PLUS emergency rations and snacks
- Nominating an emergency contact person
- First-aid kit
- Map, compass, torch, mirror
Be sure to familiarise yourself with any fire restrictions or park closures.
Remember to establish a point of contact. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. In the case of longer walks, write down your route and leave it with a responsible contact person.
Provide as much information as possible to your designated responsible contact person. This includes:
- List of participants
- Dates
- Daily trip log (start and finish points)
- Planned route
- Vehicle make, model, colour, registration
- Knowledge of any pre-existing medical conditions of the participants
- Communication / safety plan. Nominate how best they can contact you (mobile/satellite phone, radio, GPS, EPERB) and who they contact in case of your not returning.
Your responsible contact person can raise the alarm if you have not returned and/or contacted them by the time specified by you.
When camping in a national park, 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 within parks. Please bring plenty of water and food to be self-sufficient.
- Always camp in designated sites (where applicable) — do not camp beneath trees with overhanging branches, as they can drop without warning. It’s also a good idea to check that there are no insect nests nearby.
- Check to make sure you’re not camping in a natural waterway, flash floods can happen anytime.
- If camp fires are permitted, you must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within national parks is prohibited. Extinguish your camp fire with water (not sand or dirt) until the hissing sound stops.
- Ensure that you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
Maintaining the legal distance from marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals is important, both for our safety and that of the animals.
The animals may be seriously injured if they are struck by a vessel or frightened young may become separated from their mothers. Even if there is no contact, coming too close can disrupt feeding, breeding and migratory behaviours.
Regular water users should make themselves familiar with all the rules for interacting with marine mammals by viewing the National Parks and Wildlife (Protected Animals – Marine Mammals) Regulations 2010.
In the Water
- Whale calves: all vessels and swimmers – no closer than 300m.
- Distressed, stranded or entangled whales: all vessels and swimmers – no closer than 300m.
- Prescribed vessels (high-powered craft such as jet-skis, hydrofoils, and boats used for water skiing or paragliding): never closer than 300m.
- Other vessels (for example, cabin cruisers, yachts, ‘tinnies’, inflatables, kayaks, windsurfers and kite surfers) outside of Encounter Bay Restricted Area: no closer than 100m
- Other vessels within 300m of a whale: no anchoring; maximum speed 4 knots; maximum time 60 minutes.
- Swimmers (including surfers and boogie boarders): no closer than 30m.
On land
- No closer than 30m (or 50m if the whale is distressed, stranded or entangled).
In the air
- Planes and remotely piloted aircraft (drones) must be at least 300m from any whale or other marine mammals (additional Civil Aviation Safety Authority restrictions apply).
- Please note that it is an offence to fly drones (remotely piloted aircraft) in South Australia’s national parks, reserves and marine park restricted access zones without a permit. Permits are considered for scientific research and commercial filming.
- Helicopters and gyrocopters must be at least 500m from any whale or other marine mammals.
If you plan to drive on Kangaroo Island roads:
- Be aware that the condition of gravel and dirt roads is unpredictable. Slow down.
- Avoid driving from sunset to sunrise to avoid collisions with our wildlife.
- You must stop your car off the road before you take photos.
- If you are visiting from overseas, remember we drive on the left in Australia!
To learn more, check out ‘Expect the Unexpected’ safety video courtesy of Kangaroo Island Council and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. The video shows you what to expect on Kangaroo Island roads and how to drive safely while visiting. The video is available in English, Italian, Chinese, French, German, Hindi and Indonesian languages.
Can I have a fire or barbecue?
- Rocky River, West Bay, Harvey’s Return, Snake Lagoon, Cupgum, Hakea, and Banksia Campgrounds, and Mays Homestead, Postmans Cottage, and Cape du Couedic Lighthouse Cottages: wood fires and solid fuel fires are permitted in designated areas except from 15 November 2024 to 15 April 2025 inclusive and on days of total fire ban.
- Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted, other than on days of total fire ban.
- Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
Closures and safety
This park is 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 1800 362 361 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.
Water
- Beware of freak waves.
- Strong currents and rips can make swimming dangerous in this area.
