Welcome to Kangaroo Island

WELCOME TO

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island, so there is a lot more to see than most visitors might expect. The first thing you are likely to notice when you arrive is that there are so many animals around! A sanctuary for wildlife with over 260 bird species, tammar wallabies, short-beaked echidnas and plenty of kangaroos and koalas, Kangaroo Island is virtually a zoo without fences.

The surrounding Southern Ocean is teaming with fish, sea lions and little penguin colonies, with southern right whales and calves migrating past the coast in the cooler months.

Historically, Kangaroo Island became Australia’s first free settlement, with sealers, escaped convicts and runaway sailors calling the island home. To learn about Kangaroo Island’s cultural history and be entertained with some interesting stories, why not take the self guided audio tour ‘Island Intrigue’. The pack is available for purchase from the Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre at Penneshaw or download it by visiting www.islandintrigue.com.au

Just because the island is isolated, doesn’t mean you will be without life’s luxuries. With its fertile lands and rich waters, Kangaroo Island produces some of Australia’s finest gourmet foods. Let your tastebuds guide your travels and you will come across the likes of freshly caught King George whiting, sheep’s cheese, marron, the unique Ligurian Bee variety of honey and an exciting range of varietal wines.

GETTING AROUND

There is no public transport on Kangaroo Island, nor is there a taxi service so make sure you arrange car hire if required. The main roads from Penneshaw to Kingscote, and a ring route between Kingscote and Flinders Chase National Park, are sealed. However, many roads in the eastern, western and northern sides of the Island are not sealed, but with careful driving are quite safe. Some unsealed roads are closed in wet weather so it pays to check with the Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre before driving in more remote areas. Take care on all roads to avoid colliding with wildlife.

Kangaroo Island is a natural wonder of unmatched beauty and pristine wilderness, with soaring cliffs, dense bushland, towering sand dunes, wetlands and massive arcs of bone white beach.

Emu Bay, Credit: Isaac Forman, Serio

Things to See & Do

FLINDERS CHASE

Flinders Chase is a rugged national park occupying the entire western end of the island where you can explore Remarkable Rocks atop a huge dome-shaped granite mound. This Australian geographic oddity attracts visitors from all over the world.

FUR SEALS

Look out for the New Zealand fur seals that can be seen basking on the rock slabs below Admiral’s Arch, which is another stunning natural attraction.

KANGAROO ISLAND WILDLIFE PARK

The award-winning Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park boasts kangaroo feeding, and the opportunity to pat a koala and walk through its aviary to witness the spectacular birdlife particular to the region.

SNAKE LAGOON

Stretch your legs on a walk at the gorgeous secluded beach of Snake Lagoon for a nature escape.

LITTLE SAHARA

If you fancy something more strenuous and adventurous, toboggan down Little Sahara.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

Kangaroo Island has a range of adventure activities from quad biking, sandboarding, kayaking, paintballing, bike riding, adventure caving, horseback riding and more.

WALKS & HIKES

With over 17 hikes around Kangaroo Island there are trails to suit everybody, ranging from 30 minutes to 8 hours or even days following the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail.

KELLY HILL CAVES

If you’re keen to beat the heat, head to the Kelly Hill Caves where the constant temperature makes this underground labyrinth a great place to visit.

ISLAND BEEHIVE

Home to the purest strain of the Ligurian Honey Bee in the world, take a tour and see where honey is extracted and packed. The shop stocks Kangaroo Island honey, bee products, beeswax candles, souvenirs, health products and local arts and crafts.

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Kangaroo Island is steeped in heritage. Be sure to check out the historical highlights including Cape Willoughby Lightstation, Cape Borda Lighstation, Hope Cottage Museum in Kingscote, Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum, and more.

LOCAL PRODUCE

The region’s pristine environment gives rise to incredibly fresh, tasty produce. Kangaroo Island’s food and wine is some of Australia’s finest. Drop into one of the many producers in the region to find out for yourself. There are a great range of restaurants, cafes, and farmers markets. Try a highly recommended Whiting Burger for which Vivonne Bay General Store and Bottleshop is famous. Stop by one of the many cellar doors for a wine, gin, cider or beer.

