A day at Deep creek Conservation park which is located on the tip of Fleurieu Peninsula 90 minutes south of Adelaide. The park has 12 walking trails some are quite challenging and some are family friendly. You can explore old growth forests and rugged coastline with views across the ocean to Kangaroo Island. Deep Creek not only has a range of camping options, there’s also charming cottages and luxury eco-retreats. If you only have a day at the park and are not camping in the park like we did you still get to see a lot in the one day. While in the area you could catch the ferry to Kangaroo island we have put together the perfect 3 day itinerary.
Camping and Accomodation
There are five campgrounds spread across the park. Many are close to the start of the walking trails and they can all be accessed by a 2WD. All sites are un-powered, and you’ll need to bring your own drinking water. You need to book your site prior to arrival. Make your bookings through the National Parks and Wildlife SA website. As well as the walking trails in the park, South Australia’s famous Heysen Trail also weaves through Deep Creek. The 1200km long trail connects the Flinders Ranges with Cape Jervis. There are 5 Campgrounds Stringy Bark, Trig, Cobbler hill, Tapanappa and Eagle Waterhole . Click Here for more Information and Click Here for the Eco Cottages.
Morning
First head to Tapanappa Lookout, the road was closed but you could still walk up the road 700 meters to the lookout.
From there head to the beginning of the walking trails and follow the signs to Deep Creek Waterfall circuit the waterfall trail was 7km, 3.5 hours return trip. Begin the hike heading down the valley, the track is well graded and well signed. The waterfall generally only flows in winter or after heavy rain fall but there is a permanent water hole.
You can return via the same way or you can continue across the creek along the Deep Creek Circuit. This trail is 12km 4-7 hour return trip. The Circuit can be done clockwise or anti-clockwise, from either Trig Campground or Tapanappa Campground. The circuit is grade 5 and is very steep in sections especially the hill back up to Tapanappa lookout. There also is a fair bit of rock hoping. But the scenery is beautiful.
Afternoon
In the Afternoon have your lunch at Tapanappa lookout before heading to Stringybark Campground. There is 3 walks here at the campground. The forest circuit, stringybark loop and wildflower walk. We walked along the easy stringybark 900 meter 30 minute loop, This trail is family friendly . Where you can explore the old stringybark forest some of the trees are 450 years old and are the oldest in South Australia.
Next head to the Forest Circuit the trail is 2.7km 1 hour return circuit. It’s an easy stroll through the stringybark forest. The Wild flower walk is 4.7km 2.5 hour return walk. During late winter and spring you’ll see wildflowers along this trail. There is a steep valley near the start of the walk, but the remaining walk is generally flat.
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