- Do not climb on, or fish from slippery rocks.
West Bay Road between Snake Lagoon Track and West Bay Campground is 4WD access only.
When 4WDriving in the park, it is important to be aware of the following:
- Standard road rules apply when driving anywhere in the park, including the laws for speed limits, drink driving, vehicle registration and seat belts.
- Take extreme care when driving in the park – be aware of blind corners, crests and narrow two-way tracks.
- Observe all track and safety signs, especially ‘No public access’ signs.
- Do not take your vehicle off the designated tracks. Wildlife can be threatened and precious habitat and indigenous sites can be damaged by off track driving.
- Make sure you know what to do in the event of getting bogged and always carry a shovel.
Every national park is different and each has its own unique environment. It is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.
Please ensure that you:
- leave your pets at home
- do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
- do not bring generators, chainsaws or firearms into the park
- leave the park as you found it — place rubbish in the bins provided or take it with you
- abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)
- respect geological and heritage sites
- do not remove native plants
- are considerate of other park users.
- important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited.
- it is an offence to fly drones (remotely piloted aircraft) in South Australia’s national parks, reserves and marine park restricted access zones without a permit. Permits are considered for scientific research and commercial filming.
Follow these tips to optimise the experience for yourself and our precious wildlife.
Observe don’t interact
- Always put the animals’ welfare first.
- Move slowly and quietly and keep at least 20 m away.
- Turn off your mobile phone.
- Use binoculars for that close-up view.
- Observe the animals without interacting; do not try to touch them, play with them or pursue them.
- If the animals change their behaviour while you are watching them you are probably too close; retreat slowly and give them more space.
- When photographing wildlife turn your flash off and use natural light instead to protect their eyes.
Drive safely
Wildlife is active at night. Animals are blinded by bright lights, so slow down, dip your lights and take time to observe the wildlife. During the day watch out for goannas and snakes basking on warm roads and birds and echidnas foraging along road edges.
Keep wildlife wild
Human foods can cause illness and death to wildlife so please do not feed them. Feeding wildlife also interrupts their natural patterns of behaviour, which are essential for their survival in the bush.
Snake safety
Snakes live all over South Australia and many of the world’s most venomous snakes are found in Australia. If you see a snake in the wild, always assume it is venomous and leave it alone. Snakes are not likely to chase you, so it’s best to leave them be. When walking in national parks and reserves, stick to the trails and make a bit of noise when you walk. For more information, visit our blog: What to do if you see a snake in the wild.
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:
1. Download the Avenza Maps app from the app store (iOS/Android) whilst you are still in range (its free!).
2. Open up the app and click the shopping cart icon.
3. Click ‘Find’ and type the name of the national park or reserve you are looking for.
4. Click on the map you are after and install it (all our maps are free).
5. You will now find a list of your installed maps on the home page of the Avenza Maps app.
6. Use our maps through the Avenza Map app while in the park and never take a wrong turn again.
Entry fees apply, please pay before you go.
- Adult $13.00
- Concession $10.50
- Child (aged 4 – 15) $7.50
- 1 Adult + 3 Children $33.00
- 2 Adults + 2 Children $33.00
Camping and accommodation
Campsites and accommodation need to be booked prior to arrival.
Click through to the online booking page for more details about individual campgrounds, accommodation and fees.
Book online
Book online to reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance.
Book and pay in person
If you are unable to book and pay online you can do so, in person, at these booking agents across the state.
For online bookings enquiries please email:
Visiting Kangaroo Island? Purchase a Kangaroo Island Tour Pass for 12 months access to:
- Seal Bay guided tour, boardwalk and lookout
- Flinders Chase National Park entry
- Cape Borda Lightstation self-guided tour
- Cape Willoughby Lightstation tour
Adult | Concession | Child | Family |
$58.50 | $46.70 | $33.90 | $151.00 |
Stay five nights in one of National Parks South Australia heritage accommodation places on Kangaroo Island and receive a free Kangaroo Island Tour Pass for all guests for the duration of your stay!
For more information about passes, read the FAQs or contact our National Parks and Wildlife Service Visitor Service Centre on (+61 8) 8207 7700.