Unofficial guide · verify with Parks SA

Lincoln National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

Stamford Hill to Surfleet Cove

Guide updated · verify live track status with Parks SA

Parks SA: ideal coastal walk along Stamford Beach, past scenic granite headlands with Boston Island in the distance. A short detour from checkpoint 9 to Surfleet Point offers views. Start at Stamford Hill base car park (checkpoint 7) or Surfleet Cove campground (checkpoint 10).

Do not pair: Do not add the Investigator 12-hour trek after this “easy hour”.

Turnaround: Either trailhead is a road. Reverse when kids fade.

  • Climbing onto crumbling granite for photos.
  • Easy walk · family coastal
  • ~1 hr
  • 2.7 km
  • Effort: easy
  • Best for: Families and anyone who wants granite coast without the Stamford Hill incline

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

Official Parks SA info (verify status)
Sheltered cove with clear water and a yacht, Lincoln National Park near Port Lincoln

Stamford–Surfleet — Sheltered cove

Ghoongta · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Where you start

Stamford Hill base car park (checkpoint 7) or Surfleet Cove campground (checkpoint 10)

Sealed-road Boston Bay side. Surfleet campground: toilets; no campfires.

How to get there

  1. Main entrance, then Stamford or Surfleet signed roads.
  2. If you camp at Surfleet, book on parks.sa.gov.au. Fires not permitted at this campground.

How to do it (step by step)

  1. Walk the coastal strip. Optional detour to Surfleet Point from checkpoint 9.
  2. Do not treat granite shelves as a fishing platform in swell.

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 Plan B if the Stamford Hill climb is too hot.
  • Pair with a picnic at the day-visitor area.

Itineraries that use this walk

Coastal walking track through mallee toward a hill and salt lake, Lincoln National Park South Australia

Half day on the ground (overnight in Port Lincoln first)

Half-day Stamford Hill and beach

Sleep in Port Lincoln. Pay vehicle entry. Climb Stamford Hill (1.6 km return, ~45 min), then Stamford Beach or Surfleet Cove. Do not add Memory Cove or the dune track.

Often paired with Stamford Hill— only if energy and weather allow.

Area guide: Stamford Hill & Boston Bay · 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