6 minute read
KIDS FERRY
TRAVEL: SEALINK
WORDS Hayley Pearson PHOTOS SeaLink
Travelling to Kangaroo Island just got even sweeter with a nice little pick-me-up!
Little Sahara.
The best way to get to KI is on board SeaLink’s Kangaroo Island passenger and car ferries, and these crazy cats are taking the pressure off families by serving up a ‘Kids Go Free’ deal!
I’m not sure they’ve done the maths here because they’re offering savings of up to $150 per family, where kids aged three to 14 years can travel on the ferry for free!* This is a massive bonus for parents and it also means you’ll have extra moolah to splash on holiday fun, food and experiences.
Kangaroo Island is just a swift 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw. As soon as you step off this comfy-as vessel, you’re greeted with spectacular coastal scenery, gorgeous wildlife, incredible wineries and eateries, unique accommodation and, of course, loads of nature experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
You won’t be starved for a place to stay either. There are hundreds of accommodation options across the island — from fancy five-star retreats complete with your own private beach to comfy holiday homes, cabins, glamping and family bell tents, caravan parks, motels and hotels with family apartments.
Let’s be honest, with kids in tow, holidays can’t always be about lazing about on white sandy beaches, so thank goodness Kangaroo Island has a smorgasbord of fun things to see and do, like fishing, crabbing off the jetty, swimming and snorkelling at some of the world’s most glorious beaches, climbing the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse and just running amok in general.
And there’s plenty more along the way...
SEAL BAY CONSERVATION PARK When was the last time your child met a sea lion in the wild? Seal Bay Conservation Park offers guided beach tours where you can see Australian sea lions as they sleep, play and swim in their own environment.
KANGAROO ISLAND WILDLIFE PARK Here you can get up close and personal with kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and see all manner of native Australian wildlife — there’s over 600 animals! KI OUTDOOR ACTION Whether it's sandboarding, quad bike tours, fat bike experiences or kayaking, these legendary tour operators offer the whole shebang for beginners right up to experienced adrenaline junkies!
CLIFFORD’S HONEY FARM Toast is nothing without honey, right? And not just any old honey — the purest strain of honey in the world! Yep, it’s made right here on Kangaroo Island from the Ligurian bee and then turned into the most exquisite honey ice cream that the whole family will drool over.
So, no more faffing about, it’s time to book your next family holiday to Kangaroo Island!
KI Seafront Holiday Park.
*Valid for new bookings made by 1 December 2021, for travel between 11 October and 10 December 2021. Kids aged 3 to 14 must be booked with at least one paying adult and a vehicle on the ferry. Go to sealink.com.au and use the code KIDSGOFREE or call 13 13 01.
@sealinkki sealink.com.au
RAPTOR DOMAIN This has thrills written all over it! You can enjoy the ‘Birds of Prey’ show and even meet and greet the stars of the show — Jedda the majestic wedge-tailed eagle and Casper the friendly barn owl.
TRAVEL: COPPERSTONE KI
SUMMER DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS.
This is 40
WORDS Hayley Pearson PHOTOS Quentin Chester
You know you’re getting old when there are more candles than cake. But I couldn’t give a rat’s because I’ll be celebrating the big four-zero in absolute paradise!
Forget the Maldives, Seychelles, Bahamas and Mauritius, I’m going somewhere far more superior — Copperstone KI.
With magnificent views of Emu Bay from every room, this immaculately designed luxury holiday home is located on fiveand-a-half acres of private land, only a two-minute walk to one of Kangaroo Island’s most popular stretches of coastline, Emu Bay Beach.
Summer doesn’t get any better than this 11/10 beach house, but it’s not just about bikinis and Aperols. With indoor and outdoor wood fireplaces and underfloor heating in the main living and dining area, you’ll be as snug as a bug in a rug during autumn and winter, too.
Ideal for couples and friends wanting a kid-free weekend, Copperstone KI is the picture perfect setting to laze and graze — and then laze and graze all over again. Imagine kicking back with a glass of KI Spirits in hand, nibbling on a platter full of local produce without a worry in the world.
On the flip side, you can, of course, bring the munchkins like I will. I couldn't possibly have a birthday without my babies... and my parents... and my husband! And why not, there’s plenty of room. With four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and a fancy bathtub overlooking incredible views of KI, it would be unkind if I didn’t invite everyone.
I can just see my kids now, living their best lives and transforming into wildlings as they explore the gorgeous property and rub their toes in the sand.
As I blow out the candles on my fortieth lap around the sun with my family by my side, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.
@copperstoneki copperstoneki.com
(08) 8300 8300 info@bernielewis.com.au
Free up some cash
For many people, mortgage repayments can be a set and forget kind of deal — you lock into an amount and that’s what you pay each week, fortnight or month. But regularly reviewing your home loan could free up extra cash. Bernie Lewis Home Loans are experts at making sure you get a low interest rate and a loan that best works for you. As Director Mark Lewis explains, every dollar you save is your money and can really add up. “We look at our clients’ home loans roughly every two years to make sure they’re not paying too high an interest rate,” Mark says. “It could be as simple as asking your current lender for a discount — if you don’t ask, you don’t get! Other times, refinancing gets you a better deal elsewhere. The secret is getting the lowest interest rate, which equals a lower monthly repayment. “That’s extra money in your pocket that you can spend on clothes, eating out, indulging in hobbies, even putting more into your home repayments so you pay it off sooner. Whatever you choose to do, it’s your money and your choice.” Don’t sit there mindlessly paying the bank and accepting what that’s giving you. Take an active interest in your loan and make sure you’re getting a low rate and the loan that best suits your lifestyle.
