Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area

Flinders Chase National Park, located on the western end of Kangaroo Island, is a protected area known for its diverse wildlife and geological wonders.

The park consists of three sections: Cape du Couedic, Gosse Lands, and the former Cape Borda Lightstation reserve.

Established in 1906, Flinders Chase National Park was originally intended to be a refuge for threatened species. Over the years, it has become a sanctuary for endangered species such as koalas, platypus, taipan, Rosenberg’s goanna, Tammar wallaby, and Kangaroo Island dunnart. Visitors to the park often spot kangaroos, goannas, echidnas, and other animals.

The park is also home to two remarkable geological features: Cape du Couedic and the Remarkable Rocks. These coastal landmarks have been shaped by the forces of wind and waves, creating stunning natural sculptures that attract many visitors. In 2007, a bushfire burned a significant portion of the park and the adjoining Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area. Another catastrophic bushfire occurred in the 2019-20 Australian bushfire season, resulting in the destruction of the Visitor Centre.

The Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area, located within the park, is a designated protected area with diverse natural habitats, including Coastal Heathlands, Mallee, and Riparian Forest. It serves as an important habitat for threatened and endangered bird species such as the osprey, hooded plover, kelp gull, and the pied oystercatcher newline.