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.
- Distance
- 13.3 km one way
- Duration
- 4.5 - 6.5 hours
- Suitable for
- Hiking, Trail Running
- Grade 5, Trek
- Terrain
- Undulating
- Part of a longer trail
- Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
- Park
- Flinders Chase National Park
- Region
- Kangaroo Island
- Download maps & GPS files
- 2 GPS files
- 1 website link
- Photos
- 16 photosJump to Photos section
- Travel options
- Car
About the Walking Trail
Spend 5 days hiking the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail along the spectacular coastline of south-west Kangaroo Island.
We’ve listed each of the 5 sections on a separate entry:
- Day 1, Rocky River Section
- Day 2, Maupertuis Section
- Day 2 or 3, optional sidetrip to Admirals Arch
- Day 3, Sanderson Section
- Day 4, Grassdale Section (below on this page)
- Day 5, Kelly Hill Section
Review of this Trail
In December 2016 we walked and reviewed the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. Read the review.
This Section: Day 4, Grassdale Section
Banksia Campsite to Tea Tree Campsite (near Grassdale)
6.5 hours, 13.5km (extra 700m return sidetrip to Hanson Bay Beach)
From the campsite the trail returns to the coastal cliffs, walking past Cape Younghusband before heading inland. This section is through cooler mallee and tea trees, and is across private property as it sneaks past the million-dollar South Ocean Lodge. Crossing the road into Hanson Bay, there is an ingenious boat set up to cross the South West River. Take an optional short sidetrip to be rewarded with views of the idyllic Hanson Bay Beach. Returning to the main trail, the trail follows the Hanson Bay Hike along the river, before reaching the quiet sanctuary of Tea Tree Campsite, with the South West River splitting the campsite in two.
Photos
Cape Younghusband
Views from Cape Younghusband back to Sanderson Bay
Views to Cape Younghusband
Walking between Cape Younghusband and Hanson Bay is through this sheltered mallee forest
The boat system to cross the South West River near Hanson Bay is ingeneous and simple to use
Haul the boat across the river by pulling on the rope. A taut steel cable keeps the boat on a direct path between the two sides
South West River near Hanson Bay
The walking trail comes out onto Hanson Bay
The walking trail comes out onto the beach at Hanson Bay
Walking near Grassdale Lagoon
The entrance to Tea Tree Campsite is sheltered and shady
A bridge connects the two sides of the camp ground at Tea Tree
Tent site at Tea Tree Campsite, typical of camp sites at all 4 campgrounds
There is a campfire at Tea Tree Campsite - the only campfire along the trail. Wood is supplied. The campfire can only be lit outside of the summer Fire Danger Season
The bathroom blocks and kitchen shelters are all nicely designed