Australia > Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is remarkable for its wildlife and its untouched woods which have been growing here for thousands of years. Many species which Australia is famous for can be found here like Kangaroos, Wallabies, Koalas exotic birds and some which you might not expect to be found here like penguins and seals. There are plenty of opportunities to see those creatures from a nearby distance since most of them seem to be used to human guests.

There are four main towns on Kangaroo Island:

• Kingscote - the biggest city on the island is about 70 km from Penneshaw.
• Penneshaw - located in the east of the island. This is the place where the ferries arrive.
• Parndana - in the center of the island and serving the farming community.
• American River - a small community between Kingscote and Penneshaw.

What to See and Do:

• KI Penguin Center is the local aquarium in Kingscote. Has giant cuttlefish, seahorses and little penguins. There are daily guided tours to see the local penguins. (Tours start 7.30PM and 8.30PM in winter and 8.30PM and 9.30PM in summer.) The tour includes the center as well as some interesting explanations about the southern night sky.
• Penneshaw Penguin Center Guided tour to see the penguins in Penneshaw. Tours start at 7.30PM and 8.30PM in winter, an hour later in summer.
• Koala Walk Watch Koalas sleeping in the trees and wallabies hiding in the bush. Accessible during daylight hours. These creatures aren't easy to spot so take your time.
• Seal Bay Conservation Park Located in the south of the island, this park gives you the opportunity to see wild Australian seals while resting on the beach before returning for feeding on the sea. The beach is only accessible with guided tours. Entry fee is $13.50 Australian for adults, special fares apply for students, children and groups. Open daily, except Christmas.
• Pelican Feeding occurs everyday at 5PM just behind the KI Marine Center. It's a good place to hang out just before the Marine Center opens. There is no charge but donations are appreciated.
• Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park. True to their name, the rocks have remarkable formations.
• Wildlife spotting  Many of the local species can be found right next to the roads. So drive slowly in order not to miss anything. The best time for wildlife spotting is during winter and in summer on cooler days. Most of the species are nocturnal as well, so the best time to watch them might be dawn and dusk. There are a number of private operators who offer wildlife tours. When spotting wildlife you should always observe, never interact. Do not feed the animals, since this might cause death and illness since these creatures are not used to human food.
• Sand-boarding in Little Sahara off South Coast Road. Sand-boards and toboggans are available for rent from Vivonna Bay Store, about 6km down the road.
• Bicycle Tours run from Adelaide a few times a year. This is a great way to see the Island without leaving a carbon footprint behind.
• Feed Kangaroos and wallabies in Parndana Wildlife Park. You'll be able to walk amongst the animals and have the kangaroos crowd around you while you feed them.

Shopping:

Souvenir shops can be found in Kingscote and Penneshaw. General stores selling food and drinks can be found here as well. If you are going to camp in the remote parts of the island it is better to buy ahead since shops are rare and expensive (usually limited to camp sites and resorts selling a few things) especially in the west of the island.

Dining:

Restaurants and Cafes are limited to Penneshaw, Parndana, American River and Kingscote and some small Cafes along the way on the south coast. Have some honey ice-cream in Clifford's Honey Farm. They also have an interesting sparkling honey drink called Fresco.

Drink:

There 28 vineyards spreading throughout the island. Varieties grown are Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

Wine tastings and cellar door sales are available at Sunset Winery near Penneshaw, Dudley Wines at Cape Willoughby, False Cape Wines at the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Bay of Shoals Wines near Kingscote, and Two Wheeler Creek Wines at the Andermel Marron Farm south west of Parndana.

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