Remarkable spots of Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is South Australia’s best kept secret but is rapidly gaining popularity as an Australian holiday destination. If you haven’t visited this location and seen its wonderful wildlife, beautiful beaches and Remarkable Rocks, you are in for a treat.
Why visit Kangaroo Island?
If you love nature, wildlife, fishing, snorkeling, bushwalking, or just getting away from it all, Kangaroo Island is the place for you. Australia’s third largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island in Queensland, Kangaroo Island is about 150kms long and around 540 kilometres of coastline.
Here are just a few of the amazing places to visit on Kangaroo Island:
Emu Bay
The best place to stay when visiting Kangaroo island, Emu Bay is a natural bay with 4.5 kms of stunning white beach. Emu Bay is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or just relaxing. It is the ideal holiday destination for couples, families and retirees alike. Being allowed to drive your car on the beach makes for an ideal picnic. The Lavender Farm near Emu Bay offers great meals and coffee.
Flinders Chase National Park
The whole of the west end of Kangaroo Island is made up of Flinders Chase National Park and is a must see for all visitors. Home to natural formations like the famous Remarkable Rocks and stunning Admirals Arch, the park is full of waterways and hiking trails suitable for all experience levels.
The park is filled with wildlife including the island’s eponymous kangaroos and, at a spot called Cape du Couedic, thousands of New Zealand fur seals.
Photo Credit: takeus_withyou (via Instagram)
Seal Bay Conservation Park
If you want to see Australian sea lions in their natural habitat, Seal Bay Conservation Park is the only place in the world to do so. 900m of boardwalk has been built so that you can leisurely stroll along and watch the sea lions going about their business, surfing the waves or sunning on the sand.
Photo Credit: @bobbyjophotography(via Instagram)
You can book a guided tour any time of day and the twilight tours have become a favourite with wildlife spotters.
Vivonne Bay
This pristine, white beach often appears on lists of Australia’s top beaches. While it is not recommended for swimming due to the risky undertow, it is a favourite of surfers when the weather is right. It is also a popular fishing spot and fishers and sunbathers can often be seen on the white sand or popular jetty.
Photo Credit: Benjamin Goode
Nearby is the Little Sahara Dunes, which are great for sand boarding, quad biking, and sledding.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
While you have a good chance of seeing native animals around the island, you can’t miss them at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. With over 150 native species, the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is the best place to have up close encounters and even cuddle a koala and hand feed a kangaroo.
Raptor Domain
Though birds of prey are the stars at the Raptor Domain and are shown in daily demonstrations, you can also see snakes and spiders in the ‘venom pit’ and a fantastic reptile show.
Photo credit: The Cook Family Adventures
Chapman River
The pristine Chapman River is a lovely spot for a picnic or a paddle. Children can swim in the shallow waters and people of all ages can enjoy fishing and birdwatching in this spot.
Photo credit: lightandmotionphotography(via Instagram)
Kingscote
Kingscote is where the original European settlers chose their first base at an historical spot called Reeve’s Point. It is now a hub of cafes, galleries, shops, and restaurants and is Kangaroo Island’s capital. Yet another popular fishing destination, Kingscote is also home to one of the island’s famous honey farms.
If you’re staying with us in Emu Bay, we recommend you stock up on supplies in Kingscote before you arrive.
Penneshaw
The north coast location where the ferry picks up and drops off passengers bound to and from the mainland, Penneshaw is also full of attractions. From the Little Penguin Wildlife Tours, to the Maritime and Folk Museum, to the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, Penneshaw is well worth exploring. There is also the newly added Sculpture Trail, a 1.5 kilometre track that is dotted with sculptures. Be sure to keep an eye out for real life wildlife as you enjoy the walk.
Photo Credit: fairinkum_adventure (via Instagram)
American River
The quaint village and resort of American River got its name from the American sailors who built a boat there at the start of the 19th century. Now a popular spot for fishing, sailing, and birdwatching, American River is also home to Kangaroo Island’s oyster industry. Any fan of the salty delicacy must make sure to try a few when they visit.
Photo Credit: r_z_photography (via Instagram)
Emu Bay Holiday Homes
All of these amazing places are easily accessible from Emu Bay Holiday Homes, which are nestled overlooking the beach in Emu Bay. Don’t hesitate to book your house, cabin, cottage, or apartment for a remarkably good Kangaroo Island experience.