Kangaroo Island is one of those rare places that defies description: the only way to appreciate it is to see it in person. This 93 mile (150km) long, 35 mile (57km) wide island, just 8 miles (13km) from the tip of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula and 70 miles (112km) southwest of Adelaide, is in a natural world of its own. Thankfully, the island's 4,400 permanent residents are anxious to preserve this pristine island just as it is.
Many Kangaroo Island locals, who call their island simply "KI", have roots on the island that go back to some of the original settlers. They have an intimate knowledge of their island and wouldn't dream of living anywhere else. They are more than happy to share their knowledge with visitors, but on the island's terms. You won't find highrises and superhighways on Kangaroo Island: it is designed to be a low-environmental-impact sanctuary for nature and lovers of nature.
National Parks and Conservation areas cover over a third of the island. These areas have been set aside for generations, so you see little if any evidence of earlier exploitation. There are plant and animal species on the island that have been there for tens of thousands of years, living today as freely as they lived before human colonization. In fact, some species on the island are extinct on the mainland or have evolved as separate subspecies over the millennia.
There are four major parks on Kangaroo Island. Each of them is unique. At Flinders Chase National Park, there is the must-see Remarkable Rocks. Kelly Hill Conservation Park's limestone caves just have to be explored and Seal Bay Conservation Park is home to thousands of Sea Lions. These are just a few of the highlights. There are too many more highlights to mention and even trails that are off the beaten track will take you to places that are so amazing, you'll wonder why they aren't listed as major attractions.
Yes, Kangaroo Island got its name from the fact that there are many kangaroos on the island. One of them, the KI Kangaroo, a cousin to the Western Grey, can be found only on the island. Kangaroos and wallabies are everywhere on the island and koalas, so shy and difficult to spot in most regions, are relatively easy to find here. Then there are the echidnas, the goannas, many of which are over 3 feet (1 meter) long and all the amazing bird life for you to view.
Kangaroo Island may be mostly wilderness, but it is accessible wilderness. It is easy to get to the island aboard the two vehicle and passenger ferries, Sealion 2000 and Spirit of Kangaroo Island. The crossing takes a comfortable, even luxurious 45 minutes and they run 4 times daily. If you are travelling from Adelaide and time is a factor, the Regional Express airline service can get you to Kingscote Airport in half an hour.
Once you have arrived, you will be able to take your pick of comfortable Kangaroo Island accommodations. Unlike most tourist areas, there are more self-contained accommodations on the island than any other kind. There are also backpacker accommodations, B&Bs, motels and hotels, but they are all relatively small, boutique establishments. You won't find any mega-resorts on the island, nor would you want to. The entire island is a natural "mega resort" for the wildlife and appreciative human visitors. See Kangaroo Island for yourself and you will see why it is impossible to do it justice with words.
Need a break away, find Kangaroo Island accommodation, things to do and other travel related information about the area on 'Book it Now'. Or visit our travel blog for more Australian holiday ideas.
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