Deep Creek Conservation Park
| Deep Creek Conservation Park South Australia |
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IUCN category II (national park)
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 Deep Creek Conservation Park
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| Nearest town or city | Cape Jervis |
| Coordinates | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. |
| 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 Lua error in Module:Convert at line 272: attempt to index local 'cat' (a nil value). of natural Australian bush land located on the southern coast of Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, Lua error in Module:Convert at line 272: attempt to index local 'cat' (a nil value). east of Cape Jervis. The total of Lua error in Module:Convert at line 272: attempt to index local 'cat' (a nil value). 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
- Stringybark Loop Walk
An easy 20 minute nature trail the stringybark and yacca-bush forest. Information boards are located at intervals along the way.
- Forest Circuit Walk
An easy walk through the forest near Stringybark Campground.
- Spring Wildflower Walk
Follows fire trails from Stringybark Campground.
- Moderate Hikes
- Deep Creek Waterfall from Tent Rock Road
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.
- Deep Creek Cove from Trig Camping Area
Descends moderately to Deep Creek Cove. The return walk is a long moderate ascent.
- Aaron Creek Circuit Hike
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
- Deep Creek Cove from Tapanappa Lookout
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.
- Blowhole Beach Hike
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.
- Deep Creek Waterfall from Tapanappa Lookout
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.
- Aaron Creek Hike.
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
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Approaching the cove at the mouth of Deep Creek.
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Looking south.
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The creek mouth.
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Blowhole Beach.
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Blowhole Beach looking North East.
