Kangaroo Island (or ‘KI’ as the locals call it) is a pristine wilderness and home to large populations of native Australian animals. Approximately 155km in length you will find soaring cliffs, extraordinary rock formations, towering sand dunes, forest, wetlands and massive stretches of pure white beaches. Expect to see paddling penguins, koalas dozing in eucalypus trees, sea-lions lazing on the beach, kangaroos crossing the roads and a huge assortment of birdlife from parrots to pelicans.
A visit to Parndana Wildlife Park will allow you to get ‘up close’ to the wildlife and there is also a fantastic range of souvenirs available.
Kangaroo Island also produces some of Australia’s finest gourmet foods so prepare to indulge yourself by trying freshly caught King George Whiting, sheep’s cheese, marron, an exciting range of wines and the famous Ligurian honey. Some 4,400 folk live on KI and many of them are primary producers. Emu Ridge Eucalyptus & Craft Gallery is SA’s only commercial Eucalyptus Oil Distillery and operates on solar and wind power.
Towns like Kingscote, Penneshaw, Parndana and American River have a great range of shops, cafes, accommodation and facilities. KI Bush Getaway Adventures not only has great accommodation but offers Paintball action and Quadbike Tours. You may prefer to take in the scenery on a helicopter charter with Airborne Solutions.
There is a fantastic assortment of accommodation; from bush camping to luxury resorts, cottages, lodges and bed and breakfasts. Find out more about Emu Bay Holiday Homes, Seaview Motel & Guest House, Koopalanda Dreaming (Vivonne Bay), Ocean Breeze at Penneshaw, The Open House B & B and Western KI Caravan Park & Wildlife Reserve featured on Travel Oz.
Getting to KI is easy, there are daily flights from Adelaide Airport or take your car on the ferry that departs from Cape Jervis (only a 2 hours drive south of Adelaide), there are also many tour options available. Be sure not to rush your visit as there is so much to explore you need to really take your time – 3 to 7 days is probably ideal.
Start planning your wilderness escape to Kangaroo Island today!