Island Beehive, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, Credit: Ben Goode

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Remarkable Rocks, Credit: Lachlan Swan

Day Tours

Join one of our tours - sit back, relax and let us do the driving.

Kangaroo Island

Experience

Seal Bay · Kangaroo Island

Wildlife Park · Flinders

Chase National Park ·

Admirals Arch · Remarkable Rocks · 2-course lunch

Kangaroo Island

Sip & See

Raptor Domain · Emu Ridge Eucalyptus

Distillery · Clifford’s Honey Farm · False Cape Wines 2-course lunch

Call 13 13 01 or visit sealink.com.au

Dudley Peninsula

Penneshaw is situated on the northeast coast of the Island. This picturesque village is an attractive welcome for visitors arriving via SeaLink ferries.

With a commanding view of the mainland, just 18kms across Backstairs Passage, Penneshaw is the community centre for Dudley Peninsula. To explore the peninsula’s interesting past, visit the Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum. Call 8553 1109 for opening hours.

The peninsula’s beaches are spectacular. Baudin Beach is the perfect spot for swimming and fishing with wildlife seen regularly on the beach. Take the time to explore Baudin Conservation Park. Open daily, the Ironstone Hill Hike is highly recommended with interpretive sign posts along the way.

The Penneshaw Penguin Centre situated along Bay Terrace offers nocturnal tours of the penguins in their natural habitat. The centre is closed during February while the penguins migrate to sea.

Be sure to visit False Cape vineyard and cellar door, Dudley Wines cellar door as well as the Taste of Kangaroo Island produce outlet to pick up some goodies for your stay or on departure as gifts for family and friends.

An experience like no other

Personalised, small group luxury 4x4 tours including:

> Road to Recovery

> Flinders Chase, Nature and Wildlife

> Wildlife Discovery

> Food, Wine and Marine Adventure

Call 8553 0386 or visit kiodysseys.com.au

Dudley Wines, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

American River

American River, a narrow tidal channel known locally as ‘The River’, separates Pelican Lagoon and Eastern Cove.

This channel forms the Island’s most protected harbour and the village nestled on the hillside offers superb views of Eastern Cove and the mainland.

This tranquil village is great for fishing in the waters surrounding it and you can book a local fishing charter for a guided tour. The area is also popular for kayaking and boating.

For quintessential seaside fare, stop in at The Oyster Farm Shop to indulge in some fresh local oysters. There’s nothing quite like the taste of the sea.

American River is a mecca for birdwatching. With 267 different species recorded across Kangaroo Island, be sure to get amongst nature. There’s also a number of walks around the region that enables visitors to enjoy the lovely surrounds.

Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge offers pelican feeding by request at the jetty.

American River, Credit: Julie Fletcher

The Capital, Kingscote

Kingscote is benchmarked as an important place in the state’s colonial history as north of it lies Reeves Point, the site for the first European settlement in South Australia. Kingscote is the epicentre of Kangaroo Island, with banks, shopping, eateries and a number of essential services available here.

The Kingscote beach offers great conditions for picnicking, while Little Brownlow Beach is popular with families due to its shallow waters. For swimming further afar, try Emu Bay located 18kms from Kingscote. Emu Bay offers safe water conditions along a beautiful stretch of sandy beach. For golf enthusiasts, the Kingscote Golf Club boasts an 18-hole sand green course, one of the finest in the state.

Island Beehive, a tourist centre dedicated to protecting the Ligurian bee heritage, is renowned for its award-winning organic honey. The centre is certainly worth a visit with products available for sale and guided tours operating every 30 minutes.

You can also take a tour of the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery which boasts a cafe and gallery.

Kingscote, located on the shores of Nepean Bay, is the island’s capital and is a bright, bustling town of around 1,800 people.

Emu Bay, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

A small family-run cafe in the heart of Penneshaw offering simple, fresh food and great coffee. Access friendly indoor and outdoor seating available. Pets welcome. Takeaway available.

