Deep Creek and Talisker Conservation parksBushwalking guide
Local emergency numbersPolice 000 or 131 444 Ambulance 000 CFS fire calls only 000
Further informationNatural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges Deep Creek Conservation Park C/- Post Office Delamere SA 5204 T: (08) 8598 0263
Cottage accommodation Southern Ocean Retreats T: 08 8598 4169
© Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources March 2014 | FIS 92653
Port Willunga
CurrencyCreek
Goolwa
Normanville
Victor Harbor
DEEP CREEKCONSERVATION PARK
ADELAIDE
Yankalilla
Cape Jervis
WillungaAldinga
MountCompass
Strathalbyn
Second ValleyPort Elliot
0 km 20
TALISKERCONSERVATION
PARK
Delamere
Ngurunderi dreaming
The two women hurriedly walked down Tunkalilla Beach to Tjirbuk (Blowhole Beach). From there they could see Kangaroo Island, the spirit land. At that time Kangaroo Island was almost connected to the mainland and it was possible to walk across. Picking up all their belongings, consisting of nets (for fish) and mats (to carry food in) they began to walk across.
In the meantime, Ngurunderi hurried up to Tjirbuk, and could see them going across. When they had reached the centre, Ngurunderi called out in a voice of thunder, saying: “Pink’ul’un’urn’pranukurn” (fall waters-you). Immediately the waters (sea) began to come in from the west, wave upon wave, driving the two women from their course.
So rough, so strong were the tempestuous waves, that the women tried to turn their faces towards the mainland. At last, fighting against waves no more, they were carried into the open sea, taking their net baskets with them. But again, as the water grew calmer, they tried to swim to Tunkalilla Beach, but could not and were at last drowned. They were, however, metamorphosed into Metalong (The Pages or the Two Sisters, opposite Tunkalilla Beach on the mainland, or north-east of Cape Willoughby on Kangaroo Island).
The Pages islands can be seen from Tapanappa Lookout.
The larger rock or island is the elder sister, who with her basket tried to struggle on but could not. The next in size is the younger sister, who threw off the basket she carried. She was drowned a little before her sister. While the smallest rock, a little in front of the latter, is the basket she cast off. Ngurunderi then went across to Kangaroo Island and walked down the coast towards the west until he reached Kingscote, where he created a huge casuarina and rested under its shady boughs.
He then walked down to the western end of Kangaroo Island, and threw his remaining spear out into the sea. Where it struck the water, rocks emerged immediately. He walked onto these rocks to where his spear was, and from there dived into the sea and quickly out. This action was to cleanse himself of his old life. He then went up to ‘Waieruwar’ (the sky).
Kangaroo Island can be seen from the Cobbler Hill picnic area.
Dreaming trailsThe aboriginal people of the southern Fleurieu Peninsula fall into two language groups, the Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri. Dreaming stories from both groups illustrate a deep spiritual connection to the land.
The creation of land formations on the Fleurieu Peninsula are illustrated through dreaming stories. The Kaurna dreaming story of Tjirbuk highlights the creation of the western side of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
The Ngarrindjeri focus on Ngurunderi, who, while on his journey, created many landforms which we can now see along the River Murray and the south coast.
These landforms were made while he was travelling along the river and coastline in search of his two wives, who had run away from him.
Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus
Deep Creek Conservation Park is located 100 kilometres south-west of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
It preserves the largest portion of remaining natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and is home to healthy populations of Western Grey Kangaroos, Short-beaked Echidnas, Southern Brown Bandicoots and Southern Emu-wrens.
The park provides some of the most scenic and challenging bushwalking areas in the state. An extensive network of trails allows walkers to explore a variety of fascinating natural environments. Due to the park’s rugged nature, a careful, responsible and well-planned approach to bushwalking is essential for your safety.
The Heysen Trail, passing through Deep Creek Conservation Park is a long-distance walking trail. It traverses the state’s principal mountain ranges from Cape Jervis west of the park to Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges.
