Deep Creek National Park: Weekend Itinerary, Hikes & Map
Last updated: August 2026
Deep Creek National Park is one of the best weekends you can have within two hours of Adelaide. Here’s exactly how we’d spend it, and everything you need to know before you go.
Just 1.5 hours south of Adelaide, South Australia, you’ll find the ultimate nature escape. Picture coastal cliffs, hidden beaches and ancient forests. Deep Creek National Park is packed with wildlife, hikes, epic views, and it has the perfect mix of bush and bay. I guess that’s why it’s one of our favourite places in South Australia.
I’ve visited Deep Creek National Park (previously Deep Creek Conservation Park) three times now, and I still haven’t seen it all. But after a few trips and some serious exploring, I’ve put together a weekend itinerary that’ll help you make the most of your trip.
And yes, the name did change. If you’re searching for Deep Creek Conservation Park, this is the same place. It was upgraded to a national park in 2021, and plenty of maps and signs still use the old name.
If you’re ready for a mix of bush and bay, hikes and camping, this one’s for you. Here’s how to spend an unforgettable weekend at Deep Creek National Park.
➤ If you’re heading this direction, start with our full guide on the best things to do on the Fleurieu Peninsula to help plan your trip.
Before you go: What’s open after the 2026 bushfire
In February 2026, a bushfire came through Deep Creek and burnt more than 4,500 hectares. Around 40% of the national park and almost all of neighbouring Talisker Conservation Park were burnt. We’ve been back since, and honestly, it’s remarkable how quickly the bush is coming back. Grasstrees flowering, new growth everywhere. It’s a different park to the one in some older photos, but it’s still very much worth the drive.
Most of it has reopened. Stringybark, Cobbler Hill, Tapanappa and Trig campgrounds are all back, along with the Deep Creek Cove hike, the Blowhole Beach track and the Boat Harbour Beach 4WD track. The Wild South Coast Way section of the Heysen Trail has reopened too.
Still closed at the time of writing (31 August 2026):
- Deep Creek Waterfall Hike, from both Tapanappa Lookout and Tent Rock Road
- Deep Creek Circuit Hike
- Aaron Creek Hike
- Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi (Eagly Waterhole) campground
- Talisker Conservation Park
Always check the Park Alerts page before you head down.
About Deep Creek National Park
|
Where |
Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. The Southern Tip. |
|---|---|
|
Distance from Adelaide |
About 105 km, or 1.5 hours by car |
|
Vehicle Entry |
$14.40 per vehicle, booked online before you arrive. |
|
Camping |
From $27.50 per night; bookings are essential. Vehicle entry fees are included in the campsite fee |
|
Campgrounds |
Stringybark, Trig, Tapanappa, Cobbler Hill, Yapari Ngawanthi and Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi (currently closed) |
|
Walking Trails |
15, from a 30-minute loop to multi-day sections of the Heysen Trail |
|
2WD friendly? |
Yes. Most campgrounds and trailheads. Blowhole Beach and Boat Harbour need a high-clearance 4WD. |
|
Dogs |
Not permitted – it’s a national park |
|
Mobile Reception |
Patchy. |
|
Best time to visit |
Spring for wildflowers, autumn for hiking weather, winter for waterfalls. Whales pass this coast May to October. |
|
How long do you need? |
A weekend. Three days if you want to slow down. |
Watch: A weekend at Deep Creek National park
We filmed our entire trip to Deep Creek, the drive in, the campgrounds, the hikes, and the 4WD track down to Blowhole Beach. If you’d rather see the park than read about it, start here.
Things to do in Deep Creek National Park
If you only have a day, or you’d rather pick and choose than follow an itinerary, here’s what we’d prioritise:
A weekend at Deep Creek National Park
Friday afternoon: Arrival At Deep Creek National Park
Let’s kick things off right! Head straight to Tapanappa Campground, probably the most scenic campsite in the whole park. This campground is located right next to the coast, with incredible views over the Waitpinga Cliffs, and you will feel the sea breeze. Find a great spot to set up camp, and if you’re still up for it, head over to Tapanappa Lookout to spot some kangaroos and watch the sunset.
➤ Tapanapppa is a 2WD-friendly drive and is located close to the lookout. We’ve compared almost every campground in the park; read all the details in our Deep Creek Camping Guide.
