Deep Creek National Park is the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Park of the Month for April 2019.
The park is has an extensive network of trails for hiking, camping in five campgrounds and views of the spectacular scenery of Backstairs Passage, Kangaroo Island and the rugged Deep Creek valley.
We’ve outlined some of the best hikes below.
11 great hikes in Deep Creek National Park
1.
Forest Circuit Walk, Stringybark Campsite, Deep Creek
Easy walk, 2.7km, 1 hour circuit
Enjoy an easy stroll through the stringybark forest near Stringybark Campsite. The walk is suitable for children, explore the forest, mushrooms and birdlife. The walk is especially enjoyable near sunset and sunrise.
2.
Spring Wildflower Walk, Stringybark Campsite, Deep Creek
Easy walk, 4.7km, 2.5 hour return
Enjoy a walk through the regenerating forest. Watch out for echidnas, kangaroos and birdlife. During late winter and spring you’ll see wildflowers along this trail.
3.
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tent Rock Road (Trig Campsite)
Moderate hike, 4km, 2 hours return
Enjoy a hike down to the Waterfall. Although the waterfall generally only flows in winter and after rains, the waterhole is permanent. The trail is well graded with steps towards the end.
4.
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Trig Picnic Area
Moderate hike, 6km, 2.5-4 hours return
Hike to a secluded cove where Deep Creek meets the ocean. Enjoy ocean views as you descend. The end of the hike into the cove can be steep.
5.
Aaron Creek Circuit Hike
Moderate hike, 6km, 3 hours
Explore the grasslands with views and kangaroos, before descending into Aaron Creek with its lush vegetation and winter waterfall. Take a picnic along to enjoy at the picnic table at Eagle Waterhole Campground.
6.
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Tapanappa Lookout
Hard hike, 3.2km, 2.5 hours return
Hike to a secluded cove where Deep Creek meets the ocean. Enjoy views of the ocean as you descend.
7.
Blowhole Beach – Cobbler Hill – Marrano Creek Hike
Hard hike, 6.7km, 3.5 hours
Taking in the scrub, sandy beaches and open coastal hills of Deep Creek National Park. Walk through scrub and wildlife, visit the sandy Blowhole Beach, and return via open grassy hills.
8.
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tapanappa Lookout
Hard hike, 6.6km, 3.5 hours return
Hike down into the valley to see Deep Creek Waterfall through gullies with moist forest. The trail is well graded.
9.
Boat Harbor Circuit Hike
Hard hike, 9.4km, 4 -5 hours circuit
A longer circuit hike down to Boat Harbor. A well-graded trail with breathtaking views of Kangaroo Island, The Pages Islands and Tunkalilla Beach, returning via fire tracks.
10.
Aaron Creek Hike
Hard hike, 10km, 6 hours
Take a detour when walking the Aaron Creek Circuit Hike, following Aaron Creek out to the coast. Reaching the rocky cove from the trail is difficult and involves rock scrambling.
11.
Deep Creek Circuit Hike
Hard hike, 10.9km, 7 hours return hike
Circuit hike taking in a waterfall with permanent pool, coastal views, rocky beach with creek outlet, well maintained trails with a diversity of ecosystems. Yacka hillsides, grassy hilltops, humid forest, tall stands of eucaplypts.