Deep Creek Conservation Park Camping Guide | Everything You Need To Know

If you are looking for an excellent adventure in the southern coast of Fleurieu Peninsula, Deep Creek Conservation Park is perfect for you and your family, especially if you are up to a lot of adventures. If you love nature, clean and peaceful environment, or just a newbie who wants fresh escapades, this park is a place for you! So, what are the things that make this campground so unique?

Deep Creek Campground is a wonderfully conserved park that is ideal for day trips and weekend getaways, and it is easily accessible by 2WD vehicles. Also, Deep Creek has a scenic view throughout the year. Its charming attractions are exceptional! You will surely be relaxed and satisfied once you visit this extraordinary campground.

Here is an overview of the campgrounds in Deep Creek Conservation Park:

Stringybark Campground
Trig Campground

Tapanappa Campground
Cobbler Hill Campground
Eagle Waterhole Campground

Are you interested in going to Deep Creek? Make sure to read the full article and find out more!

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How Do I Get To Deep Creek Conservation Park?

Deep Creek Conservation Park is just over a two-hour drive from Adelaide (108km away) and is located at the southern portion of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Access is available via Main South Road if you’re from Adelaide.

If you’re from Victor Harbor, you can access via Range Road.

What Should I Know About Deep Creek Conservation Park?

Deep Creek Conservation Park preserves the most substantial area of remaining natural wildlife on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The area around Deep Creek was settled by Europeans from around the late 1850s when various farms were established. Before this, the Ramindjeri and Kaurna aboriginal people inhabited the area. During the mid 1880s land grants were issued.

Apart from traditional farming, other activities included wattle bark stripping and collection of Yacca gum. Some timber felling also occurred as stringybark was used for building material and fence posts. Further settlement of the area occurred from the 1920s onwards, and this included a concentrated effort to clear the land for farming.

Fortunately, in 1965, the environmental significance of the Deep Creek area was recognised, and the South Australian State Government commenced purchasing property to eventually form what is now known as the Deep Creek Conservation Park.

The Deep Creek Conservation Park is home to healthy populations of Western Grey Kangaroo, 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. If attempting any of the hikes in Deep Creek Conservation Park, please make sure you are prepared.

Take adequate water and let someone know your destination and time of return. Don’t rely on the water in the creeks or the tanks at the campgrounds. The hikes are best attempted in colder weather.

Fees apply for entering and camping at Deep Creek CP. On the spot, fines apply for failing to purchase and display a valid permit. Campfires are allowed at all the campgrounds, but only outside of Fire Danger season (1st of November until 30th of April). You must bring your firewood. Firewood collection in the Park is not allowed.

There are four campgrounds accessible by vehicles – Cobblers Hill Campground, Stringybark Campground, Trig Campground, and Tapanappa Campground.

Good fishing is available from the coast particularly at several spots like Blowhole Beach, Deep Creek Cove, Boat Harbour Beach. But these places usually requires a long, hard, steep walk (except for Blowhole Beach if you have a 4WD).

Where Can I Take A Bushwalk In Deep Creek Conservation Park?

There are Easy walks, Moderate and Hard Hikes in the campground that is available for those who loves walking. Overnight treks are also possible by linking trails.

Easy Walks

They usually take about 20 minutes or less and are suitable for children and older people. Information boards can be seen along the way.

Stringybark Loop Walk.

It is a 20-minute walk from Stringybark through a yucca-bush forest.

Forest Circuit Walk

An easy walk through the forest close to Stringybark Campground.

Spring Wildflower Walk

The Spring Wildflower Walk follows fire trails from Stringy Campground.

Moderate Hikes

Deep Creek Waterfall from Tent Rock Road

This trail inclines steeply to the Deep Creek Waterfall. The walk is not too long, and the track is well maintained. The return walk is mostly uphill.

Deep Creek Cove from Trig Camping Area

Moderate inclines from Deep Creek Cove. The return walk is moderate ascent.

Aaron Creek Circuit Hike

This hike takes you to an open area that crosses at the higher sections of the conservation park. Also, there are a lot of Western grey kangaroos that can be seen while hiking.

Hard Hikes

Deep Creek Cove from Tapanappa Lookout: A challenging and spectacular hike and involves some steep and slippery hills that require boots. It has a fantastic view of the cliff.
Blowhole Beach Hike: can be windy and challenging that has long and steep undulations.

Deep Creek Waterfall from Tapanappa Lookout: A trail that is very hard and challenging as well. This walk goes right into the lush forests of Deep Creek.
Aaron Creek Hike: many creek crossings involved and stunning views.

What Are The Other Things That I Can Do At Deep Creek Conservation Park?

If you’re visiting Deep Creek Conservation Park, you should:

Watch the sunset in Kangaroo Island.
Spot a variety of Fungi, flora and faunas.
Toast marshmallows over a campfire.

Spot for bats before evening as they become active.
Get on your 4WD vehicle and get to Blowhole Beach and see what natural treasures such as sponges and cuttlefishes.
On a clear night, find somewhere around your campsite to watch the night sky, spot the Milky Way and Southern Cross – stargazing smartphone apps are available to help.

What Is The Best Time To Visit The Deep Creek Campground?

Summer. It is one of the most popular seasons in Deep Creek. With moderate to high temperatures and relatively low humidity, the weather is very refreshing. In summer, you can enjoy hiking, observe wildlife and native flora and fauna in its full bloom. The best time to hike is early in the morning, where the temperature is good and warm.

Winter and early spring. Each season in the Deep Creek are lovely, and winter and spring is no exception. It provides the opportunity for whale watching because each year, whales migrate to the comparatively warmer South Australian Coast from the Antarctic waters to mate.

What Do Other Tourists Say About the Deep Creek Campgrounds?

“This park is an absolute must-visit for walkers and lovers of natural wildlife. It can be rugged and remote and lacks mobile phone coverage so take a paper map with you. So, do not miss this park if you’re in the area. It has some spectacular views across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island.” -AdlRob (via TripAdvisor)

Where Should I Stay At Deep Creek Conservation Park?

Stringybark Campground

Stringybark has the Stringybark trees surrounding 16 camping sites. Outside of the area are covered by Stringybark forest which is great for walks. You can camp here by caravans and trailers. You can bring your tents as well.

There is a vast field of grass that is perfect for children to run around or play soccer. Sometimes, it can get so windy, so you better prepare yourselves. There are rangers nearby, and it is an excellent spot for watching kangaroos feeding. However, children must not get close to these and must be guided by their parents.

Trig Campground

The Trig Campground has 25 camping sites. Perfect for caravans and trails but you must find your ideal spot first.

Tent based campground. Perfect for tents because the area has shaded parts where you can set up your tents. Campfires are allowed only in April to October each year, but you must bring your firewood. But if you forgot to bring yours, some stores sell firewood 10 mins away from the main entrance of a campground.

Tapanappa Campground

Tapanappa has an excellent ocean view. It is protected by low lying mallee scrub. If you want more privacy, this is the perfect place for you! Toilets and rainwater tanks are also available.

Cobbler Hill Campground

Cobbler Hill Campground has ten sites with toilets and rainwater. Also, it is close to blowhole beach and is exposed during windy conditions. Accessible via a long walking trail or 4WD only. Among all of the campgrounds, it is more exposed and lacks privacy.

Eagle Waterhole Campground

Eagle Waterhole is perfect for hikers. It is located on the Heysen Trail, and rainwater tanks were erected in this area. It is not safe for children because there are rips and huge rocks and reefs but suitable for fishing.

If you want to know more about the campgrounds in the park, you can visit their website.