Talisker Conservation Park is located 9 km west of Deep Creek Conservation Park. Travel along Three Bridges Road to Talisker Road and follow the signs to the mine.
Trek - Challenging: a trek is generally physically demanding, therefore users should be experienced bushwalkers with good navigational skills. Treks often require several days to complete, and pass through remote areas where the trail is unmarked. Prior to commencing a trek, bushwalkers must discuss their route with a ranger and fill in a Trip Intentions form.
Extended treks can be made within Deep Creek Conservation Park by linking up existing walking trails, fire access tracks and main roads.
Cross-country walking is not permitted.
Please discuss your desired route with a ranger prior to commencing a trek. School groups and trekkers must fill in a Trip Intentions form.
PhytophthoraPhytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora) species are soil and waterborne fungi that impact on a wide variety of native plant species, exotic fruits and vegetables. Bushwalkers can spread the disease by moist soil and plant material sticking to footwear.
The spread can be minimised by:
• contacting local DEWNR parks office for information on suitable bushwalking areas
•parking cars in designated car parks only
• keeping to designated roads and walking trails at all times and obeying 'trail closed' signs
• avoiding bushwalking when the soil is wet or muddy
• starting and finishing bushwalks with clean footwear
• removing soil from footwear before leaving an area (boots or shoes should not be taken home to clean)
•using boot cleaning facilities where provided.
Park fees Fees apply for entering and camping at Deep Creek Conservation Park. On-the-spot fines apply to vehicles not displaying a valid permit. A permit is not required to visit Talisker Conservation Park and camping is prohibited.
Entry and camping permits can be obtained from any of the self-registration stations shown on the map. Fees collected are used for conservation and to maintain and improve park facilities for your ongoing enjoyment.
Annual park passes can be purchased from the Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges office at 41 Victoria Street, Victor Harbor, or by phoning the DEWNR information line 08 8204 1910.
Walks, hikes and treksWalk - Easy: a walk is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. They are well-defined trails, generally less than 3 km in length, with even surfaces.
Hike - Moderate: a moderate hike is suitable for bushwalkers with an average level of fitness. These trails can be any length and may include moderate inclines and irregular surfaces.
Hike - Hard: a hard hike requires some hiking experience and a reasonable level of fitness, as some sections of the trail can be quite steep and uneven.
Western Grey Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus
Location mapThe national parks codeHelp protect your national parks by following these guidelines:
• leave your pets at home
• take your rubbish with you
• observe fire restrictions, usually 1 November to 30 April – check CFS hotline 1300 362 361.
• conserve native habitat by using liquid fuel or gas stoves
• camp only in designated areas
• respect geological and heritage sites
• keep our wildlife wild – do not feed or disturb animals, or remove native plants.
• keep to defined vehicle tracks and walking trails
• generators, chainsaws and firearms are not permitted
• be considerate of other park users.
Thank you for leaving the bush in its natural state for the enjoyment of others.
Walk safelyBe prepared when bushwalking:
• wear sturdy shoes, hat and sunscreen
• carry sufficient food and drinking water – allow four litres of water per person per day
• do not rely on tanks or creeks in the park for drinking water
• keep to the defined walking trail
• inform a responsible person of your proposed route and expected time of return
• weather conditions can change quickly, ensure you have appropriate wet weather clothing.
Spider Orchid Caladenia patersonii
Join the community Share your parks at parks.sa.gov.au
/ParksSA
www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/adelaidemtloftyranges
* Time is generously estimated from an average walking speed varying from 1.2 to 3 km per hour - allow extra time for resting and sightseeing.
