Kelly Hill Conservation Park Guide
Discover the Wonders Below: Explore the Caves of Kelly Hill Guide
Kelly Hill Conservation Park, located on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park is best known for its intricate cave system, formed over millions of years by the slow dissolution of limestone. Beyond the caves, the park also offers diverse landscapes, including coastal heath, mallee scrub, and woodland, providing habitat for a variety of native wildlife. The Kelly Hill Caves were discovered in 1880 by a stockman named Kelly, who was searching for lost sheep. The caves are formed from limestone that was deposited during the Oligocene and Miocene epochs, between 23 and 34 million years ago. Over time, rainwater seeped through cracks in the limestone, dissolving the rock and creating the intricate network of caves, tunnels, and chambers that exist today. Visitors can explore the Kelly Hill Caves on guided tours, which provide insights into the formation of the caves and the unique geological features they contain. Above ground, the park offers several walking trails that wind through the diverse landscapes, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of bird species. While there are no specific culinary traditions within the park itself, Kangaroo Island is known for its local produce, including honey, seafood, and wine.
Transportation
Kelly Hill Conservation Park is located on the south coast of Kangaroo Island. It is best accessed by car. From Kingscote, take the Playford Highway south towards Parndana, then follow the signs to Kelly Hill. There is no public transportation to Kelly Hill.