Kangaroo Island; just a hop, skip and a jump to a natural wonderland.
Kangaroo Island is one of the world's great natural treasures. Separated from the Australian mainland about 9000 years ago, its wilderness remains largely unspoilt. The island is one of the best places to see Australian native animals in their natural habitat; you can walk among sea lions as they lounge on the beach, see kangaroos bounding through the bush, watch koalas sleeping in the branches overhead and get close to echidnas as they amble across your path.
Although Kangaroo Island feels like it's a world away from the city, it's actually within easy travelling distance of Adelaide. You can board a plane at Adelaide Airport and arrive on the island in just 30 minutes. If you want to take your car with you, catch the ferry across to KI from Cape Jervis, 90 minutes' drive south of Adelaide.
Once you arrive, make sure you stop in at the Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Centre. The friendly staff will be able to show you all the attractions and let you in on the Island’s best kept secrets.
For example, Kangaroo Island's national parks are the perfect place for a camping holiday, and Flinders' Chase National Park has several great campsites to choose from, which can easily accommodate caravanners. Pandana Wildlife Park is also a great place to see the KI natives, and visitors are also able to cuddle koalas and pat the kangaroos.
Prospect Hill is the highest point in the area and following in Matthew Flinders footsteps, you can climb the 512 steps to the top and survey the Island. At the top, looking North, you will see the whole vista of Pelican Lagoon and American River, and on a clear day, you can see Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills. To the South you will see the sweep of the South Coast and Pennington Bay. The walk is also signposted with information about the flora, fauna, geology and history of the area.
KI's many beautiful beaches are perfect for fishing, boating or swimming. The clear blue waters surrounding the island are also ideal for scuba diving and surfing, although it's best to check out where the safe spots are first.
For more information about the wonders of KI, contact the Visitor Centre on 1800 811 080 or visit www.tourkangarooisland.com.au.
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