OPEN DAILY FROM 7AM TIL 2PM

2 NAT THOMAS STREET, PENNESHAW SA 5222

P: 7132 1894

E: FATBEAGLECOFFEESHOP@GMAIL.COM

Food & Wine

Local growers and producers on Kangaroo Island uphold the immaculate standards reflected in the region’s pristine environment. For this reason, make sure you navigate Kangaroo Island’s Food and Wine trail while you’re here. To purchase local produce straight from the growers and producers, visit the Kangaroo Island Community Market which is held on the first Sunday of every month at Penneshaw.

Over the last decade or so, Kangaroo Island has been an up and coming wine region. Today, the region boasts 25 growers with 18 labels from which to choose.

Stop by False Cape vineyard and cellar door with its beautiful setting, food and wine selection. A great place for lunch as well as wine and local beer.

For more information on wineries in the region, visit kangarooislandwineries.com.au

Kangaroo Island’s untouched environment inspires an unprecedented quality in local food and wine.

BREAKFAST + BRUNCH · HOUSEMADE CAKES

False Cape Wines, Credit: Meaghan Coles

False Cape Wines, Credit: Meaghan Coles

Coast

Exploring the magnificent North Coast is an unforgettable experience. A mixture of cliffs, deserted sandy coves and beaches line the coastline with nature reserves and valleys posing a picturesque backdrop.

Emu Bay boasts a 4km stretch of beautiful sandy shores, which is safe for swimming and, of course, perfect for having a picnic on the beach. You might even spot some dolphins playing in the surf.

For secluded beaches to swim and fish at, try King George Beach, Western River Cove and Stokes Bay. Snelling Beach is popular for surfing and rock fishing.

The North Coast is renowned for its great conditions for sailing and boasts a number of amazing places to lower the anchor in picturesque surrounds.

The Emu Bay Lavender farm showcases 12 cultivars of lavender in its lovely gardens. Be sure to visit the conservation of critically endangered farm animals at Will’s Rare Breeds Farm.

Great Fishing

Here are just some of Kangaroo Island’s popular fishing spots, which includes the species of fish you can expect to catch in each area.

Emu Bay: jetty, shore and boat (salmon, snook, whiting, snapper and squid)

Bay of Shoals: dropping nets into sand patches (sand crabs)

Kingscote: jetty, shore and boat (garfish, salmon trout, whiting, squid and sand crabs)

American River: wharf, shore and boat (salmon, trout, whiting, garfish, flathead and sand crabs)

Christmas Cove: shore (flathead, mullet, trevally, whiting and squid)

Penneshaw: jetty (garfish, flathead, whiting, mullet, snook, trevally and salmon); shore (flathead, salmon and mullet)

Western River Cove: reef (snapper, nannygai, trevally and swallowtail)

The North Coast of Kangaroo Island incorporates Emu Bay, Cape Cassini, Stokes Bay, Snelling Beach and Middle River.

Kangaroo Island offers an abundance of great fishing in the most picturesque surrounds.

Antechamber Bay, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Middle River, Credit: Ben Goode

Emu Bay, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Vivonne Bay boasts turquoise waters and a rustic jetty, which are a photographer’s delight. Also voted one of Australia’s best beaches, Vivonne Bay’s sandy shores are perfect for picnicking as well as surfing and fishing.

Seal Bay Conservation Park boasts an Australian sea-lion colony and guided walks are available for visitors to see these wonderful ceatures in their natural habitat.

Little Sahara, an area extending over 2sq/kms, is comprised of white sand dunes that visitors can toboggan or sandboard down. An adventurous activity for the whole family, you’ll delight in spending time at Little Sahara.

Rustic Blue, located 8kms from Vivonne Bay, is a gallery, day spa, cafe and nature reserve all rolled into one. It's the ideal place to indulge all the senses. Alternatively, witness thrilling animal attractions at Raptor Domain which is open daily except for Christmas Day.

