Deep Creek Conservation Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

Declared a conservation park in 1971, Deep Creek protects the rugged coastal terrain between Cape Jervis and Waitpinga Beach. The ridged spine of the park is the southern end of the Mount Lofty Range, and the land slopes steeply towards the sea, carved by streams emptying into the ocean at sheltered rocky coves such as Blowhole and Deep Creek. The Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri people have spiritual links with this area.

Native plants are prolific – 406 species recorded – along with an unusually high diversity of fungi in the stringybark forests. The ridges support majestic old-growth forests of messmate stringybark. Pink gum and cup gum grow lower down, with woodlands of drooping she-oak on some of the steeper rocky slopes; closer to the coast is an array of flowering heaths. Abundant wildlife includes western grey kangaroos, western pygmy-possums, short-beaked echidnas, rare southern brown bandicoots, and a large number of birds – crescent and singing honeyeaters, superb fairy-wrens, scarlet and hooded robins, yellow-tailed black-cockatoos and wedge-tailed eagles.

For bushwalkers, the Heysen Trail starts here and heads north for 1200 kilometres. Three easy walks lead from Stringybark campground among beautiful stringybarks and spring wildflowers. Walks with scenic lookouts include Marrano Creek Hike (6.7 km), Aaron Creek Hike (11 km), Deep Creek Circuit (10.4 km) and Deep Creek Cove (6.4 km). Other walks head to waterfalls or secluded coves. Anglers will find that Blowhole Beach (4WD access only) has great fishing for salmon, snapper and sweep. Cottages can be rented at Deep Creek Homestead, Ridgetop Retreat, Goondooloo and Glenburn (08) 8598 4169.

Fact file

Camping

Stringybark, Trig, Tapanappa, Cobbler Hill, Eagle Waterhole

Location

110 south of Adelaide via Normanville on Main South Rd; 42 km south-west of Victor Harbor via Fleurieu Way

Park Information

Deep Creek CP (08) 8598 0263 DEH (08) 8204 1910 NPWSA Victor Harbor (08) 8552 3677

Size

4500 ha

Where to Stay

Cape Jervis Cottages (08) 8598 0288, 1800 805 288 Cape Jervis Holiday Units (08) 8598 0229


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• Campsites

Campsites

Cobbler Hill Campground

Ridgetop camping on the park’s western boundary sits above wonderful Blowhole Beach, accessible by a steep 4WD track or walking trail. The campground is on Blowhole Creek Rd, 12 km south of Delamere. Pick up a... Find out more

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Eagle Waterhole Campground (walk-in camping)

Offering secluded bushland camping along the Heysen Trail, this walk-in site 2 km east of Cobber Hill also has a simple bushwalker’s shelter. Bring a gas stove, water and a permit from the self-registration... Find out more

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Stringybark Campground

Deep Creek’s main campground is sheltered by delightful stringybark forest, a feature of the park’s higher ground. It’s a comfortable self-sufficient base camp for daytrips and walks on Tapanappa Rd, 9... Find out more

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Tapanappa Campground

There are fantastic views along Tunkalilla Beach and over to Kangaroo Island from this lofty ridgetop campground. It’s also a staging post for challenging bushwalks to Deep Creek Cove and beautiful Boat Harbour... Find out more

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Trig Campground

This popular location in the heart of the park is sheltered and leafy, with good access to walking trails. It’s at the end of the steep Tent Rock Rd, 12 km south of Delamere. Bring wood and pick up a permit from... Find out more

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