Select your trail
TrailTime*DistanceNotes
WALKEASY
• even surfaced trail• suitable for small children
Stringybark Loop Walk30 minutes return1.5 km returnTall shady stringybark trees and delicate ferns
Forest Circuit Walk1 hour return2.6 km returnRelaxing stroll through stringybark forest
Goondooloo Ridge Walk2 hours return4 km returnStunning views of Backstairs Passage
Spring Wildflower Walk2.5 hours return5 km returnColourful wildflower display September to November
HIKEMODERATE
• some moderate inclines• irregular surface with loose, uneven base• average level of fitness
Talisker Silver Lead Mine Hike1.5 hours return3 km return19th century Cornish Mine Ruins
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tent Rock Road
2 hours return3.5 km returnYear-round waterfall in a beautiful gully
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Trig Picnic Area
2.5 hours return6.4 km returnSpectacular ocean views to secluded cove at mouth of creek
Aaron Creek Circuit Hike3 hours return5.5 km returnCascading waterfall in winter
HIKEHARD
• some steep inclines• irregular surface with loose, uneven base• average level of fitness• some hiking experience
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Tapanappa Lookout
2.5 hours return3.4 km returnRugged coastal hike with spectacular views of The Deep Creek
Blowhole Beach Hike2.5 hours return3 km returnBeautiful sandy cove
Blowhole Beach - Cobbler Hill Marrano Creek Hike
3.5 hours return6.7 km returnBreathtaking coastal views
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tapanappa Lookout
3.5 hours return7 km returnExcellent views of The Deep Creek
Boat Harbor Circuit Hike4 hours return7.3 km returnRocky cove at the mouth of Boat Harbor Creek
Aaron Creek Hike6 hours return11 km returnFollows creek to coast, stunning views
Deep Creek Circuit Hike7 hours return10.9 km returnCombining rugged coastal and spectacular creek views
Deep Creek and Talisker bushwalking guide
Stringybark Loop Walk Walk in the shade while admiring tall trees and delicate ferns in this remnant stringybark forest. These stringybark trees are some of the oldest in South Australia and provide ideal nesting hollows for a variety of birds, including the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. Picnic tables are provided near the beginning of the trail. An ideal family walk.
Access: This walk begins at the picnic ground near park headquarters on Tapanappa Road.
Forest Circuit Walk Ideal for an afternoon walk, while camping at Stringybark campground. The circuit walk meanders its way through beautiful, tall stringybark forest. The highlights of this walk are the fogs that settle among the trees during the autumn months.
Access: This walk begins from the Stringybark campground, opposite site 11. The campground is located on the road leading to park headquarters.
Goondooloo Ridge Walk This trail along Goondooloo Ridge offers spectacular views of Backstairs Passage. It is an easy walk to the lookout. Along the way you can often view large mobs of kangaroos grazing in the open fields, or resting under eucalypts.
Access: This walk begins at the Aaron Creek picnic area located on Blowhole Road, 15 metres from Goondooloo Cottage.
Spring Wildflower Walk This is a perfect stroll for botanists, or if you just enjoy admiring nature’s colours. A beautiful array of wildflowers can be seen on display during late winter to early spring throughout this regenerating sclerophyll forest.
Access: This walk begins at the Stringybark campground, opposite site 9.
Talisker Silver Lead Mine Hike Situated in Talisker Conservation Park, this interpretive hike guides you amongst the stories and workings of a nineteenth century Cornish mining and ore processing operation. Marvel at the enduring lifestyle and ingenuity of the Cornish miners and their families while walking through naturally regenerating bushland which hosts an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife.
Access: The hike is located in Talisker Conservation Park, 9 km west of Deep Creek Conservation Park. A picnic area with toilet facilities is located nearby.
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tent Rock Road This trail, which forms part of the famous Heysen Trail, takes you down to a year- round waterfall nestled in the heart of the park. Lookout points have been placed along the hike, providing spectacular views of the densely vegetated hills that protect the Deep Creek on its journey towards the cove.
Access: This hike can be started from either of two points located on Tent Rock Road. One follows a fire track and the other the Heysen Trail.
