FEW PLACES on earth are as unspoilt as Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of South Australia.
Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island, possessing 40 per cent native vegetation and a wildlife population greater than its 4,700 residents – each of them smugly proud of their remote address, tranquil lifestyle and access to the freshest sea air from the Southern Ocean.
Arrive here either by air from Adelaide, a 30 minute flight to the island’s recently built Kingscote Airport, or by ferry from the southern tip of the mainland, which takes 45 minutes.
Remarkable Rocks
With rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife, “KI”, as it is referred to by locals, is largely self-sustaining, with several local small-batch producers (including the world’s last remaining pure-bred Ligurian bees, producing the only honey permitted on the island), artisanal dairies, 13 wineries and a gin distillery, and Kangaroo Island wool.
Kangaroo Island kangaroos | Photographer credit: Isaac Forman
The experienced team at Kangaroo Island Touring Company offer road tours so that guests can experience the natural beauty and wildlife in all their glory.
We commence our adventure with a drive to Seal Bay Conservation Park, meandering through the undulating sand dunes to observe endangered Australian sea lions in their natural habitat as they surf the waves and sunbathe on the shoreline.
Seal Bay Conservation Park | Photography credit: Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance
We then head to Vivionne Bay along one of Australia’s most picturesque coastlines, where we sample bleached-white sands and turquoise seas while sitting on the jetty’s edge. While driving north across the island, we stop at the roadside next to eucalyptus trees and peer up to marvel at a family of koalas snoozing in the branches.
Further along, we slow down to observe a squadron of pelicans chilling in the sunshine, and at Stokes Bay we clamber through a labyrinth of rocks to arrive at a most tranquil and deserted beach.
Koala’s on Kangaroo Island
The next morning we visit Kangaroo Island Wildlife Sanctuary, home to more than 150 species of native Australian wildlife and inhabited by over 600 rescued animals. The newly rescued baby kangaroos live in the sanctuary’s hospital, where if you are lucky, you will get an opportunity to bottle-feed a joey.
The ultimate animal encounter here has to be the koala experience, where this cutest of marsupials puts his hands out for you to hold him for an intimate moment (only if he’s up to it).
Oceanview Eco Villa | Photography credit: Heidi Who Photos
Oceanview Eco Villa | Photographer credit: Heidi Who Photos
While driving through Flinders Chase National Park at the west end of the island, the scars from the 2019 summer bushfires are still evident.
Despite 96 per cent of this wilderness being parched, most of the native plant species have been able to regenerate, with a thick carpet of vibrant green foliage now visible. The only constant reminder of the devastating fire are the bald treetops, which will never again be evergreen.
Seal Bay Conservation Park
We arrive at the island’s most famous landmark, Remarkable Rocks, a mighty archaeological phenomenon precariously balancing on a cliff edge, having been formed more 500 million years ago.
Remarkable Rocks | Photographer credit: Lachlan Swan
Book a stay at Oceanview Eco Villas, set within a 500-acre private property along the north coastline. Comprising just two self-contained en-suite double-bedroomed dwellings, these most unique boltholes are hosted by owners Tim and Tamsin Wendt.
Operating fully off-grid (but online), the lodges have been sustainably designed with 99 percent of the building materials originating from South Australia. Sliding patio doors open onto the sprawling grounds, with enduring views across the bay.
Take a walk to the edge of the rugged Redbanks clifftop, a blissful spot to watch the sun set over the ocean, and savour a romantic clifftop cocktail.
Beach Barista | Photographer credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Tamsin and team oversee sublime gastronomic offerings, delivering à la carte three-course breakfasts and dinners, all featuring island produce. Each plate is presented as a Michelin-star display, personally curated for individual preferences.
Dinner is accompanied by local wines paired with each course, and there’s a fully stocked kitchen fridge filled with local goodies and Oceanview Eco Villas branded beverages.
Kangaroo on Kangaroo Island | Photographer credit: Ben Goode
As inferred by the island’s name, this is kangaroo territory. Watch out for mobs of kangaroos, especially at dusk and dawn. We felt privileged to meet Katie, an orphaned joey who had been hand-reared by the Wendts and now, as an adult kangaroo mother, regularly visits the lodge to be hand fed cubes of sweet potato. A precious memory to round off our Kangaroo Island adventure.
by Amanda Bernstein
Kangaroo Island is easily accessible from the vineyard city of Adelaide via a 40 minute Qantas flight. Alternatively, drive two hours south along the coast through the wineries of the Fleurieu Peninsula and then take a ferry.
For a fully hosted stay, including guiding, book at least two nights at the Oceanview Eco Villas www.oceanviewkangarooisland.com.au.
For more information on Kangaroo Island and how to include in a wider Australia holiday visit www.southaustralia.com