Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park

Jul 4

A spectacular circuit with 360 degree sea views

We would like to acknowledge the Barngarla people, the traditional owners of the land on which we walk, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are present today.

Although this short walk is part of the Investigator Trail, it can easily be done as a day walk. As the highest landform in the park, Kaitjaba is visible throughout, and if you’re hiking anywhere in the park or have done our Investigator Trail Multiday Route, you’ll have seen it at a distance almost every day. The views from the top are stunning in every direction, which is no doubt why the walk is one of South Australia’s Great Short Walks.

The hike can be done as a simple 1.8km/1.2mi out and return on a smooth walking track with a few shallow steps, or as a longer 5.8km/3.6mi circuit, with the descent being narrower and more rough. We recommend the circuit unless you are unsteady on your feet.

Stamford Hill hike map with elevation gain graph showing 190 metres elevation gain. — The route and the elevation profile, just 190m gain and loss.

Walk with Us:

Wide gravel walking track with bridge over a samll drain. There are two hikers ahead on the track walking away from the bridge. — The track up is well made and smooth for easy walking

Wide gravel track meandering through well vegetated forest consisting of tall shrubby vegetation. A hiker is sitting on a bench seat on the side of the track. — A seat for a rest!

A blue sign along the track describing explorer Matthew Flinders' encounter with aboriginal people. — Here’s a reference to the First Nations People! The first one we’ve seen anywhere in the park! Oh wait, look at the context. It’s really about Flinders, not them!! Oh dear.

Ah well…

the nicely-built track continues with steps through the steeper sections.

Even if you can’t get all the way to the top, the views begin surprisingly early:

Early morning light through threatening clouds.

Just a little further to the top, you have glorious panoramic views from Taylors Landing to Surfleet Cove.

Two hikers at an interpretative at a lookout looking across dense vegetation below at the distant coastal view across the bay. — Stamford Lookout

Stunning views of the bay to the south

Enjoying the view, but the story presented along the track is really about Flinders’ search for water. From the sign: Flinders writes on February 25th 1802, “…A boat was sent to dig pits for water at the base of Stamford Hill, notwithstanding the many native huts about, no freshwater could be found.”

Doomed crewmen were sent for water, with a plaque commemorating them at Memory Cove. But the long search was finally successful near Tulka. Today, the western sections of the park have numerous freshwater bores that still supply Port Lincoln and other local towns.