Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and Wilderness Protection Area covers the wild windswept Cape Gantheaume Peninsula on the southernmost point of Kangaroo Island, from D’Estrees Bay to Seal Bay Conservation Park, and inland to Murray Lagoon. At peaceful and unspoiled D’Estrees Bay the day can be spent beachcombing for nautilus shells, or exploring Wreckers Beach and Osmanli Reef with its 1853 shipwreck. In the 1840s one of Kangaroo Island’s three whaling stations operated from D’Estrees Bay as the sheltered inlet was a perfect calving area for southern right whales in winter.

The southern half of the park is a haven for bushwalkers, with cliff-top hikes through undisturbed coastal vegetationoffering magnificent views of the Southern Ocean and occasional sightings of whales, seals, ospreys and sea-eagles (intending bushwalkers must lodge a Trip Intentions Form). Kangaroos, pygmy-possums and bandicoots inhabit the sheltered mallee covered dunes behind the limestone cliffs. Access to the wild coast is on foot only and walkers taking the Cape Gantheaume Coastal Trek (36 km, hard) from D’Estrees Bay to Bales Bay must be prepared for rugged conditions and extremes of climate during any season. An expanding colony of New Zealand fur-seals lives just above the ocean swells on the rocky platforms and ledges of the cape.

The Murray Lagoon wetland in the north of the park is a more serene environment. This is Kangaroo Island’s biggest lagoon and attracts a wide variety of waterbirds. A dawn or dusk stroll along Timber Creek Walk (1.5 km, easy) will reveal waterfowl,waders, raptors and shy bush birds of the lagoon habitat.

Fact file

Camping

Wreckers Beach, Wheatons Beach, Murray Lagoon, Cape Gantheaume fees apply; fuel stoves only

Location

180 km from Adelaide on south coast of Kangaroo Island; unsealed Elsegood Rd and Seagers Rd lead to Murray Lagoon and D’Estrees Bay

Park Information

DEH (08) 8204 1910 NPWSA Murray Lagoon (08) 8553 8233

Size

29 000 ha

Where to Stay

D’Estrees Bay/Lothlorien Homestead near Murray Lagoon (08) 8553 1185


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• Campsites

Campsites

D’Estrees Bay camping area

For beachside camping on the doorstep of some of the island’s most windswept shores, this dramatic outpost comes with reefs, craggy headlands, shipwrecks and wild surf.  It’s 68 km south of Kingscote,... Find out more

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Murray Lagoon camping area

The island’s largest freshwater lagoon is a peaceful haunt for birdwatchers, nature photographers and wildflower enthusiasts, especially after winter rains. The camping area is off Seagers Rd, 46 km south of... Find out more

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