Kangaroo Island
Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, SA. Photo credit: Brett Sheriden/South Australian Tourism Commission
Kangaroo Island
We’re not quite sure how you can be a “hidden gem” when you’re Australia’s third largest island, but Kangaroo Island seems to manage it.
Its largest town (and SA’s oldest European settlement) is Kingscote, although with only 4000(ish) residents on the whole island, it’s really not that large. What it lacks in size, though, it makes up for in welcome.
This is an island of impressive beauty. It’s worth exploring, and your camera will rarely be out of your hand.
Average summer temperature is 25°C but be aware that if you’re travelling to Kangaroo Island in winter things can get chilly, with temperatures falling lower than 7°C.
Things to do on Kangaroo Island
Little Sahara
Before you reach Little Sahara, invest in a sandboard (you can hire one from Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action in Vivonne Bay, not too far from the dunes). That way you’ll be able to ‘surf’ the dunes far more effectively than on the bit of cardboard we used. This is one very cool place, and playing around on the dunes is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Flinders Chase National Park
There are two major reasons to take the drive through Flinders Chase. The aptly named Remarkable Rocks have been cut and weathered by years of erosion. They look like an art installation but are completely natural.
At Admirals Arch thousands of years of sea and wind erosion has tunnelled an archway through the rock. It’s an impressive photo opportunity, made even more impressive by the large numbers of fur seals you’ll find living here (especially during the summer mating season).
Kangaroo Island Penguin Centre
This saltwater aquarium in Kingscote features seahorses, cuttlefish, reef fish and invertebrates – but there’s no doubting the main attraction. The smallest of the world’s penguin species, the Little Penguin, is cared for by the centre and you can join night tours to the local wild colonies. April-November is the best time to visit.
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Travelling to Kangaroo Island
SeaLink vehicle and passenger ferries travel between Cape Jervis (at the south-western tip of Fleurieu Peninsula) and Penneshaw (on the island).
There are four daily departures and additional services at peak times. The journey takes about 45mins. Advance booking is essential.
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