Saturday: Hiking day
Rise early and catch the sunrise, just cross the road from your campsite and you’ll find two benches overlooking the coast. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunrise! Make yourself a delicious brekkie, trust me, you’ll need it today, and get ready for a bit of hiking.
First stop: Stringybark Day Use Area
Pack up camp, hop in the car and drive towards Stringybark campground. Just before you get there, you’ll see a sign for the day use area. This is where the Stringybark Loop Walk starts. A fun 30-minute walk that gives you a proper taste of Deep Creek. It’s an easy, family-friendly trail, and perfect for easing into the day. You’ll walk through a stunning ancient forest, with lots of grass trees and the sound of birds. Keep an eye out for yellow-tailed black cockatoos, or kangaroos you might be sharing the walking path with.
Feeling hungry? There are a few picnic tables nestled in the forest too. Take a mid-morning break or early lunch under the trees.
Highlight of the day: Deep Creek Cove Hike
After your forest wander, it’s time for the real adventure. Drive over to Trig Campground and park at the Day Use Area. Let’s lace up those hiking boots! You’re going for a hike. And from my experience, this hike is the best one in the entire national park.
The Deep Creek Cove Hike from Trig Campground is a 6.4 km return hike with stunning views all the way down. The colours change from rusty brown to lush green, with a background of blue from the ocean and the white sand of the beach. Every 10 steps, take another photo. That’s how stunning it is. As soon as you reach the cove, you’ll find this beautiful cove that gave me Tassie vibes. It wasn’t the cove I was expecting, making it even more mind-blowing than I thought it would be. It’s a great spot to catch your breath and soak in the moment. Just note that there’s no swimming here; it’s more of a scenic reward than a beach day.
Allow three hours return. Take at least two litres of water each, there’s none at the trailhead and the climb back up is where you’ll want it.
The way back up is a bit of a workout, especially the first 600 metres which are quite steep and rocky. It’s a good exercise, and the higher you climb, the better the views. If you need to take a breath, stop, turn around and take it all in. You’ve earned it!
Camp at Trig for the night
After that big hike, you’ll be ready to kick back and relax. Luckily, Trig Campground is right there and makes a great place to spend the night. Cook some dinner and cosy up by a camp fire to end the day.
Just check the fire restrictions first. Deep Creek sits in the Mount Lofty Ranges fire ban district, where the fire danger usually runs from 1 December to 30 April. But the CFS declares the exact dates each year, so check before you pack the firewood. Fires are also banned on any declared Total Fire Ban day.
Sunday: Beach Day
Sunday’s your day to chill. Start with a slow morning, pack up camp and make your way to Cobbler Hill Day Use Area. From here, you got two options to reach one of the park’s most iconic spots: Blowhole Beach
Option 1: Drive down via the 4WD track
If you’ve got a high clearance 4WD, you’re in for a fun little adventure. The track is steep and rocky.
➤ Make sure to read our 4WD guide to Blowhole Beach before heading down. It’s a short drive, but better to come prepared.
Option 2: Hike in
No 4WD? No worries! There’s a walking trail that takes you down from Cobbler Hill campground or the day use area. When walking from the day use area, you’ll spot heaps of kangaroos who enjoy hanging out with the hikers. Keep your camera close, they’re not shy!
Once you arrive at Blowhole Beach, you’ll see what the fuss is about. It’s tucked between two headlands, with white sand and waves rolling in. You can fish, surf (if the swell is right), or just relax. It’s not patrolled, so be cautious if you go for a dip.
Bring a picnic, maybe a book, and settle in for a few lazy hours. You honestly don’t want to leave this beautiful place.
Optional: Stay one more night
If you’re not ready for the weekend to end, book a site at Cobbler Hill Campground for one more night. Located on the hill above Blowhole Beach with stunning views over Kangaroo Island. It’s a small campground, quiet and surrounded by nature. Just how a Sunday night should be.
