Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail expected to give a $4 million boost to the economy once it opens next year

KANGAROO Island’s newest tourist attraction is expected to attract up to 5000 extra visitors and give a $4 million boost to the economy once it is opened next year.

KANGAROO Island’s newest tourist attraction is expected to attract up to 5000 extra visitors and give a $4 million boost to the economy once it is opened next year.

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, which is still under construction, is a 63km, five-day trail walk around some of the island’s most rugged and remote landscape.

The first part of the walk – the Rocky River hike – has already opened and work on completing the other sections of the $5 million trail is underway.

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail senior project manager John O’Malley said although the trail was marketed as a five-day adventure, there would be flow-on benefits to the rest of the island.

“Kangaroo Island is a special place in its own right with a unique international appeal,” he said.

“We anticipate an extra 5000 visitors by 2020 and a $4 million increase in regional tourism dollars because people will want to stay on the island and explore other parts of KI.

“Food, wine and hospitality will see a boost.”

Mr O’Malley said up to 12 independent and 12 guided commercial walkers, including guides, would be allowed to depart on the Class 4 trail, which has sections between 9.5km and 18km, each day.

Four custom designed campsites will be at key points along the walk, which goes through the Flinders Chase National Park, Kelly Hill Conservation Park and Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area.

It will lead walkers to some of the island’s most famous landmarks including the Cape du Couedic lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Kelly Hill Caves.

“The trail will take walkers through the environment KI is famous for and it is already generating a lot of interest from adventure walkers and the tourism sector,” Mr O’Malley said.

“It’s an experience national and international visitors won’t get anywhere else.”

The Environment Department’s ranger in charge Kangaroo Island Caroline Paterson said the trail was about connecting walkers with the island’s environment but ensuring minimal impact to it.

“We’re showing off the jewels in Kangaroo Island’s crown, but it’s also about fostering the importance of the environment and conservation,” she said.

“It’s as much about education as it is about tourism.

“We wanted people to experience KI’s wilderness off the beaten track.”

Environment Minister Ian Hunter said the trail would showcase the island’s “unforgettable” natural environment.

“I think it’s safe to say that, when completed, the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail will rival other world-famous multi-day walks, such as New Zealand’s Milford Track and the Overland Track in Tasmania.”

Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Wendy Campana toured a section of the trail last week.

She described it as “spectacular”.

“It’s amazing and a great opportunity to draw a lot of tourism to the island.”

Recreational trail design, consultancy and construction company Dirt Art is building the trail.

Construction is expected to be completed next June and the officially opening is likely to be in September 2016.