Photo: denisbin / CC BY-ND 2.0
On the windswept southern tip of Kangaroo Island, Admirals Arch is a dramatic natural bridge carved by the relentless Southern Ocean. The boardwalk leads you through a sea lion colony to a viewing platform where you can watch New Zealand fur seals surfing the crashing waves below. The arch itself is a stunning spectacle of limestone erosion, framing the wild ocean beyond.
Highlights & What to See
- Fur Seal Colony: Watch New Zealand fur seals playing in the rock pools and surfing the waves right below the boardwalk — you'll hear their barks before you see them.
- Natural Arch: The massive limestone arch has been sculpted by millennia of wave action; the light at sunset paints the rock in golden hues.
- Boardwalk & Viewing Platform: An easy, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leads to a spacious platform with spectacular ocean views and photo opportunities.
- Remarkable Rocks: Just a short drive away, these ancient granite boulders balanced on the cliff edge are a must-see geological wonder.
- Flinders Chase National Park: The arch is inside this national park, which also offers walking trails, diverse birdlife, and the iconic Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow 30–45 minutes to walk the boardwalk, watch the seals, and soak in the views. If you're combining with Remarkable Rocks and other park highlights, set aside half a day for Flinders Chase National Park. Arrive late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Remarkable Rocks — a 15-minute drive away, these surreal granite formations are a photographer's dream.
- Cape du Couedic Lighthouse — historic lighthouse with a fascinating maritime history, just a short walk from the arch.
- Weirs Cove — a historic jetty site where supplies were once hauled up the cliff; you can still see the remains.
- Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary — spot koalas, kangaroos, and echidnas on a guided night walk.
- Kelly Hill Caves — explore limestone caves with guided tours, about 30 minutes from the arch.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.