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Trig picnic area This hike offers spectacular views of the Southern Ocean. The highlight of this hike is Backstairs Passage and the south coast. It finishes at a secluded cove where the mouth of the Deep Creek finishes its journey to the ocean.
Access: This hike begins at Trig picnic area. Follow Tent Rock Road past Trig campground to the picnic area.
Aaron Creek Circuit Hike The trail meets with Aaron Creek, incorporating tall gums and scented wattles. You will pass a cascading waterfall that flows in winter. Many Western Grey Kangaroos may be seen resting under the gums at the beginning of the hike. This area was once farming land. Eagle waterhole campground is on this trail.
Access: The hike starts at the car park, 15 metres from Goondooloo Cottage, on Blowhole Creek Road.
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Tapanappa Lookout A rugged coastal hike through steep terrain offering spectacular views of the Deep Creek. The cove is surrounded by dense vegetation that encloses around you along the trail. Only experienced and fit bushwalkers should attempt this hike.
Access: The trail begins at the Tapanappa Lookout, but the hike can start from Tapanappa campground (add 3 km return).
Blowhole Beach - Cobbler Hill Marrano Creek Hike This hike follows the Blowhole Beach Hike to the sandy beach below. Here you will join the Heysen Trail and follow it up to Cobbler Hill campground, crossing Marrano Creek on your travels. From this point follow the main road back to Cobbler Hill picnic area. Provides excellent views of Kangaroo Island and The Pages islands.
Access: This hike begins from the Cobbler Hill picnic area or Cobbler Hill campground.
Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus
Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus
Boat Harbor Circuit Hike Part of this unique hike is along the Heysen Trail. You will experience breathtaking views of Kangaroo Island, The Pages islands and Tunkalilla Beach. By making a small diversion off the circuit trail you can walk down to Boat Harbor Beach, which is a rocky cove where Boat Harbor Creek enters the Southern Ocean.
Access: This hike begins on Tapanappa Ridge. Follow the road towards the Tapanappa campground and turn to the ridge on your left before reaching the campground. This hike does not start at Tapanappa Lookout.
Aaron Creek Hike The upper section of this trail follows the Aaron Creek Circuit Hike. The lower section follows natural bushland, becoming more rugged near the coast. After a steep climb you are rewarded with views of Kangaroo Island before descending into a small rocky cove.
Access: This hike begins at the car park located on Blowhole Road, 15 metres from the turn-off into Goondooloo Cottage.
Deep Creek Circuit Hike The Deep Creek Circuit hike includes some of the best views on offer in the park. The hike incorporates the waterfall and cove. Difficulties may be experienced crossing the Deep Creek during wet weather. Take care at all times, and do not attempt to cross when flooded. Only experienced and fit walkers should attempt this hike.
Access: You can start from the Trig picnic area or from Tapanappa Lookout.
Blowhole Beach Hike Extensive views of Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo Island can be seen from the picnic area at Cobbler Hill. This trail winds itself down a steep hill to the sandy beach known as Blowhole.
Access: This hike begins from the Cobbler Hill picnic area, located on Blowhole Creek Road.
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tapanappa Lookout Excellent views of the Deep Creek can be seen along the trail. During this hike you will find yourself among the thick vegetation and rugged terrain that Deep Creek Conservation Park is renowned for. Only experienced and fit walkers should attempt this hike.
Access: The trail begins at the Tapanappa Lookout. Alternatively you can start from the Tapanappa campground (add 3 km return).
