During the last few months we have been in touch with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources SA discussing increasing people and accessibility in National Parks, so what better time than the festive season to walk off some Christmas treats and head down to explore Granite Island on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

To say the city of Victor Harbor was bustling with people would be an understatement, we shared the walk over the causeway to Granite Island with two horse drawn trams loaded with people and over a dozen others strolling along, pushing prams, wrangling children and holding onto hats! The trams can accommodate a person with limited mobility who can climb a few steps. It is also possible to book a Peninsula taxi to take you across the causeway.

Luckily we’d fueled up with some tasty breakfast baps and coffee before venturing out, as the walk required more effort than we’d expected. Once on the Island we took the path straight up and off to the right, providing us with an awesome view back over the causeway and Victor Harbor. Pushing strollers and a wheelchair was hard work, of course the preschoolers made it look easy, as they ran up the side of the Island! And luckily for Scott he hadn’t been cycling earlier in the day otherwise his arms would have been screaming from the effort required. The park has well placed seating and viewing platforms so there is the opportunity to rest where needed, and lots of granite boulders to sit on if the seats are taken.

The loop around the Island is 1.5 km and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. However there is a huge set of stairs to end the loop, so if you are walking with a stroller or wheelchair, there is a path cutting back across the top and back down to the causeway, however it really is a bit too steep, too long and the gravel surface make it unsafe for a wheelchair user or someone unsteady on their feet, and I think the safest way would be to head back the way you came.

There are toilet facilities on the Island.

Our walking group for the day included a person aged over 65 years, person using a wheelchair and two families with young children, so we covered off from a few perspectives.

The stunning rock formations and the views of the coastline make the trek worthwhile and another treat, thanks to the Original Fish Bar & Bistro was well deserved.

There are accessible car parks next to the Visitor Centre, near the start of the Causeway and accessible bathrooms approximately 100 m away from here and next to the playground.

It was a great walk for all the family, we’ll be back!