What to do when you land on Kangaroo Island?
One of the first things that you notice when you land in Kangaroo Island is its breathtaking beauty – the pristine waters, beautiful beaches and clean crisp air- making you feel like you are miles away from the mainland even though you’re not.
There are plenty of ways to experience Kangaroo Island and all that she offers – from unrestrained wildlife seen only on this island to delectable gourmet food experiences.
Wildlife
With more than a third of the island’s landmass reserved for wildlife conservation and national parks, Kangaroo Island is home to over 1500 types of animals and birds.
Get up close to Australia’s third-largest colony of sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park – the island’s premier tourist destination. Watch seals as they bask on the beach or surf through waves from various viewing platforms on an 800 metre boardwalk that meanders through sand dunes.
Photo Credit – Seal Bay Conservation Park
Discover penguin colonies at the Penneshaw Penguin Centre or take a 90 minute guided nocturnal walk at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and view koalas, Tammar wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, bats and possums when they are most active.
For an interactive and fun presentation of Australia’s venomous and ferocious animals, visit Raptor Domain.
And if you really want to see kangaroos, visit the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park where you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, cuddle koalas and get really close to other animals.
Wineries and Restaurants
Surrounded by pristine waters and rich fertile land, get ready for the delights that this island produces from freshly caught King Whiting, oysters and Marron to sheep’s cheese and Kangaroo Island’s unique Ligurian honey.
Relax on the deck at Dudley Wines Cellar Door – Kangaroo Island’s pioneer winery located 12 km from Penneshaw. Enjoy the views of the stunningly beautiful north coast with award-winning wines and delicious food and visit the beautiful Cape Willoughby Conservation Park and lighthouse close by.
Enjoy a glass of wine as you take in the sights of the eastern coast and wildlife resident on the 14 acres of native bushland at Sunset Winery. Visit the Oyster Farm Shop at American River for freshly caught oysters, Marron, abalone, King George Whiting and barramundi cooked into delicious meals which are not fried.
And if you crave fresh marron – the islands prized freshwater crayfish – cooked in flavours such as lemon myrtle, aniseed myrtle, local Kangaroo Island honey and mountain pepper, then stop at Andermel Marron.
Take a trip to Clifford’s Honey farm and Island Beehive at Kingscote for a range of Ligurian bee honey and honey products while at Island Pure Sheep Dairy you can sample the island’s unique sheep cheese.
Photo Credit – Island Beehive Facebook Page
Enjoy a fairy tale experience as you dine under the boughs and branches of an ancient 150-year-old fig tree at The Enchanted Fig Tree which features set menus of great food and wine.
Head over to Sunset Food and Wine, a modern bistro, at Kangaroo Head for some seafood, local South Australian produce and ocean views.
For some authentic Thai food prepared by chefs from North-East Thailand, using fresh Kangaroo Island produce, enjoy the live music at Kangaroo Island Tru Thai which is uniquely located in a big steel shed at Flour Cask Bay.
Visit Kangaroo Island’s most notable wineries – the Bay of Shoals Wines and Islander Estate Wineries for some premium local wines while Kangaroo island Spirits is KI’s first cellar door microbrewery offering great craft beer and excellent local food.
Beaches
You can’t ignore the beautiful beaches on this island paradise which offers you 50 unique beaches to discover.
You must visit the uniquely curved-shaped Vivonne Beach, one of KI’s most famous beaches and explore its clear turquoise waters.
Enjoy Stokes Bay, a family favourite with its unique natural giant rock pool perfect for wading and fun for kids.
Spot dolphins and whales at Pennington Bay which also offers great surf for advanced surfers.
Emu Bay is one of Kangaroo Island’s most popular beaches with easy access and clear waters. Snorkelling at Snellings beach is also popular along with rock fishing and the stunning views offered by the surrounding cliffs – some of the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Swim with the dolphins and encounter giant cuttlefish, sea horses and other marine life on Kangaroo Island’s 540 km long coastline.
Sights and Trails
Enjoy the natural habitat and its surroundings at the Flinders Chase National Park, home to iconic landmarks such as the Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks – natural rock formations.
Watch fur seals play among the rock pools from a viewing platform along the cliff-hugging boardwalk at Admirals Arch.
Explore the park and discover wildlife along its many walking trails or visit cultural heritage sites which include the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and Cape Bourda lighthouse.
Explore the area around the Rocky River which flows through the park and spot kangaroos, wallabies, Cape barren geese and even platypus.
Further along, the south coast is the Kelly Hill Conservation Park where you can experience the magical underground rock formation at Kelly Hills Cave and don’t miss the purple blanket of the lavender farm at Emu Bay in the northeast of the island and enjoy unique lavender products, lavender-based snacks and a coffee to keep you going for some more.