THE Centre

Centrally located, Parndana provides convenient access to the North and South Coasts and has a small shopping centre, cafe & bakery, post office & deli, community hotel, playground and museum.

History and agriculture meet at the Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum, which tells the story of how the returned soldiers settled in the central region of Kangaroo Island and worked the land.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, home to over 150 species of native Australian wildlife and over 600 animals, offers visitors the opportunity to handfeed the local fauna. The park boasts a souvenir shop as well as a cafe for hungry travellers. Picnic facilities are also available here.

Approximately 21kms from Parndana lies The Islander Estate Vineyards. Take a guided tour of the vineyard to see how these award-winning wines are produced with a barrel room tasting to follow. Bookings required.

If you're after some pub grub with a relaxed country vibe, drop into the Parndana Hotel situated along Wedgewood Road.

Comprising of D’Estrees Bay, Murray Lagoon, Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay and Flour Cask Bay, the South Coast is a hot spot for visitors to beautiful Kangaroo Island.

Vivonne Bay, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Parndana is known as the agricultural hub and the heartland of Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island, Credit: Don Fuchs

Credit: Exceptional Kangaroo Island http://www.exceptionalkangarooisland.com/

West End

The bushland in the West End region of Kangaroo Island is teeming with wildlife. Be sure to check out Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to do the famous Koala Walk. At night the sanctuary operates guided tours where visitors are privy to the nocturnal habits of local wildlife.

Kelly Hill Conservation Park is a popular visitor destination for viewing extraordinary caverns and sinkholes. The daily show cave tour is a thrilling guided tour through the best of what Kelly Hill has to offer.

In Flinders Chase National Park, don’t miss seeing Remarkable Rocks, a set of granite boulders that time has been moulding for around 500 million years. Not far from Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch also boasts an awe-inspiring structure that owes itself to the wind and the weather. West End also offers a number of hiking and walking trails.

Top 10 Facts

• K angaroo Island is the third largest island of Australia.

• It is just 1km wide at its most narrow point.

• It boasts over 500kms of coastline.

• It is said to be nearly 7 times the size of Singapore.

• Its kangaroos have darker, thicker fur compared to mainland species.

• Mount McDonnell is the island’s highest point standing at 299 metres.

• O ver 80 shipwrecks have occurred off Kangaroo Island since the 1840s.

• Its Ligurian bees are the last surviving pure breed of the species left in the world.

• About one third of the island is comprised of national parks and reserves.

• Admirals Arch is comprised of fossilised tree roots not stalactites.

Covering Flinders Chase National Park, Cape Borda and Hanson Bay, people from all over the world travel to see the rugged natural beauty and wildlife of the island’s West End.

Coastline at Southern Ocean Lodge, Credit: Tourism Australia

Admirals Arch, Credit: Drea Chong

Remarkable Rocks, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Beaches & the Coast

Brilliant white drifting sand dunes sweeping up into razorbacked ridges, surf-pounded cliffs and calm, secluded coves - the coastline of Kangaroo Island is a combination of spectacular contrasts.

Offering a diverse range of recreation, the beaches and rugged coastline of Kangaroo Island will satisfy surfers, fishermen, wreck-divers, wildlife lovers and beachcombers, alike. Kangaroo Island has been named “The Hottest Destination” in the past by Australian Traveller Magazine, and Vivonne Bay has earned the accolade of being one of Australia’s best beaches.

Vivonne Bay is the only bay on the South Coast to provide shelter for fishing vessels for the 145kms of this coastline, and is home to most of the island’s lobster fleet which unload their catch on the jetty for exportation.

Cape du Couedic in Flinders Chase National Park is the southwest extremity of Kangaroo Island and was named by French explorer Captain Nicolas Baudin in 1803. Located at Cape du Couedic is a spectacular natural rock arch known as Admiral’s Arch, sculpted by weather and erosion from the sea.

A viewing platform and boardwalk around a cliff face takes you to this amazing sight.

