Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is the third biggest Island off the coast of Australia. It is 4500 sq.km. A third of the Island is preserved in National Parks and Conservation Parks. The weather is milder than the mainland, with most of the rain falling in the winter months of June to August. The south-westerly wind that blows off the Southern Ocean, is the only minor problem for the hiker.

Kangaroo Island is reknown for its wildlife. The main reason being that introducted species (foxes and rabbits) did not compete the the native fauna. In fact the koalas have done so well, numbers had to be removed to the mainland, to ensure they survived.

Cape Gantheaume Wilderness Trail

Distance : 34kms

Location : Southern Coast of Kangeroo Island

Kangeroo Island is 112kms from Adelaide.(Capital of South Australia) and 13kms off the coast at Cape Jervis. Sealink operates a passenger and vehicle ferry service to the Island.

The trail starts at Bales Beach and runs along the coast to Gantheaume Bay, finishing at D'Estrees Bay. This is a true wilderness hike, and hikers must be completely self-sufficient. Allow 4 litres of water per person per day. Hikers must also register their route with the park ranger at Murray Lagoon.

At Cape Gantheaume you will encounter a colony of New Zealand fur seals, please to not disturb the colony, especially stay well clear of the big bulls. The New Zealand fur seals are smaller and darker than the Australian sea lions at Seal Bay.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Murray Lagoon,
Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park,
PMB 203,
via Kingscote
SA 5223
Australia.