Deep Creek National Park is the largest area of forest on the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide. It is a home for an abundance of native wildlife, such as the echidnas, birds, and kangaroos. You could even spot migrating whales from June to October. Moreover, the extensive trail networks in Deep Creek National Park make it a hiker’s paradise. With up to 15 unique hiking trails (including Aaron Creek Hike) and 5 campgrounds around the park, one can go for a short walk, a day hike, or a multi-day camping trip.
Vehicle entry fee and campgrounds fee applied, and you can book and pay on South Australia National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Goondooloo Ridge Walk + Aaron Creek Hike + Aaron Creek Circuit Hike
On my first trip in Deep Creek National Park, I combined Aaron Creek Circuit Hike (anti-clockwise) and Aaron Creek Hike as pictured above. The first section also shares the trail with Goondooloo Ridge Walk.
Aaron Creek Hike Trailhead: Goondooloo Ridge Picnic Area
10.45am: The hike starts at the car park at Goondooloo Ridge Picnic Area. There is a bookable holiday accommodation – Goondooloo Cottage nearby.
Gentle walk through a nice, small section of forest.
(+10)10.55am: Through a gate into the unshaded trail. The trails are clear and well signposted at each junction.
Goondooloo Ridge Lookout
(+21)11.16am: At the end of Goondooloo Ridge Walk is the Goondooloo Ridge Lookout area. It is a nice picnic area with some views of the ocean and you can see Kangaroo Island from here.
11.26am: Continuing on with Aaron Creek Hike. I spotted a couple of Western Grey Kangaroos chilling on the grass near the lookout.
(+4)11.30am: The trail snakes its way down the ridge into the creek.
(+7)11.37am: Junction through the Wild South Coast Way on the 1,200km Heysen Trail.
(+2)11.39am: A flowing stream at the bottom of the creek.
(+4)11.43am: Undulating trail along the creek.
(+5)11.48am: Junction turn-off to Aaron Creek Hike towards the coast.
(+7)11.55am
(+25)12.20pm: The trail towards the coast is undulating along the creek for the most part, until the last section where it leaves the creek and up onto a hill.
(+2)12.22pm: It’s a steep but short climb over the hill.
Aaron Creek Cove
(+6)12.28pm: The ocean comes into view.
(+6)12.34pm: At the top of the hill, you get a full view of Kangaroo Island over the strait known as the Backstairs Passage.
(+2)12.36pm: Steep descent down towards the cove.
(+2)12.38pm
(+2)12.40pm
(+2)12.42pm: Down onto the rocky cove at the end of Aaron Creek.
(+20)1.02pm: Climbing back up the hill for the return trip towards inland.
(+28)1.30pm: Back to the junction to continue the remaining Aaron Creek Circuit Hike.
Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi / Eagle Waterhole Campground
(+11)1.41pm: Arrived at the Eagle Waterhole Campground (Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi).
The Eagle Waterhole Campground is the only campground in Deep Creek National Park that is not accessible by a vehicle. This provides a more quiet natural setting for those who put a little bit more effort to hike to this campsite (online booking required).
A waterhole at the campground, surrounded by tall grass. I guess it looks like an eagle nest, hence the name ‘Eagle Waterhole’.
2.02pm: Back on the track, heading towards the car park.
(+10)2.12pm: A unique point of interest by the track: A tree that grows through an old cart trailer.
(+2)2.14pm: The track follows along the fence of the national park, with a farm next to it.
(+17)2.31pm: Back into the small section of forest after exiting the gate. There were a large group of kangaroos hanging out in the area.
(+8)2.39pm: Back to the car park at Goondooloo Ridge Picnic Area.
Passing through Adelaide, I stopped by to have an awesome AB (an Adelaide term for doner kebab meat pack, also called the Halal Snack Pack in Australia) at Yiros Club Edwardstown.
P.S. Yiros is a South Aussie term for gyros, a Greek food. And AB, often found in yiros shop, stands for ‘abortion’ or ‘after birth’, named by Adelaideans after its messy appearance.
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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