Imagine a destination so sparse of people that complete strangers wave to each other as their vehicles pass on the road. Kangaroo Island is the 3rd largest island in Australia with a land area of 4,500 square kilometres (155km long and 55km wide) and a local population of only about 4,200!

Visitors are not only attracted by the wide open spaces but the dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife. "KI" as it is known by the locals is a nature lovers paradise where you can observe many native Australian species in their natural environment.

The island is much larger than most people imagine therefore it is important to understand the geography of "KI" especially for visitors with limited time. To avoid driving long distances each day it is wise to choose accommodation that gives you easy access to the attractions that most interest you.

Southwest Coast
Seal Bay is located on the southern side of the island approx. 45mins from Kingscote Airport. This is always high on every visitors 'must see' list and I have to admit it is one of my favourites. Here you can observe, at quite close range, Australian sealions going about their daily business. The department of Parks and Wildlife manage this beach to minimise the impact of tourists on the local sealion population so you must take one of the guided walks. This is actually a bonus for visitors as your guide will teach you about their behaviour and breeding patterns. The department have built a boardwalk over the sand dunes which makes access to the beach easy for everyone and also serves as a sunbaking deck for many of the sealions. We actually had to walk around and over some of the snoozing babies (who seemed oblivious to the attention they were attracting) in order to reach the beach. Most of the sealions on the beach are resting as they spend 2-3 days at sea continuously fishing. When they come back to dry land they are exhausted and rest for 2-3 days before going out again. Whilst the adult females are recuperating, the babies will then spend time suckling which is a cute sight. But it's not all peace and tranquillity, especially when a big male feels like a bit of passion. Weighing approx. 200kg and doubling their body weight during the breeding season these boys in hot pursuit of willing partner are quite entertaining.

Vivonne Bay is a further 15mins west from Seal Bay and is one of the most picturesque destinations on the island. It has been voted one of the best beaches in Australia. It is a popular picnic, fishing and surfing spot. The currents are strong so safe swimming is only found near the jetty. That's if you like refreshing water!

Kelly Hill Caves have guided tours of the limestone formations and is approx. 25mins west from Vivonne Bay.

The far western end of the island is home to Flinders Chase National Park which covers 74,000 hectares and is approx. 103kms or 1:15mins drive from the airport. Rocky River National Park Headquarters is the gateway to the park and all visitors must stop and pay their park entrance fees here. The newly completed visitors centre is a must for self drive people. For visitors travelling without a local guide it will give you an insight into the history, geography and attractions of the park (even with a guide it is well worth a visit).

There is also the platypus viewing deck nearby where I'm assured patient visitors might get a sighting of the elusive monotreme (I think they were on annual leave when I was there).

Some of the main attractions within the park:

The Remarkable Rocks are a cluster of huge weathered boulders made of granite that seem to defy gravity perched on the edge of the cliff. This spot can get extremely windy so hold onto your hat and small children.

Admirals Arch is home to another seal colony and here you can see Australian Sealions and New Zealand fur seals living together in harmony on the rocky cliffs. The boardwalk allows you to observe the colonies from above. The seas can get quite huge here and it is remarkable watching the seals negotiate the 'washing machine' like water with total ease. The arch itself has been formed by erosion over countless years and makes a beautiful natural frame for spectacular sunsets over the ocean.

Cape du Couedic is home to the lighhouse circa 1909. With the introduction of technology, the lighthouse no longer required a keeper to spend their life in isolation so the original residences are now available for rent. This gives a whole new meaning to 'getting away from it all'.

For visitors wanting to explore the eastern end of the island closer to the airport and townships of Kingscote or Penneshaw then I recommend Wanderers Rest of Kangaroo Island. This is a small B&B run by husband and wife team Robert and Margaret Bruce and they do a superb job. Only six rooms all look over the bay with their own balcony. Some of the touches in the room I've not had in some 5 star hotels including: bathrobes, heated towel racks as well as TV, mini bar etc. The dining room is very quaint with lots of oldy worldy touches like ornamental tea sets and figurines. Margaret and Robert are hosts, chefs and waiters. Breakfast is included in the tariff and is a fully cooked choice of bacon, eggs, sausages, tomato etc that will keep most people going for the whole day. The evening meal is additional and guests are asked to be seated by 7.00pm and introduced to each other by Margaret and Robert. Wanderers Rest is situated at American River, 30mins from the ferry terminal at Penneshaw and equidistant from the airport at Kingscote. All Sealink tour coaches pick up from here and our recommended tour company operating from Adelaide which is Adventure Charters of Kangaroo Island accommodate overnight tour guests here.

Attractions of the area:

Penneshaw village is the gateway to the island for ferry passengers. The evening entertainment apart from the local pub is the penguin tour. See the little birds go about their nightly ritual, making their way out of the sea, up the beach and into their nests in the sand dunes. The beach is also clean and safe for swimming.

Cape Willloughby Lighthouse was the first lighthouse built in South Australia and National Parks conduct daily tours.

Pennington Bay has a wonderful surf beach which is spectacular in wild weather and the roar can be heard 9km's away at American River.

American River has some great birdwatching: Black Swans, Cape Barren Geese, Australian Pelicans and the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo. In the evening the noctural wildlife can easily be seen during a leisurely walk with a torch. Expect to see Tammar Wallabies and Brush Tailed Possums just down the road from Wanderers Rest.

Kingscote is the island's capital and has a small cluster of shops and one of the islands only supermarkets.

There are many more secluded beaches and attractions on north coast and central Kangaroo Island and these can be visited on day trips from American River.

Access to Kangaroo Island is so easy by air, a 20min flight from Adelaide compared with a 4 hour coach/ferry combination. Regional Express operate scheduled flights to the island. Rental car companies don't allow their vehicles to be taken from Adelaide to the island so unless you are taking your own car then there is no real advantage in taking the coach/ferry. Rental cars are available at Kingscote airport and it is necessary to book in advance to save disappointment especially during peak season. The main roads are all sealed so self drive is easy.

If you prefer to take part in a fully escorted tour from Adelaide I recommend Adventure Charters who operate tours between 1 and 3 days. Here are the links to some recommended tours departing from Adelaide: Kangaroo Island Overnight Adventure, Kangaroo Island in Style, Kangaroo Island Wanderer.