2023.12 - Deep Creek Circuit
Xander and Leanne enjoy a scenic bushwalk on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Deep Creek National Park
Less than 100km from Adelaide, Deep Creek National Park is the largest remaining block of natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The park features an extensive bushwalking trail network, including parts of the Heysen Trail, as well as 5 separate campsites.
On the reccomendation of local family Leanne and I planned a 3 day adventure to the area, booking ourselves in for two nights at Trig Campground.
Delayed Departure
We booked our site at Trig Campground for the 25th and 26th of December with a plan to spend Christmas Day in the Barossa Valley and travel down in the evening. When the time came to leave, we were too engrossed in a lively family board game session, and chose to keep partying and travel down early the next morning instead.
Getting There
The drive from the Barrossa Valley to the Fleurieu Peninsula followed one of South Australias major highways, we travelled along a 2-3 lane thoroughfare that slowly shrunk down to a much narrower windy road. Along the way we watched increasing rain and fog roll in from the South and hunted around for somewhere on route, and open, to buy rainjackets.
We noticed the similarity in climate and agriculture to WA's Margaret River Region, but were struck by the contrast between the steepness of the landscapes, driving through dozens of fields of sheep grazing on 45 degree slopes we began to appreciate just how flat WA really is.
The Deep Creek Circuit Hike
“The most challenging trail in the park" This is a very scenic route that combines a dedicated track along the rugged coastline with a section of the Heyson Trail/Wild South Coast Way that passes by Deep Creek Waterfall in the woodlands further inland.
All the available literature recommends completing this circuit in a clockwise direction. Although this was our intent, we took the wrong path at the start and were too far in to head back by the time we realised what we had done
Ultimately we were happy with that outcome as it meant we spent the majority of our hike gently strolling downhill only occasionally interrupted by a few steep but short climbs. We took these in our stride and reassured ourselves it would be good training for the South Coast Trail, we planned to tackle later on in Tasmania.
Deep Creek Cove
Approximately 2km into our adventure we reached Deep Creek Cove, following our counter-clockwise route we first encountered a cute sheltered creek side path before rounding the corner to the wild coastline.
If you are interested in doing this walk make sure you know the conditions before you go as this creek can become very dangerous in flood conditions and crossing should not be attempted then.
Steep Climbs
After crossing Deep Creek we were met with the consequences of our choices as we scrambled our way up the opposite bank, but we were in good spirits and welcomed the technical challenge.
The reward for the climb was spectacular views along the coast as the trail climbed over the headland and then through another cove.
The next section was the least enjoyable following our counter-clockwise route; we climbed a reclaimed fire trail straight up a hill for more than a kilometre, had we been walking the other way we would have been able enjoy ocean views the whole way down.
Heyson Trail
We passed the turnoff for Tapanappa Lookout, the 2nd access point to the Deep Creek Circuit, joined the Heyson Trail and began our journey back to camp.
We immediately noticed the difference in grade and style of this half of the loop, where the Deep Creek Cove trails had been a mix of goat tracks and reclaimed fire trails, this part of the Wild South Coast Way showed distinct signs of modern trail building.
From the trail node to the waterfall the path undulates gently through densely wooded hills.
Deep Creek Waterfall
Deep Creek Waterfall is accessed by a short spur from the main trail. Between the waterfall and Trigg Campground there are a series of steep staircases.
Finish
At the end of the circuit and we passed through open country and left the trail to admire Kangaroos while short-cutting to our campsite.
Camp Craft
We returned to camp with plenty of time to for dinner and cleanup in the light, as well as more time with the local kangaroos.
Bonus 4x4 Adventure
On the morning of the 27th we woke to drizzly conditions forecast to clear later that day, we decided to delay our kayak at Second Valley and explore the Deep Creek National Park some more.
From Trig Campground we followed the road to Cobblers Hill campground then engaged low range 4x4 for the drive down to Blowhole Beach.
Return to Heyson Trail
Nearing the end of the Blowhole Beach trail we once again met up with the Wild South Coast Way which offered hazy views across to Kangaroo Island.
Reflections
This is one of a number of times over the course of our trip where we stuck to our plans in non-ideal weather. It worked out ok here since overcast days are perfect for hiking.
But running late could have been an issue for our original plan to do the Deep Creek circuit in the early hours of the morning, followed by a swim, and we were perhaps too quick to dismiss riding our bikes in the area after the heatwave we experienced in Melrose.
Trail Tip
As someone who is prone to being a completionist our experience in Deep Creek was good practice for me. We researched the area, and made a plan that gave us an immersive experience that included most of the elements of the local area, then moved on with plenty of time to explore other places without feeling like we had missed anything.
Links
https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/deep-creek-national-park
Coming Soon
Continue the journey with Xander and Leanne, picking up later on the 27th of December as they make there way over to Second Valley and explore sea caves from their kayak!
More Like This
This post is part of my epic summer 2023/2024 road trip adventure, spanning Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
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