Cape du Couedic Hike

How to get there

1. Same access as the icon day: visitor centre, then Cape du Couedic Road.
2. Park in signed cape car parks. Do not block emergency access.

How to do it (step by step)

1. Do Admirals Arch first if steps and wind still look friendly.
2. Walk the signed 2 km loop. Stay back from unfenced cliff edges.
3. Weirs Cove lookout is the usual extra viewpoint if marked open.
4. Return to the car and reverse to the visitor centre.

What to expect

A short, scenic loop that adds lighthouse and cliff context after the arch. Interpretive signs help, but the weather is still a Southern Ocean headland.

If anyone expected only the arch boardwalk, stop there. The loop is optional quality, not a required upgrade.

Lighthouse precinct honesty

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is a photography and history stop. Interiors and tower access are not automatic — confirm what is actually open on the day. Weirs Cove and Casuarina Islets views are the usual extra if marked.

Do not treat the loop as a warm-up for Ravine or West Bay the same afternoon. Headland wind plus arch steps already emptied most first-timer tanks.

Pairing with Admirals Arch

The competent order is arch first (while steps and wind still look friendly), then the loop if anyone still wants cliffs. Reverse if the arch queue is ugly and the loop looks empty — but do not skip the arch entirely unless it is closed.

Ferry sailors: if the clock is already tight after the arch, skip the loop. A calm reverse to the visitor centre beats a late sailing.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on parks.sa.gov.au before you drive.