Deep Creek Conservation Park

Deep Creek Conservation Park
South Australia
IUCN category II (national park)
Deep Creek Conservation Park
Nearest town or city Cape Jervis
Coordinates 35°37′40″S 138°13′19″E / 35.62778°S 138.22194°E / -35.62778; 138.22194Coordinates: 35°37′40″S 138°13′19″E / 35.62778°S 138.22194°E / -35.62778; 138.22194
Established 1 January 1971[1]
Area 44.96 km2 (17.4 sq mi)[2]
Managing authorities Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
Website Deep Creek Conservation Park
See also Protected areas of South Australia

Deep Creek Conservation Park is a protected area consisting of about 45 square kilometres (17 sq mi) of natural Australian bush land located on the southern coast of Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) east of Cape Jervis. The total of 18 kilometres (11 mi) of coastline include views across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island. The gullies contain orchids and ferns, while the hilltops have stunted scrub and low windswept trees. Walking trails (including part of the famous Heysen Trail) provide access to most of the park. The park is classified as an IUCN class II protected area.[2]

Notable walks

There are many different walks in Deep Creek Conservation Park, ranging from easy walks, through moderate hikes and hard hikes. Overnight treks are also possible by linking walks.[3]

Easy Walks

An easy 20 minute nature trail the stringybark and yacca-bush forest. Information boards are located at intervals along the way.

An easy walk through the forest near Stringybark Campground.

Follows fire trails from Stringybark Campground.

Moderate Hikes

Descends steeply to the Deep Creek Waterfall. The walk is not long and the track is well maintained with steps in steeper sections. The return walk is mostly uphill.

Descends moderately to Deep Creek Cove. The return walk is a long moderate ascent.

A circuit hike that crosses the open areas at the higher sections of the park before descending toward Eagle Waterhole Campground. Plenty of Western Grey Kangaroos can be seen on this hike.

Hard Hikes

A spectacular and challenging hike that involves some steep hills and scrambling in some places. Hiking boots are required as there are steep and slippery sections in close proximity to cliff edges.

Descends to Blowhole Beach from Cobbler Hill. Can be incredibly windy. The track is not especially rough but the ascent on the return hike is long and steep.

Another spectacular and challenging hike that has some long and steep undulations. This walk goes right into the dense Deep Creek vegetation and is not a leisurely stroll.

Follows the creek to the coast, many creek crossings involved, stunning views.

The Heysen Trail

The Heysen Trail enters the park near Blowhole Beach, not far from its starting point at Cape Jervis. It traverses the park via Eagle Waterhole, Trig Campground, Deep Creek Waterfall and exits at Boat Harbour beach before continuing to Tunkalilla beach. It is well marked with the red and white Heysen Trail track markers.

Camping

The park has five camping areas available with various facilities.

Stringybark

A sheltered forest setting with 16 sites, hot showers, toilets and rain water. Sites available for caravans and camp trailers. No powered sites available.

Trig

Central to the main hiking trails, open grassy areas with many well-sheltered and shady sites. 25 sites, toilets and rain water available. Sites available for caravans and camp trailers. No powered sites available.

Tapanappa

18 moderately sheltered sites with spectacular coastal views close by. Toilets and rain water available.

Cobbler Hill

10 sites with toilets and rain water close to Blowhole Creek Beach. Can be exposed during windy conditions.

Eagle Waterhole

Located on the Heysen Trail, and only able to be used by hikers. A hikers hut and rainwater tank has been erected at this site.

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ "Protected Areas Information System - reserve list (as of 17 Feb 2014)" (PDF). Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources. p. 5. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  2. 1 2 "CAPAD 2012 South Australia Summary (see 'DETAIL' tab)". CAPAD 2012. Australian Government - Department of the Environment. 6 February 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  3. ↑ "Bushwalking in Deep Creek Conservation Park". Government of South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage. June 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2006-08-25.

External links

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