There are milestones in business that feel particularly special. For Southern Ocean Walk, reaching 100 reviews on TripAdvisor with an overall 5-star rating is one of them.
Over the years, 100 adventurers have taken the time to share their experience of walking with us along this spectacular stretch of South Australian coastline.
For a small, family business, reaching 100 reviews means a great deal. Reading back through them has been a lovely reminder of all the things walkers seem to value most about their four days with us.
The walk itself
The Southern Ocean Walk follows the Heysen Trail along the dramatic Fleurieu Peninsula coastline, between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor. Over four days, walkers experience rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, native forests, waterfalls, sweeping ocean views and the remarkable wildlife of Deep Creek National Park and Newland Head Conservation Park.
You might spot dolphins offshore, seals resting on the rocks or an eagle soaring above the cliffs. You may find a wild orchid flowering beside the track or hear the distinctive call of native birds in the forest. And then there are the seven beautiful beaches in four days, each with its own character. But as the reviews attest, there’s plenty more that stays with the people beyond the scenery.
“Expect surprises that will have you smiling every day.” – John A
“Barry even had the ability to call dolphins to display for us.” – Trevor
You only carry a day pack.
One of the great pleasures of Southern Ocean Walk is that you don’t have to carry everything you need for four days on your back. You only carry a light day pack, while we take care of your luggage, accommodation, meals, transfers and the logistics along the way.
That leaves you free to concentrate on what you came for: walking, exploring and enjoying the landscape.
At the end of the day, there is no tent to put up and no camp meal to prepare. Instead, there is a comfortable bed, a hot shower, of course, good food.
“All walks should be as fabulous as this.” – Joan K
And then there is the food…
We believe walking and great food belong together.
Our meals feature locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, supporting South Australian growers and small independent producers. Each dish is as much a part of the experience as the walking itself.
Each evening brings a gourmet meal, local wines and plenty of time around the table to swap stories from the day. We’re always happy to cater for dietary requirements too, so no one misses out.
“Believe me when I say you will not lose weight on this trip.” – Julie C
Small is beautiful
Southern Ocean Walk isn’t a mass-market walking tour.
We deliberately keep our groups small because we believe that is the best way to experience this remarkable coastline. It means our guides can get to know our guests, share their local knowledge and adapt the experience to the people in the group.
Keeping the groups small also means people tend to get to know each other pretty quickly. It’s always a pleasure to see connections form and to end each day with plenty of laughter around the dinner table.
Many guests arrive as strangers and leave having made new friends. Some return to walk with us again. And, as our reviews repeatedly remind us, it’s often the personal touches that people remember best.
“From the moment we arrived until our last glass of bubbles, we were made to feel like family.” – Dianne
“I didn’t want it to come to an end, that’s why I left in tears.” – Angela W
What the reviews mention again and again:
- The landscape itself: the coastline, beaches, cliffs, forests, bushland, waterfalls and wildlife.
- Quality equipment, only a day pack to carry, and all the logistics taken care of.
- Delicious food, local wine and evenings spent around the table.
- Small groups and a personal, immersive experience.
- Knowledgeable guides, exceptional hosting, attention to detail, and connections made along the way.
And fittingly, our 100th TripAdvisor review came from Jon, who left us with this:
“We left with heightened respect for the local area, and for the people and flora and fauna who have made it their home for thousands of years.” – Jon G
Thank you to everyone who has walked with us and taken the time to share their story. We hope a few of you reading this might be among the next 100.
~ Jane and Barry
Southern Ocean Walk
