The Ultimate Guide to Kangaroo Island

The beauty of Kangaroo Island can’t be put into words. You’ll realize it’s a true charm only when you visit Kangaroo Island. Its secluded location, escaping the crowds and hustle and bustle of city life will reflect its tranquil atmosphere. Also, it is the third-largest and beautiful island of Australia. The island can be visited by people of all age.

When you are in Australia, don’t miss out on this beauty! Here is an article explaining everything about Kangaroo Island for the first-time visitors.

Getting there

Kangaroo Island Sealink operates daily ferry services from the mainland of South Island to Penneshaw. Penneshaw is a major town on Kangaroo Island. The ferries depart from the town of Cape Jervis, which is around a 90-minute drive from Adelaide. You can also take Sealink’s shuttle service to reach the ferry terminal.

Daily flights also fly from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island with the airline Regional Express. Several tour operators offer guided tours and multi-day experiences.

For all those people who love driving, you can take a car on the Sealink Ferry or hire a car on the island. The island is very vast and you’ll need at least a weekend to explore it.

Things to do

Wildlife

The Seal Bay Conservation Park is the only place in the world where you can walk among endangered sea lions. You can also take a Boardwalk Tour and spot the mesmerizing wildlife on the sand and in the surf. If you want a beach experience, then a guided tour of the Seal Bay Experience is something you should consider.

SEE ALSO : Things To Do In Montague Island

The island has abundant native Australian wildlife. Not only kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, but also short-beaked echidnas and large goannas are found all over the island. There’s more birdlife to be seen at Kingscote Wharf. Pelicans gather at 5 pm for their daily meal of fish. It is absolutely a breathtaking experience.

You can also head out on a cruise to spot the dolphins and whales frolic along the coast.

Extreme Sports

For those who want to experience the thrill of an adrenaline rush, try the activities offered by Bush Getaway Adventures or Kelly Hill Caves and Conservation Park. They offer quad biking, paintballing and other electrifying sports like sandboarding and horse riding.

Museums

People who love history will also find Kangaroo Island interesting because the island is attached to the fascinating history of the early settlers and Indigenous Australians. There are a few famous museums here – Hope Cottage Museum, Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum and Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum.

Hiking

Kangaroo Island has plenty of hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels. More than 23 hiking trails are ranging from short strolls to full-day hikes. These hiking trails cut the rugged wilderness. One of the best is the Ravine des Casoars Hike which follows the path of a wooded valley to a remote sandy beach.

If you want to spot a platypus, then try the two hours trail of Platypus Waterholes Park. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is also remote bushland that will impress you for sure. You also have four campgrounds within the park, but you can also stay at lighthouse keepers’ quarters at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.

Accommodation

Budget – Kangaroo Island YHA

The hostel is specially designed for budget travellers who don’t look for a luxury stay. It offers a communal kitchen, BBQ facilities and a garden with a hammock. Sometimes, it might be visited by penguins. You’ll have impressive bay views as it is a just a 2-minute walk from Penneshaw Beach.

Moderate – Kangaroo Island Seafront

Kangaroo Island Seafront provides an ideal stay for families with amazing views of Backstairs Passage. It is a four-star property with free wifi for all guests. Other unique features include an outdoor pool, a mini-golf course and a sauna. There are 16 rooms and 12 villas in total.

Luxury – Southern Ocean Lodge

The luxurious five-star property, Southern Ocean Lodge is nestled on a secluded cliff on the island’s southwest corner. It offers 21 luxury suites with spectacular views of Hanson Bay. The rooms are modernly decorated and provide a calm environment. It also features a peaceful spa and fine dining.

Dining

Marron Cafe specializes in freshwater crayfish dishes. Seafood lovers should have a meal here. Poacher’s Platter for two and Amanda’s lemon myrtle cheesecake are their signature dishes.

For those looking to dine in an unforgettable ambience, Hannaford & Sachs is a place you should visit. You get European and Asian cuisine here. Your meals will be served under the Enchanted Fig Tree, which was planted by the Indigenous Australians long ago.

Now, you know why you have to visit Kangaroo Island when you are in Australia. The steep cliffs and remote beaches only surround you.

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