90
80
50
110
140
100
100
160
170
240
210
200
270
150
320
260
330
200
340
300
340
280
310
280
290
200
290
280
300
20015
0
280
280
300
300
320
200
300
310
150
250
300
250
300
50
340
180
290
300
250
210
330
300
280
320
250
300340
200
200
310
260
280
200
290
250
260
250
330
50
290
300
320
220
280
150
250
250
320
200
200
340
260
250
250
250
300
270
250
250
250
300
300
270
280
280
270
260
240
300
300
250
230
250
28032
0
250
200
200
100
320
250
270
340
340
340
300
200
150
100
320
300
290
250
300
300
50
100
320
260
150
280
240
260
260
200
300
300
290
320
50
250
300
250
180
330
200
260
170
240
270
200
300
300
150
290
260
330
330
330
200
270
150
250
180 250
300
DA
BRIDGES
RO
AD
BULLOCK
ROAD
ROAD
RO
AD
APPA
HARBOR
To Cape
RO
ROADROAD
Jervis 5 km
HOLE
To Victor Harbor
To
Vic
tor
Har
bor
To Delam
ere 1.5 km
TUNKALILLA ROAD
TAPAN
THREE
MAIN
BLOW
To D
elamer
e 3.
5 km
BLACK
DO
G T
RA
P
ROCK
BEDLAM FLAT ROAD
BOAT
OAD
RAN
GE TE
NT
WEST
RANG
E
UNKNOWN
CREEK
FOREST ROAD
CO
LE RO
AD
UN
KN
OW
N
UNKNOWN
TAPAN
ROAD
APPA
SOU
TH
RO
AD
RANGE ROAD
ROAD
TUNKALILLA R
OAD
UNKNOWN
UN
KN
OW
N
TUNKALILLA R
OAD
ROAD
N
Tea Tree Creek
Creek
Harbor
Deep
Creek
Creek
Creek
The
Aar
on
Fishery Creek
The
Sal
t Cre
ek
Mar
rano
Boat
D eep
Creek
CONSERVATION PARK
TALISKERCONSERVATION
PARK DEEP CREEK
waterfall
Backstairs Passage
Blowhole Beach
Porpoise Head
Deep Creek Cove
Tapanappa Lookout
Tapanappa
Trig
Eagle Waterhole
(hikers only)
Hut
Cobbler Hill
Cobbler Hill
Aaron Creek
Stringybark Park
GlenburnCottage
Headquarters
Deep CreekHomestead
Raywood Nursery
RidgetopRetreats
Goondooloo Cottage
Campground
Picnic Area
Campground
Campground
Picnic Area
Campgroundand picnic area
Campground
Boat Harbor Beach
90
90
325
269
124
324
277
237
308
307
304
257
344
348
336
306
189
326
267
268
326
273
310
257
148
196
293
196
316
290
341
0 km 1 2
Sealed roadUnsealed roadFire access track (Authorised vehicles only)Walking trail
Park boundary
Contour; Contour value100
Watercourse
Stringybark Loop Walk
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tapanappa Lookout
Spring Wildflower Walk
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Tapanappa Lookout
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Trig Picnic Area
Blowhole Beach-Cobbler Hill Marrano Creek Hike
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tent Rock Road
Aaron Creek Circuit Hike
Blowhole Beach Hike
Goondooloo Ridge Walk
Talisker Silver Lead Mine Hike
Deep Creek Circuit Hike
Forest Circuit Walk
Aaron Creek HikeBoat Harbor Circuit Hike
Heysen Trail
Lookout
InformationToiletsCampgroundBush camping
Picnic area
No campingNo camp fires
BushwalkingFishing
Self-registration station
WaterHot showers
Sheltered picnic area
242000m.E
242000m.E
43
43
44
44
45
45
46
46
47
47
48
48
49
49
250
250
51
51
52
52
53
53
54
54
255000m.E
255000m.E
6050
000m
. N
6050
000m
. N
51 51
52 52
53 53
54 54
55 55
56 56
57 57
58 58
6059
000m
. N
6059
000m
. N
The Pages Lookout
90
80
50
110
140
100
100
160
170
240
210
200
270
150
320
260
330
200
340
300
340
280
310
280
290
200
290
280
300
200
150
280
280
300
300
320
200
300
310
150
250
300
250
300
50
340
180
290
300
250
210
330
30028
0
320
250
300340
200
200
310
260
280
200
290
250
260
250
330
50
290
300
320
220
280
150
250
250
320
200
200
340
260
250
250
250
300
270
250
250
250
300
300
270
280
280
270
260
240
300
300250
230
250
280
320
250
200
200
100
320
250
270
340
340
340
300
200
150
100
320
300
290
250
300
300
50
100
320
260
150
280
240
260
260
200
300
300
290
320
50
250
300
250
180
330
200
260
170
240
270
200
300
300
150
290
260
330
330
330
200
270
150
250
180 250
300
DA
BRIDGES
RO
AD
BULLOCK
ROAD
ROAD
RO
AD
APPA
HARBOR
To Cape
RO
ROADROAD
Jervis 5 km
HOLE
To Victor Harbor
To
Vic
tor
Har
bor
To Delam
ere 1.5 km
TUNKALILLA ROAD
TAPAN
THREE
MAIN
BLOW
To D
elamer
e 3.
