Images: Walking SA
Less than two hours from Adelaide is a secret worth discovering — a gorgeous coastal walk, in a stunning national park, that’s one of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s best-kept treasures. Tucked away within the rolling hills of Deep Creek National Park, the Deep Creek Waterfall hike is a hidden gem that promises adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a glimpse into the untouched beauty of South Australia.
“Deep Creek National Park is a really beautiful piece of coastline with steep, varied trails. It’s just a fantastic place to walk,” shared Rod Quintrell, Executive Director of Walking SA.
Winding through part of the popular Heysen Trail, this moderate-grade walk stretches around 4 kilometres return, making it perfect for a half-day adventure. Though relatively short, the trail packs a punch with steep sections and sweeping views of densely wooded hills and coastal scenery, rewarding walkers with a spectacular sight at the end, a year-round waterfall. While the waterfall flows most impressively in winter or after rain, the waterhole below remains permanent throughout the year.
“In a few weeks, touch wood, the waterfall should flow hard. While I’m not sure of the current levels, I’m not sure you’d see too much water gushing over it at the moment. But, it’ll only get more beautiful in the next few weeks.”
Starting from the Tent Rock Road carpark near Trig Campground, the track has been carefully upgraded to make the hike more accessible, without losing its natural charm. Rod does share that while the walk itself is rugged and a bit challenging, it’s absolutely stunning.
“My top tip is to make sure that you are prepared for the weather, and do your homework on the hikes! The waterfall is a grade three out of five hike; it’s still challenging, and there are lots of steps either way.”
Deep Creek National Park combines all the best of the Fleurieu in one place. From breathtaking beaches to forests, cliffs, waterfalls and more, there’s plenty to explore. The park is also filled with native wildlife, so keep an eye out for western grey kangaroos, echidnas, and birds as you make your way through the rugged terrain.
In addition to the waterfall hike, Deep Creek has thirteen other walking trails catering to all abilities, with dramatic views across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island, and even bush camping opportunities for those wanting to stay a little longer.
If you’re wanting to dip your toes into the world of hiking, the Stringybark Loop Walk is a great place to start. This 30-minute loop is 0.9 km long and is a fantastic way to explore the tall trees and delicate ferns the region is known for. On the other end of the scale is the Deep Creek Circuit Hike. This 12km loop can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours and gives hikers access to the best of coastal views, rocky beaches, Yacka hillsides, grassy hilltops, a humid forest, tall stands of eucalyptus, and more.
Rod advises that it’s a “serious park” and before heading down it’s important to remember a few things. Across the park, there is patchy phone service, especially when you’re in the gullies and when you walk down to the coast.
“It’s also pretty wild,” he says.
“You want to check the parks website and the Walking SA website before you go, and because of its remoteness, wildness, and steepness, you do want to be a bit organised.”
So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to head to Fleurieu as the weather gets colder, the hike makes for the perfect day trip.
For more information, check out the Walking SA website here.
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