Looking for trails open after the bushfires?
5 Feb 2020: Kangaroo Island was devasted by bushfire in January 2020. Some parks and trails remain closed. View our article of 13 walking trails open post-bushfire.
Warning
Walking SA has concerns that this walk entry has some issues. We're seeking to clarify the information.
- Distance
- 800 metres return
- Duration
- 20 mins
- Suitable for
- Walking, Hiking, Get to by public transport
- Moderate
- Terrain
- Undulating
- Region
- Kangaroo Island
- Download maps & GPS files
- 2 GPS files
- Photos
- 6 photosJump to Photos section
- Travel options
- Bus
- Car
About the Walking Trail
Trail Practically Closed
This walking trail is so overgrown and without signage that it would be better considered to be a closed trail. Hopefully one day a community group will restore the trail and receive funding for interpretive signage.
During his exploration of southern Australia in 1802, explorer Matthew Flinders rowed to the end of Pelican Lagoon and walked to the top of the large sand dune which he named Prospect Hill. The Investigator Trail is short and follows his 1802 steps from the lagoon to the hill.
The trail begins from a commemorative plaque in the roadside carpark on the northern side of Hog Bay Road (there is a brown historical site sign pointing to the carpark), near the intersection of Muston Road. After crossing Hog Bay Road, the trail follows the dirt road to the carpark at the base of Prospect Hill. From there follow the trail to the top of Prospect Hill.
Photos
The plaque with Prospect Hill beyond. The plaque reads: "Matthew Flinders R.N. (1774 - 1814). Commander of H.M. Sloop "Investigator" discovered and on 4 April 1802 named Prospect HIll from which he was the first to sight portion of south coast of Kangaroo Island. The hidden lagoon at head of Easter Cove was named Pelican Laroon on account of the large number of birds and skeletons of that species being seing. Unveiled Pioneers Day April 1948."
The Investigator Trail is marked with blue posts
The commemorative plaque and trailhead begins in the carpark off Hog Bay Road
Trailhead of the Investigator Trail, at the intersection of Hog Bay Road and Muston Road
As at January 2017, the Investigator Trail is somewhat overgrown
As at January 2017, the Investigator Trail is somewhat overgrown