The Cape Ganteum Reserve, covering an area of 24,000 hectares, is stunning in its natural vistas. The reserve itself consists of two separate areas - Murray's Lagoon, 41 kilometres from Kingscote, and Cape Linoys, 61 kilometres from the main town of Kangaroo Island.
The plains of the reserve are covered with sand dunes, with shrubby eucalyptus and other coastal vegetation found in some places. Rocky cliffs alternate with shallows gently descending to the sea, forming the unique landscape of the reserve. Sandy beaches are hidden in sheltered bays.
The reserve is home to a variety of bird species: gulls, terns, swans, herons, kinglets, rainbow birds. Occasionally, parrots can be seen.
Although very little is known about the reptiles of the reserve, it is always important to remember that Kangaroo Island is home to some species of venomous snakes. For example, the tiger snake is usually found in swampy areas, but will hide when humans approach unless they feel threatened. The central part of the reserve is home to brush-tailed possums and Tammar wallabies, and kangaroos are abundant at Cape Linoys.
Murray's Lagoon in the north of the reserve is the island's largest freshwater lagoon, and its shores are home to a variety of birds.
Part of the park occupies the eastern end of D'Estrées Bay, a place where whaling used to flourish and where today there is a secluded beach. This is also where the 20 kilometre long Cape Ganteum hiking trail begins.
