Flinders Chase National Park: What you shouldn't miss

Flinders Chase National Park: What you shouldn't miss

Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island is one of South Australia's most beautiful parks. We take a look at seven sights you shouldn't miss

Stretching across the western end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is home to a wild coastline, diverse wildlife and some truly extraordinary sights. The park has steadily recovered from the bushfires that destroyed over 400 square kilometers of land in 2007 and now offers a uniquely Australian landscape of sugar gum canopy and mallee scrub.

The park is also home to strange rock formations, remote bush walks and fascinating monuments to the isolation of the early European pioneers who made it here to the edge of the known world. We spent a day exploring the park and list below what you shouldn't miss.

1. Remarkable rocks

alt="Flinders Chase National Park Remarkable Rocks">Atlas & BootsThe aptly named Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park

It took over 500 million years of intense rain, wind and crashing waves from the Southern Ocean to create these granite outcrops that form one of Kangaroo Island's landmarks.

Perched on a cliff 70m above the crashing waves of the Southern Ocean, the much-photographed Remarkable Rocks are one of the most beautiful sights on Kangaroo Island.

2. Cape du Couedic lighthouse

alt=“Flinders Chase National Park 3″>Atlas & BootsThe lighthouse makes for an impressive photo

The lighthouse at Cape du Couedic was built from 1906 to 1909 and remained manned until 1957, when it was automated. The striking tower is built from 2,000 locally sourced stone blocks and, although inaccessible, makes for impressive photography.

It is worth noting that southern right whales migrate through the area from early May to late October. Watch for their blowholes and splashes on the surface as they emerge from the water.

3. Weirs Bay

alt=“Flinders Chase National Park 2″>Atlas & BootsGoods were pulled up the cliffs using winds

For many years Weirs Cove was inaccessible by land, so supplies for much of the island arrived by steamboat and were then carried up the steep 300-foot (90 m) cliff.

In 1907, a Flying Fox winch system was built, so goods were instead brought to the jetty by dinghies and then pulled up the cliffs using a winch, originally powered by two horses.

Today you can look over the disused jetty from the protruding headland that marks the most south-westerly point on Kangaroo Island.

4. Admiral's Arch

alt=“Flinders Chase National Park 1″>Atlas & BootsAdmirals Arch was formed by thousands of years of erosion

The natural rock bridge known as Admirals Arch was formed by thousands of years of erosion. A wooden walkway around the cliff leads to a viewing platform overlooking the arch.

The area is also home to a colony of long-nosed fur seals. The adult seals bask in the sun just a short distance from the waves, while the pups can be seen playing among the rocks.

5. Lighthouse at Cape Borda

alt="Flinders Chase National Park Cape Borda Lighthouse">DreamtimeLighthouse at Cape Borda

Located in the northwest corner of Kangaroo Island and Flinders Chase National Park, Cape Borda is the only square stone lighthouse in South Australia.

Built in 1858, the lighthouse overlooks Investigator Strait, the body of water between Kangaroo Island and Yorke Peninsula on the Australian mainland.

Cape Borda was built to guide ships on the Roaring Forties trade route towards Adelaide. The lighthouse was fully automated in 1989 and is still in operation today. Unlike Cape du Couedic, it is possible to enter the lighthouse and take a tour for A$16 ($12).

6. Flinders Chase Visitor Center

alt="Flinders Chase National Park Visitor Center">Atlas & BootsYou might see a wallaby or two at the visitor center

Every visitor to Flinders Chase National Park must stop at the visitor center upon arrival to purchase entrance tickets and register their vehicle. It's worth taking the time to explore the center's informative displays and interactive screens to get your bearings and learn about the park's natural and cultural heritage.

Several discovery hikes and walks start from the center, so don't be surprised if you see a wallaby or two in the car park!

7. Bushwalk

alt="Bushwalks in Flinders Chase National Park">Atlas & BootsThere are dozens of walking trails throughout Flinders Chase National Park

The rugged coastline of Flinders Chase National Park offers spectacular coastal scenery, pristine rivers and large areas of untouched bushland with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.

There are several bushwalks in Flinders Chase National Park, ranging from quick and easy discovery hikes to longer, more strenuous hikes such as the five-day, 61km Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail.

Many of the hikes can be accessed from the visitor center or other attractions on this list. For more information, see the section on bushwalking in South Australia's national parks.

Flinders Chase National Park: Map

Flinders Chase National Park: the essentials

What: Exploring Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island in Australia.

Where: We stayed at the Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn in Kingscote on the north coast of the island. The rooms are bright and spacious with exposed brick walls and large windows offering expansive views of Nepean Bay.

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Kingscote itself is the largest town on the island and is well located for reaching the main attractions. It also offers the largest selection of cafes and restaurants. Some of these close early, so check opening times before you head out.

Parking is included in the room rate and is generally easy to find on Kangaroo Island. When we inquired about parking restrictions at a local cafe, the owner smiled and said, "Don't worry about a ticket; this is AI," which is all you really need to know about Kangaroo Island!

When: Thanks to its mild temperatures, Kangaroo Island is a year-round destination, although summer (December to February) is the most popular. The best time to visit Kangaroo Island is February to March, when the weather is still warm and the children are back at school.

How: Entrance to Flinders Chase National Park costs A$11 (US$8) for one day. The Kangaroo Island Tour Pass provides access to Finders Chase for 12 months, as well as access to several other attractions on the island. Visitors can book online and pay entrance fees before arrival.

The SeaLink Kangaroo Island Ferry operates daily (except Christmas Day) between Cape Jervis (two hours south of Adelaide) and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. The ferry takes 45 minutes and accommodates vehicles and pedestrians. Coffee, snacks, WiFi and a fully licensed café are available on board. Check fares and timetables and book online.

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Flinders Chase National Park is located at the western end of Kangaroo Island (1 hour 10 minute drive from Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn). To get around the island, we recommend renting a 4WD vehicle from Hertz Australia.

Our Toyota Rav4 provided a super comfortable way to get around the island. We appreciated the freedom to set our own itinerary - and change it up if we wanted to stay in Stokes Bay a little longer! In addition to the latest offerings, Hertz Together offers a range of travel guides, articles and destination ideas.

Book domestic flights to Adelaide or international flights to Australia with Skyscanner at the best prices.

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Australia is a huge country. If you'd rather hand off the planning, we recommend G Adventures and their small group Australia tours.

Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide to the country, ideal for those who want to both explore the top attractions and take the road less traveled.

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