Every walk and hike in Deep Creek National park
There are 15 walking trails in the park, from half-hour forest loops to multi-day sections of the Heysen Trail. Here are the ones worth planning a day around, along with what’s currently open.
|
Walk |
What it’s like |
Status |
|---|---|---|
|
Stringybark Loop Walk |
Around 30 minutes, easy, flat. Ancient stringybark forest and grass trees. The one to do with kids. |
Open |
|
Deep Creek Cove Hike |
6.4 km return from Trig Campground, about 3 hours. Steep and rocky on the way back up. Our pick for the best walk in the park. |
Open |
|
Blowhole Beach Walk |
Down from Cobbler Hill to the beach. Steep, and the climb back up is the hard part. Plenty of Kangaroos, especially around the picnic/day-use area. |
Open |
|
Forest Circuit Walk |
An easy forest loop near Stringybark. Starts at Stringybark campground. Good in the heat as you’re in shade most of the way. Scenic during sunrise or sunset. |
Open |
|
Spring Wildflower Walk |
Best between August and October, when the orchids and native flowers are out. |
Open |
|
Boat Harbour Circuit Hike |
A longer coastal circuit down to Boat Harbour Beach. A serious day out. |
Open |
|
Wild South Coast Way (Heysen Trail) |
Multi-day. Runs right through the park along the coast. |
Open |
|
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike |
From Tapanappa Lookout or Tent Rock Road. Best after winter rain. |
Closed – Bushfire recovey |
|
Deep Creek Circuit Hike |
The park’s big loop, taking in the waterfall and the creek. |
Closed – bushfire recovery |
|
Aaron Creek Hike |
Steep creek-valley walking in the park’s west. |
Closed – bushfire recovery. |
➤ Closures were correct as of 31 August 2026. Check park alerts before you go.
4WD Tracks in Deep Creek National Park
There are two proper 4WD tracks in Deep Creek National Park, and both need a high-clearance 4WD. Not an AWD.
Blowhole Beach Track
The famous one. Steep, rocky, and rutted, dropping from Cobbler Hill down to the beach. It’s not a long track, but it requires patience and low-range.
➤ Our full Blowhole Beach 4WD Guide has the track details and what to expect.
Boat Harbour Beach Track
This is a 4.1 km unsealed track that takes about 18 minutes to complete each way. The track consists of a mixed dirt, clay, and rocky surface. Roughly 4% of the track features steep gradients. It can become highly slippery and washed out after seasonal rainfall.
Both tracks close in wet weather and after a fire. Drop your tyre pressures, and bring recovery gear.
Accommodation near Deep Creek national park
Camping would be our pick, but we also like to mix it up. Deep Creek has some incredible, cosy cabins, where you can get comfortable next to a fireplace, read a book and have incredible views over the ocean and Kangaroo Island.
Grass Tree Gully must be our favourite. Located just outside the national park, with views over the coast. Close to Blowhole Beach.
Inside the park, you have the Ridgetop Retreats, which are self-contained eco cabins run by Southern Ocean Retreats, tucked into the bush.
Just outside the park, you have Delamere, Cape Jervis and Second Valley, where you’ll find many holiday houses and cabins within 20 minutes of the park entrance.
Deep Creek National Park Photos
A few shots from our trips, so you get a feeling what you’re driving for.
What to pack – Deep Creek National Park Essentials Checklist
Book campsites in advance
Sites at Tapanappa, Trig and Cobbler Hill fill up fast, especially on weekends and school holidays. You can book through the National Parks SA website.
Camping fees start at $27.50 a night. There’s no additional vehicle entry fee. The cost is included in your campsite fee. Both are booked online before you arrive. There’s no gate to pay at, and rangers do check.
Bring plenty of water
The campgrounds don’t have drinking water, so come prepared. We allow around five litres per person per day in summer, and that’s before you factor in hikes.
Enough food for your trip
Besides a small convenience store at Delamere, there are no shops near the park.
Proper hiking shoes
The Deep Creek Cove hike is rocky and sandy. Make sure you wear the right shoes.
Hat & sunscreen
It’s always good to protect yourself from the sun.
Rubbish bags
There are no bins. Leave no trace and take all your rubbish with you.
Pack for all weather
It can get chilly and windy at night, even in summer. The park sits on an exposed south-facing coast, and the wind comes straight off the Southern Ocean. Take a windproof layer, whatever the forecast says.
Firewood
Bring your own firewood (when there are no restrictions in place). There’s nothing better than cosying up by the fire at the end of a busy day of exploring.
