Kangaroo Island Challenge for Foodbank

Enjoy pristine natural beauty and remote trails on stunning Kangaroo Island in support of Foodbank

Challenge Highlights

  • Join your CBN workmates and support the crucial work of Foodbank and front line charities who are feeding vulnerable Australians
  • Trek remote and spectacular coastlines
  • Enjoy peaceful bush walks
  • Wildlife encounters
  • Marvel at Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks
  • Exclusive Seal Bay tour
  • Walk with just a day pack on this fully supported trek

Overview

On this fully supported trek you'll walk with just a day pack as you experience one of Australia’s most spectacular walks. You'll discover an abundance of wildlife, sculpted rock landscapes, pristine beaches, turquoise blue waters and dramatic coastlines as you walk the stunning Wilderness Trail on South Australia's Kangaroo Island. This 60.4km trail, with 12.6km of return side trips (73km overall) starts from the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre where you’ll follow the trail over Black Swamp before turning west along Rocky River. The remote trail then weaves its way along the wild coastline with side trips to the magnificent Admirals Arch and the iconic Remarkable Rocks. From here you’ll walk on to Hanson Bay before returning inland through the forests to Kelly Hill. This is truly one of Australia’s best walking trails.

Challenge Grade

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is an Introductory to Moderate graded walk. It involves walking with a light day pack through undulating country for up to 6-7 hours a day at a moderate to steady pace. Some sections are long, rough and very steep. To enjoy this tour you will need a reasonable level of fitness. Bushwalking experience is recommended. If you need to build up your level of fitness prior to the walk, we recommend starting with a 30 minute daily walk and building up to 7 hours. Be sure to trial walking with the pack you intend to take so that you feel fully prepared.

Itinerary

After all the fundraising and preparation the journey finally begins! Make your way to the airport for your flight to Adelaide. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel. At around 4pm, your guides will meet you there to provide a pre-departure briefing. This evening, a special dinner with CBN CEO has been arranged. Overnight Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

Meals:  Nil

This morning you will be collected from the hotel for an early departure for Cape Jervis, a one and a half hour drive south, through the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula. Our ferry from Cape Jervis is booked for for the morning and the crossing to Kangaroo Island takes approximately 45 minutes. On arrival we'll make our way to the the Flinders Chase National Park and commence our walk along the Wilderness Trail. We start at Rocky River where you'll quickly be immersed in dense eucalypt woodland flourishing with fresh green growth. This area is home to a diversity of bird life and native animals. Reaching the Pardalote Lookout you will see the meandering Rocky River far below you as it flows out towards the Southern Ocean. We then pass through riverbank and mallee habitats where wildflowers provide stunning arrays of colour all year around. Traversing our way down from the ridge towards the river we come across the spectacular sight of the Rocky River Cascades. Today's walk comes to an end at the Cup Gum Campground, a peaceful setting for our first night's rest set among tall sugar gums and old-growth cup gums. | Hike - 12km | Walking Time: 3-5 hours | Overnight - Cup Gum Camp |

Meals:  B,L,D

Our hike today takes us along the Rocky River towards its mouth at the coast. Not long into the walk we'll be rewarded with our first views of the deep blue sea of the mighty Southern Ocean. The trail then cuts south along the island's wild and rugged coastline where birds of prey may be seen flying overhead and bottle-nosed dolphins often surface the water as they hunt for fish. Reaching Maupertuis Bay we head down from the clifftop onto the bone white beach below. The trail eventually winds its way back up to the rocky clifftop, bringing us ever closer to the famous Cape du Couedic Lighthouse that sits atop the headland in the distance. We turn back inland for the final stretch to camp. Tucked away in a swale, the Hakea Campground offers protection from the coastal winds and you can relax with the sound of crashing waves on the nearby cliffs. If time permits, you may want to venture to nearby Admirals Arch to finish the day with a spectacular sunset. | Hike -14km | Walking Time: 4-6 hours | Overnight - Hakea Camp |

Meals:  B,L,D

We require an early start today if we wish to complete the optional side trip off the wilderness trail to view the popular sites of historic Weirs Cove, Cape du Couedic lighthouse and Admirals Arch. The side trip is well worth the effort and we we'll also have the opportunity to view the enchanting antics of Australian and long-nosed fur seals and Australian sea-lions that visit this section of the coast. Back on the Wilderness Trail the track heads east towards Sanderson Bay and enters dense coastal mallee before breaking out to the awesome sight of the famed Remarkable Rocks. We have the opportunity here for another short side trip off the wilderness trail to visit this incredible site. Continuing on, the path hugs the coastline and offers inspiring views. At the end of day we'll arrive at Banksia Campground, located in a sheltered area close to Sanderson Bay, where we can drop our bags and take a short walk down to the small secluded beach to cool our tired feet. Options: visit fire effected areas with a local Ranger or NGO. These are weather and NGO/Ranger dependent therefore not included in cost but will be included if the group decides. (additional costs may apply) | Hike - 13km (optional side trips – Remarkable Rocks 1km) | Walking Time: 3-5 hours | Overnight - Banksia Camp |