Some of the most delightful scenery on the island can be seen travelling along the Yacca lined track into Western River Cove. There are sheoaks covering the hillsides and picturesque rock formations that slope towards the sea. A little footbridge across the river allows you to walk down to the unspoilt beach and rockpools of this sandy cove.

Other destinations that are ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing and picnics include American Beach, Snellings Beach, Stokes Bay and Emu Bay.

For those wanting to experience cruising around the coastline, or for further viewing of the fascinating variety of marine life, contact the Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre for a booking.

Pennington Bay, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

A Destination For All Seasons

SUMMER: DECEMBER - FEBRUARY

• A s the summer approaches, wildlife retreat to bushland habitat to shelter during the heat of the day.

• K angaroos and tammar wallabies are seen predominantly at dawn and dusk.

• New Zealand fur seals give birth to chocolate-brown pups.

• The Australian sea-lion breeding season begins with pups born from January to June.

• Heath goannas lay 10-17 eggs in the warm, stable, humid atmosphere of termite mounds, the perfect incubator.

• Koalas, wallabies and kangaroos give birth to tiny young, which are naked and blind.

AUTUMN: MARCH - MAY

• Pastures begin to green and waterways and catchments begin to flow.

• Glossy black cockatoos and little penguins begin nesting.

• Black swans begin their courtship behaviour of wing-raising, neck-stretching and loud trumpeting.

• Fungi start to appear on damp ground and rotting wood.

WINTER: JUNE - AUGUST

• W inter is spectacular with lush green countryside, flowing rivers and abundant wildlife.

• Koalas emerge from the mother’s pouch and begin to ride on her back.

• K angaroo and wallaby joeys start to emerge from the mother’s pouch and feed by her side.

• Echidnas form ‘mating trains’ where up to eight males will follow a female for around four weeks.

• Waders, on their migration from Siberia, begin to arrive.

• Ospreys show off to their mates in spectacular courtship fights.

• Southern right whales pass the shores on their migration from Antarctic waters to the Great Australian Bight to calve.

SPRING: SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER

• Spring is the season of rebirth.

• W ildflowers are in abundance.

• Eucalyptus oil is in peak production. One tonne of leaf can produce up to 30 litres of oil.

• Cape Barren geese nest on top of the native iris grasses to incubate their eggs.

• Platypus lay two eggs in a burrow up to 20 metres long.

Wildflowers Flinders Chase National Park

Seal Bay Conservation Park, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Credit: Exceptional Kangaroo Island http://www.exceptionalkangarooisland.com/

Rosenberg's (Varanus rosenbergi) is the only goanna on Kangaroo Island

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

• A merican River Gala Day American River

• K angaroo Island Gourmet Gallop Cygnet River Racecourse, Kingscote

FEBRUARY

• K angaroo Island Cup Carnival C ygnet River Racecourse, Kingscote

APRIL

• K angaroo Island Easter Art Exhibition

Penneshaw Town Hall

• A merican River Fishing Spectacular Competition American River Wharf

• The SeaLink Kangaroo Island Seafood FEASTival Various locations throughout Kangaroo Island

JULY

• K angaroo Island Planting Festival

AUGUST

• K angaroo Island Marathon Flinders Chase National Park

SEPTEMBER

• Island-wide Penguin Census, Kingscote

• K angaroo Island Field Day & Evening Concert Cygnet River Racecourse, Kingscote

• K angaroo Island Art Feast (Sept-Oct) Various venues across the Island

• W ildroo Ultra Marathon & 30K

OCTOBER

• Glossy Black Cockatoo Annual Census

• K ingscote Show

Soldiers Memorial Park, Kingscote

NOVEMBER

• K angaroo Island Show Soldiers Memorial Park, Centenary Avenue Kingscote

• Parndana Agricultural Show

Parndana Sports Oval

• K angaroo Island Speed Shears Parndana Hotel, Parndana

• New Shoots Music Festival Penneshaw

First Sunday of every month – Sunday Vibes Cuttlefish Bay

For the most up to date calendar of events and dates, go to tourkangarooisland.com.au

Credit: Kangaroo Island Racing Club