Bushwalking with kids to Deep Creek Waterfall.
by Katrina Gogel
Deep Creek Conservation Park, on the coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, is a fantastic place to spend a weekend exploring. One of the main attractions in the park is Deep Creek Waterfall, which can be reached by hiking a small section of the Heysen trail.
The hike is a great one for families – particularly if you have older children, or active youngsters who love to bushwalk. At approximately 4.5 kilometres / 1 hour 45 minutes return, it makes for a wonderful morning or afternoon outing.
The easiest walking route to the waterfall is from Trig Campground, which is located on Tent Rock Road within the park (see our map below). There is a small car park here, and toilets are only a short distance away within the campground.
The start of the walk is clearly marked with an information board and Heysen Trail directional marker. All walks within the park have been colour coded. This walk is marked dark blue.
The track at the beginning is fairly flat and sandy underfoot. As you continue on, the trail starts to descend and you’ll catch glimpses of the Southern Ocean in the distance.
During late winter/early spring the wattle and wildflowers bloom, making for a really pretty walk.
There’s plenty of rocky sections and stairs to navigate as you continue further along towards the waterfall, but we think they add to the adventure of this hike. If you are walking during or after rain, watch your footing as these may become slippery.
Approximately two thirds of the way down you will start to hear the waterfall in the distance. As you are nestled in the middle of the park and completely surrounded by bush, it’s a really tranquil sound.
You’ll know you’re nearly there when you have to rock hop across a small creek. Once you reach the other side, you will see a directional marker with arrow pointing you towards Deep Creek Waterfall.
The waterhole is permanent with water at the base of the falls year-round. However, to see the waterfall flowing like we did, it is best visited during winter or early spring.
There’s not a lot of room at the base of the waterfall, but you should be able to find a few rocks to rest on. You may have to share it with one or two other hikers, or you might get lucky and have this beautiful place all to yourself!
Return along the same track to Trig Campground, but this time be prepared for some stair and hill climbs to get back to your car!
Facilities:
- Car park
- Toilets are nearby at Trig campground
- There is a picnic table near the car park/start of the walk
- A picnic shelter is located at the end of Tent Rock Road
Things to consider:
- The Deep Creek Waterfall Hike is NOT pram friendly
- A day entry fee is applicable to Deep Creek Conservation Park and payable via the National Parks website. As there is no phone service in the lower-lying sections of the park, it is best to stop at the entrance and pay online prior to driving in
- The dirt road in is accessible by 2wd and 4wd vehicles
- No pets are allowed in Deep Creek Conservation Park
- Carry a backpack with sufficient water, snacks + small first aid kit for your hike
- Pack a hat and plenty of sunscreen
- Wear hiking boots or running shoes. The trail is not suitable for sandals or thongs
- There are no rubbish bins. Hike out what you hike in!
- After rain, rocks and tree roots can become slippery
- Don’t forget the camera!
Things to see and do nearby:
- Make a weekend of it and stay at one of the campgrounds in Deep Creek Conservation Park. We recently spent a few days at Trig campground and had an excellent time
- There are other wonderful walks and drives to do within the park. Check out the National Parks website for all the info
- Call in to Cape Jervis and watch the Sealink Ferry dock/depart. Kids love it!
- If driving through Port Elliot, be sure to stop in at the Port Elliot bakery and grab their donut of the month. We had a Milo Kit-Kat donut recently, and it was amazing!
Location:
Tent Rock Road, Deep Creek Conservation Park (located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, approx, 1.5 hour drive from Adelaide)
The Deep Creek waterfall hike is accessible during daylight hours.
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For more information and all enquiries please visit the National Parks SA Deep Creek Conservation Park website.
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: All photos by Katrina Gogel for Play & Go
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