Meals:  B,L,D

Today presents coastal trekking at its best, with massive swells, towering cliffs and extended views along the coast all the way from Sanderson Bay to the spectacular Cape Younghusband. Looking back we’ll see Remarkable Rocks, framed by the surrounding wild landscape. As the trail turns inland and we head towards Hanson Bay we'll notice a dramatic change in vegetation from low coastal heath to tall, dense mallee and tea tree. Reaching the South West River we have the opportunity to use a punt to cross the river; a novel experience not to be missed. The river crossing marks the gateway to the Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area and the most untouched area on the trail. Another short side trip off the wilderness trail takes us to nearby Hanson Bay headland and the small settlement of Hanson Bay where we have the opportunity to dip our toes in the crystal clear water. Back on the Wilderness Trail we follow the winding river to Kelly Hill Conservation Park and the Tea Tree Campground, located adjacent to the historic Grassdale property. A short walk from the campground is the original cottage that housed the Edwards family who were pioneers in the early settlement of the western end of the island. At sunrise and sunset you will encounter Kangaroo Island kangaroos as they emerge to fed on the open grassland. Options: visit Koala Sanctuary, Bird of Prey Show or fire effected areas with NGOs/Rangers (additional costs may apply) | Hike - 13.5km (optional side trip – Hanson Bay 700 metres) | Walking Time: 3-5 hours | Overnight - Tea Tree Camp |

Meals:  B,L,D

The final day’s walk is somewhat more leisurely, but no less spectacular and beautiful. The trail passes through a diverse array of habitats, from recovering woodlands to freshwater lakes and ‘karst’ cave systems. Upon reaching the stunning Wilderness and Grassdale Lagoons, we'll be rewarded with sightings of local and visiting woodland and wading birds. The Wilderness Lagoon provides vital habitat even in dry years when other water bodies dry out. A relatively short walk through beautiful sugar gum woodland brings the trail to its conclusion at the amazing Kelly Hill Caves. This afternoon we will visit Seal Bay as no trip to Kangaroo Island is complete without a visit to one of the most exceptional nature-based experiences in the world. Seal Bay has been home to an Australian sea lion population for thousands of years, during our visit we will be taken into the heart of the colony on a private guided tour where we will have the opportunity to learn about these endangered animals. This evening we'll enjoy a sunset drink before a final celebratory dinner at Stokes Bay (voted Austrailia's best beach 2022). | Hike - 7.5km | Walking Time: 2-3 hours | Overnight - Kangaroo Island Seafront or similar |

Meals:  B,L,D

After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to the port in time for the 10.30 ferry back to the mainland. From here we drive back towards Adelaide and stop off at one of the fantastic eateries in the Adelaide Hills for our final lunch together. In the early afternoon you will be dropped directly at your Adelaide accommodation between 2.30-3.30pm. Own arrangements in Adelaide this evening.

Meals:  B,L

What's Included

  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
  • 4 nights camping including group camping equipment (twin share)
  • 2 nights hotel in Adelaide and Kangaroo Island (twin share)
  • Professional wilderness guides
  • National Park and camping fees
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Transport from Adelaide
  • Huma training manual, gear list and fundraising guidebook

What's Not Included

  • Airfares
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation in Adelaide post trek

What You Carry

  • This is a fully supported trek. You will carry just a day pack (5-8kg) containing the following items:
  • -Water for the day's walk (3L)
  • -Sunhat, sunglasses & sunscreen
  • -Snacks for the day, provided by your guides
  • -Waterproof and warm layers (if required)
  • -Camera and any other personal items
  • - Small portion of the group lunches- if required
  • Your main luggage will be transferred by the support vehicle. Please keep luggage to one soft duffle bag per person; please do not bring hard suitcases or extra large duffles as these are hard to transport.

Fundraising Impact

Last year, Foodbank sourced the equivalent of 82 million meals for their 2,950 charity partners, providing food relief to more than a million people each month.

Foodbank not only plays a lead role in fighting hunger, but also a vitally important role in tackling Australia’s $36.6 billion food waste problem and helping the environment.

For every kilogram of food distributed by Foodbank, the social return on investment has been valued at $23. This means the impact of Foodbank’s work in the community is worth almost $1 billion annually.

Despite their very best efforts, the food they supply is still not enough. That’s why they rely on the food and grocery sector as well as individuals, corporations, community groups and all levels of government to join them in the fight against hunger.

Australia Challenge Reviews

Travel Dates

Other Challenge Costs

Fundraising Target:USD$2170 

Fast Facts

Trip Dates: DepartReturn
 30 Jul 20235 Aug 2023
Duration:7 Days
Activities:Trekking
Guided walking
Grade:Introductory to Moderate  Click for more information
Trip Code:CBN
Registration Fee:USD$140
Travel Cost:USD$0
Fundraising Target:USD$2170