Kangaroo Island is the third largest island in Australia and lies at
the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. It was separated
from the mainland approximately 10000 years ago when the sea levels
around the world rose.
An
abundance of wildlife can be seen along with wide variety of native
flora. The beaches are unpolluted and there are magnificent coastal
views from the cliff tops. The northern side of the island is well protected
from the elements. The south side of the island endures the onslaught
of the open sea but the power of the wind and waves has carved a unique
landscape into the rocky cliff faces.
Getting
there
Kangaroo
Island is around 80 Kilometer's from the city of Adelaide in South Australia.
By
local air, the journey takes around 30 minutes.
By
road, their are daily coaches from Adelaide to the Cape Jervois ferry
terminal which can be booked through a travel agent, or you can drive
your own vehicle. The road trip takes about 1.5 hours. (book ahead to
take your car over)
The
Kangaroo Island ferry
The
"Sealink" passenger and vehicle ferry takes an hour to cross
over to the island. Once arriving at the ferry terminal at Penneshaw,
you drive your car off the ferry and to your island destination. (book
ahead to take your car over)
Coach
Tours
There
are many to choose from, for the tourist that has little time it is
a good way to see the popular attractions. The tours range from, half
day to several days with or without accommodation and catering.
Sights
to see
Native
Fauna (Seals, Penguins, Pelicans, Koala, Kangaroo)
Native Flora (Scarlet Bottle Brush,Yacca, Banksia)
Magnificent coastal views
Mini Sahara Desert
Light houses
Beautiful beaches
Scenery with an outback theme
Admirals Arch and the Seal Colony
Kelly Caves
Flinders Chase National Park
Seal Bay
What's
to do
Wildlife
viewing
Hiking
Fishing
Diving (Snorkeling and Scuba)
4 wheel driving
Coach touring
Private touring
Bird watching
Swimming
Accommodation
types
Hotel
Motel
Resort
Budget (Backpacker Hostels, camping)
Bed and breakfast
Lodge
Farm stay
Self contained cottages
Light house keepers cottage
Rental housing
Favourite
Places
Seal
Bay Conservation Park
is a breeding colony of about 600 rare Australian sea lions, which is
estimated to be more than 10% of the world's entire population. It is
located on the south coast of the island. Fishing and swimming are prohibited
in the aquatic reserve, however it does offer access to the beach to
experience a close encounter with these beautiful mammals. Visitors
can walk within 20 feet of the endangered species, while accompanied
by a qualified park ranger or approved guide.
Flinders
Chase National Park
lies on the western end of the island, and is one of South Australia's
largest conservation parks, covering over 180,000 acres. The rugged
coastline is spectacular and provides a haven for many fur seals, sea
lions, sea eagles, osprey and numerous other species of wildlife. The
interior of the park is predominantly eucalyptus woodland, which is
home to an array of animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, brush tailed
possums, echidnas, goannas, platypus and the ever adorable koalas.
Admirals Arch
which is home to a breeding colony of New Zealand Fur Seals. The arch
itself is a spectacular rock formation as a result of years of erosion
by the sea. Remarkable Rocks is another amazing geological feature within
the park. It is a cluster of huge granite boulders that have been sculpted
by over 500 million years of wind, water and sea spray erosion.
Shipwrecks
Kangaroo
Island also boasts more than 80 shipwrecks around the coastline. Although
not all are accessible, many diving opportunities exist to discover
the tragic history. There are also a number of sea creatures to discover,
such as blue devil fish, truncate coralfish, and the endemic leafy sea-dragon.
Stokes
Bay
A
beautiful beach with a well protected area for children to swim.
Island
Beach
Which
is apposite the American Beach area. Island Beach is well protected
from the elements and has almost white sand. The tide goes out a long
way making it a safe beach for children.
Shopping
A
good place to shop for food and souvenirs is the main town of Kingscote,
Penneshaw also has a number of shops and Cafe's. At some of the farms
you can purchase, Honey, Cheese, Fish, Prawns and all the other items
they manufacture and cultivate.