5 km
BLACK
DO
G T
RA
P
ROCK
BEDLAM FLAT ROAD
BOAT
OAD
RAN
GE TE
NT
WEST
RANG
E
UNKNOWN
CREEK
FOREST ROAD
CO
LE RO
AD
UN
KN
OW
N
UNKNOWN
TAPAN
ROAD
APPA
SOU
TH
RO
AD
RANGE ROAD
ROAD
TUNKALILLA R
OAD
UNKNOWN
UN
KN
OW
N
TUNKALILLA R
OAD
ROAD
N
Tea Tree Creek
Creek
Harbor
Deep
Creek
Creek
Creek
The
Aar
on
Fishery Creek
The
Sal
t Cre
ek
Mar
rano
Boat
D eep
Creek
CONSERVATION PARK
TALISKERCONSERVATION
PARK DEEP CREEK
waterfall
Backstairs Passage
Blowhole Beach
Porpoise Head
Deep Creek Cove
Tapanappa Lookout
Tapanappa
Trig
Eagle Waterhole
(hikers only)
Hut
Cobbler Hill
Cobbler Hill
Aaron Creek
Stringybark Park
GlenburnCottage
Headquarters
Deep CreekHomestead
Raywood Nursery
RidgetopRetreats
Goondooloo Cottage
Campground
Picnic Area
Campground
Campground
Picnic Area
Campgroundand picnic area
Campground
Boat Harbor Beach
90
90
325
269
124
324
277
237
308
307
304
257
344
348
336
306
189
326
267
268
326
273
310
257
148
196
293
196
316
290
341
0 km 1 2
Sealed roadUnsealed roadFire access track (Authorised vehicles only)Walking trail
Park boundary
Contour; Contour value100
Watercourse
Stringybark Loop Walk
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tapanappa Lookout
Spring Wildflower Walk
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Tapanappa Lookout
Deep Creek Cove Hike from Trig Picnic Area
Blowhole Beach-Cobbler Hill Marrano Creek Hike
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tent Rock Road
Aaron Creek Circuit Hike
Blowhole Beach Hike
Goondooloo Ridge Walk
Talisker Silver Lead Mine Hike
Deep Creek Circuit Hike
Forest Circuit Walk
Aaron Creek HikeBoat Harbor Circuit Hike
Heysen Trail
Lookout
InformationToiletsCampgroundBush camping
Picnic area
No campingNo camp fires
BushwalkingFishing
Self-registration station
WaterHot showers
Sheltered picnic area
242000m.E
242000m.E
43
43
44
44
45
45
46
46
47
47
48
48
49
49
250
250
51
51
52
52
53
53
54
54
255000m.E
255000m.E
6050
000m
. N
6050
000m
. N
51 51
52 52
53 53
54 54
55 55
56 56
57 57
58 58
6059
000m
. N
6059
000m
. N
The Pages Lookout