Respect the wildlife
Deep Creek is home to echidnas, kangaroos, and other wildlife. Give them space and enjoy the show!
Worth knowing that dogs aren’t permitted anywhere in Deep Creek National Park, including in vehicles.
Mobile Reception
Phone reception is patchy in Deep Creek National Park. Make sure you download your permits and a map of the park.
Deep Creek National Park Map
Here’s how it’s laid out, so the map makes sense before you open it.
Everything runs off one road. You turn off Main South Road at Delamere onto Tapanappa Road, and that road runs the length of the park east to west. Every campground, trailhead and lookout comes off it, so you can’t really get lost. You’re either heading in or out.
Going in from Delamere end, in order:
- Stringybark Campground and Day Use Area are first up. The Stringybark Loop Walk and the picnic area.
- Trig Campground and Day Use Area. Also the trailhead for the Deep Creek Cove hike.
- Tapanappa Campground and Tapanappa Lookout. The coastal end, great views and best at sunset.
- Blowhole Beach, Cobbler Hill Campground and day use area: the western end.
- Boat Harbour Beach 4WD track
A few things the map won’t tell you:
- The unsealed sections are fine in a 2WD in dry weather, but they can get corrugated over summer.
- Allow 20 minutes to drive from one end of the park to the other.
- There’s no fuel, no water and no shops.
- Download the map on your phone.
➤ Download the official Parks & Wildlife map here, print it out, or ask the ranger for a map to guide you through this national park.
Is Deep Creek National Park worth visiting? Our honest review
Yes. And we’ve been back three times now. And that’s probably the most honest review we can give you.
What we love: The Deep Creek Cove hike is genuinely one of the best coastal walks in South Australia, and we’ve never had to share it with more than a handful of people. The campgrounds are simple and quiet in a way that’s getting harder to find this close to a capital city. Blowhole Beach is probably our favourite beach in South Australia. And the wildlife is everywhere! Kangaroos at dusk, echidnas if you’re lucky, and cockatoos you’ll hear before you see.
Who it suits: hikers, campers, 4WDers, and photographers.
Who might not enjoy it: anyone after facilities, a patrolled swimming beach, or a caravan park with powered sites and hot showers.
Would we go back? In a heartbeat. We lost our hearts in South Australia, and Deep Creek National Park is one of the reasons.
Plan Your Trip
This Deep Creek National Park Camping Itinerary is perfect for those who are looking for an escape in nature. Filled with hikes, coastal views, quiet campfire nights and wildlife encounters. Deep Creek has it all! I hope this itinerary will help you plan an unforgettable weekend, and I’m sure after your first visit, you’ll already be planning your next.
Are you heading this way? Start with our complete guide to the Things to Do Fleurieu Peninsula. And for more detailed guides, have a read through:
Deep Creek National Park FAQs
Where is Deep Creek National Park?
It’s at the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, near Delamere, about 105 km (1.5 hours) south of Adelaide. Turn off Main South Road at Delamere onto Tapanappa Road.
Is Deep Creek National Park the same as Deep Creek Conservation Park?
Yes. It was upgraded from a conservation park to a national park in 2021. Plenty of older maps, signs and websites still use the old name.
How much does it cost to visit Deep Creek National Park?
Vehicle entry is $14.40, and camping starts at $27.50 per night. Vehicle entry fees are included in the campsite fee. Both can be booked online through the National Parks SA website before you arrive.
Do you need a 4WD for Deep Creek National Park?
No. The main road through the park and all the campgrounds are fine in a 2WD. You only need a high-clearance 4WD for the Blowhole Beach and Boat Harbour tracks.
What is the best hike in Deep Creek National Park?
For us, that’s the Deep Creek Cove hike from Trig Campground. It’s 6.4 km return, takes around three hours, and the views on the way down are probably the best in the park.
How long do you need at Deep Creek National Park?
A weekend is enough to see the highlights. One big hike, a beach day and two nights camping. Three days let you slow down.
The content on Bush and Bay is based on our personal experiences and opinions. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information, travel conditions and recommendations may change over time. We do not take responsibility for any decisions or actions made based on our content. Always conduct your own research and consult with professionals where necessary. Bush and Bay may earn a small commission from affiliate links, but this does not influence our reviews or recommendations. We only endorse products and places we have personally tested and believe in.
