Unofficial guide · verify with Parks SA

Lincoln National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

Donington Loop Hike

Guide updated · verify live track status with Parks SA

Parks SA: explore Donington Peninsula — offshore islands, granite outcrops and sandy beaches. Populations of Australian sea-lions and long-nosed fur-seals inhabit Donington Island near the lighthouse. Start at the lighthouse (checkpoint 15) or September Beach campground (checkpoint 16).

Do not pair: Do not pair with the 14.3 km Wanna Dunes hike the same day.

Turnaround: September Beach campground is a sane abort if heat builds.

  • Trying to add Memory Cove after the loop because the map looks close.
  • Moderate hike · 2 hr
  • ~2 hr
  • 6.2 km
  • Effort: moderate
  • Best for: Full-day peninsula visitors who want islands, granite and beaches without a 4WD

Distance, grade, time and open/closed status change — verify on Parks SA before you go.

Official Parks SA info (verify status)
Clear granite-edged water and sheoaks on the Lincoln National Park coast, South Australia

Donington Loop — Granite coast

Sueroselee · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Where you start

Cape Donington lighthouse (checkpoint 15) or September Beach (checkpoint 16)

Sealed-road peninsula. Lighthouse precinct and campground both work as ends of the loop.

How to get there

  1. From the main entrance, follow park roads to Cape Donington / September Beach.
  2. Pay vehicle entry. If camping at September Beach, book first on parks.sa.gov.au.

How to do it (step by step)

  1. Walk the signed 6.2 km loop. Allow two hours plus photo stops.
  2. Watch marine mammals from legal distances. Do not climb toward haul-outs.
  3. Optional short add-on: Cape Donington to September Beach is a separate 1 km / 30 min hike.

Packing list (shell, grip, water) lives on the gear hub— not a shopping list on every walk. Pairing and Plan B: plan your visit · Sleaford entrance Plan B.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on Parks SA before you drive.

Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

Open in Google MapsGet directions

Extra tips

  • Good full-day pairing with September Beach time — not with Wanna dunes.
  • Donington Cottage is a separate commercial booking (Kata and Belle), not a trailhead hut.

Itineraries that use this walk

Clear granite-edged water and sheoaks on the Lincoln National Park coast, South Australia

Full day from Port Lincoln

Full-day Cape Donington

Donington Loop (6.2 km / ~2 hr) plus September Beach time. Optional 1 km lighthouse–beach link. Vehicle entry paid. Camping only if you booked September Beach.

Often paired with Donington–September— only if energy and weather allow.

Area guide: Cape Donington & September Beach · Maps pin

Nearby stays (optional)

After the walk plan is solid: Port Lincoln beds if you still need them. Kit searches live on the gear hub. Official Parks SA camping, park fees and government bookings are never affiliated. Guided tours live on the Tours hub.

Nearby stays

Port Lincoln · Coffin Bay · Tumby Bay

All Booking.com links open in a new tab and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official Parks SA camping and Memory Cove bookings are never affiliated.

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park fees and Parks SA bookings are never affiliated. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park fees and Parks SA bookings are never affiliated. Disclosure · Tours hub