American River, a tiny village on the magnificently unspoiled Kangaroo Island, just 3 hours by road and ferry from South Australia's bustling capital, Adelaide, is in a magical natural world of its own. Although the local population of the entire island is comprised mainly of its abundant wildlife, we humans are catered to in grand style in the many American River accommodations and others that dot the island. These range from simple campgrounds to luxurious eco resorts.
American River is not a river and it is not in America. Where did its name come from, then? Back in 1803, some sealers from America camped there for four months while they built a schooner out of the local timber. According to the story, the sealers thought they were staying on the banks of a river and gave it the name, "American River." The name stuck and now a plaque has been erected in their memory.
Those American sealers were not there long enough to be considered the first settlers. That distinction goes to a man named Frank Potts. After settling in American River for a time, Potts later went back to the mainland and started one of the earliest vineyards in Langhorne Creek. Potts was followed by John Buick, who built the first permanent house in American River in 1844. The settlement grew when a fish cannery was built in the late 19th century and gypsum mining operations were begun. Industry really didn't take off on Kangaroo Island, though and the island has remained largely undeveloped.
Today, the two main industries on Kangaroo Island are oyster farming and tourism. It remains remarkably pristine, which is its primary attraction for tourists. If you choose to stay in American River, you don't have to go past your doorstep to immerse yourself in nature. Almost at your doorstep, on the estuary, you can discover an incredible variety of birdlife. Step a little further into the interior and you may come face-to-face with animal species that exist only on Kangaroo Island.
If you love the "nightlife", there's plenty of it at American River, but it's not like the nightlife you find on the mainland. At night, you can go on guided tours that allow you to see what the wildlife on Kangaroo Island gets up to after dark. For example, at nearby Penneshaw, you can get "up close and personal" with the fascinating little penguins that call the island their home.
During the day, too, you can join groups or travel solo and explore the island's natural attractions. Some of the bird species found on the island include the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo, Black Swans, pelicans, Cape Barren Geese and others that make Kangaroo Island a world renowned bird watcher's destination.
The tiny islets that are scattered about on the cove are breeding grounds for the estimated fifty-six different types of water birds that live there. The waters of the cove, too, abound with wildlife. They are now protected waters, thus ensuring their survival into the future.
Don't visit American River if you're looking for large resort developments, clubs, casinos and other mainland attractions. If, on the other hand, you want to get away from it all and get back to nature, you will love it. Make American River your base on Kangaroo Island and you will have all the comforts of home in a natural wonderland.
Need a break away, find <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/accommodation/sa/kangaroo-island/american-river/1/">American River accommodation</a>, things to do and other travel related information about the area on <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/">'Book it Now'</a>. Or visit our <a target="_new" href="http://travelblog.bookitnow.com.au/">travel blog</a> for more Australian holiday ideas.
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