This is what we’ve been anticipating for a number of years…a visit to Kangaroo Island! The name sounds as Australian as you can get. A couple facts: It’s Australia’s third largest island at 155 km long and 55 km wide…that’s nearly 100 miles by 35 miles and about 20x bigger than Malta. With a population of 4,400 (Malta 500,000), KI is mostly pristine wilderness. However, the bushfires of 2019/20 were horrific for the environment and the local economy. A total of 38% of the island burnt and of that, 83% was severely burnt. But Mother Nature is already working her magic and we were impressed by the rejuvenation in progress 18 months later.
May 26/27 – We spread the 400 km trip from Robe to the Cape Jervis ferry landing over a two day period since we had a noon crossing on day two.May 27 – The 18km journey across the Great Australian Bight takes a mere 45 minutes, but you’ll pay dearly for a car and caravan (A$27/km in our case). Passengers are free! We stayed at Western KI CP and then at a CP near Kingscote. Most of the roads are unsealed so we kept to the better roads while towing.The Clam was loaded onto the ferry for us.
The flora makes a comeback.The koala population was decimated by the fires with the loss of over half these endearing marsupials. Koalas are exceptional here because they are likely the only chlamydia-free version in Australia and also have low rates of other diseases that affect most of their population on the mainland. Fret not…this koala is only dozing, as they usually do from their diet of eucalyptus leaves.This guy looks a bit more alert.Expectations dashed. Ironically we saw very few kangaroos during our visit. We have no estimate of the number that perished in the bushfires.This Southern Grass Tree, or Yacca, reminds me of a Polynesian hula dancer.Flocks of Galah (aka pink and grey cockatoo) gather in the early evening making a deafening racket with their chatter.A return to life from the ground up.Overlooking Flinders Chase National ParkA long and winding road through Flinders Chase National Park with clear evidence of the path of fire.The 1909 Cape du Couedic Lighthouse was inaccessible by land for years and supplies were delivered by boat only every 3 months.Admirals Arch at Flinders Chase is inside the darkened area on the right of the photo.A rather elaborate boardwalk descends down into Admirals Arch.The weather takes its toll on the staircase.The natural rock formation of Admirals Arch viewed from the viewing platform.Lazing on the rocks near the Arch, the New Zealand fur seal is actually native to Australia. Apparently there are about 100,000 of these hanging around KI.Flinders Chase NP coastThe approach to the Remarkables, granite rocks formed by weather over 500 million years.An apt name, the Remarkables.Photographic opportunities abound. Sunlight on the lichen adds a glow that made us thrill to our luck with the weather on this day. Notice the small human figure lower right of the huge stone.Joe favours the B&W format
The General Store at Vivone Bay is the only game in town on this stretch of south coast. It carries a handful of groceries, one fuel pump and an island-renowned cafe.The four of us all loved their famous whiting burgers.No golf this trip and it looks like we missed a bargain. Notice the “green” peeking out of the left side. Looks more like a sand bunker.Honeybees from Liguria, Italy were imported in 1884 and KI has the only remaining colony in the world. The quality of their honey is so acclaimed that other honey and honey products are not allowed on the island.
Stokes Bay beach is accessible only at low tide through a “secret” passageway in an outcropping of boulders.Stokes was quite pretty but it was disappointing that the tide pools held no visible sealife.kis, Kangaroo Island Spirits, is a gin distillery and being gin drinkers we stopped for a tasting one afternoon.Cheers!Sunrise at Brownlow Beach near Kingscote.A group of wooden boat enthusiasts are building a replica of the 14-metre Independence, the first boat built in South Australia in a town called American River.Prospect Hill staircaseThe view from Prospect HillDudley Wines offered an informative free tasting of three different wines.The deck and grounds offered spectacular views toward the mainland.
15 thoughts on “Kangaroo Island”
KI is certainly in a league of its own with all its beautiful nature, bushland and coastline. You have captured it with some great photos Mary. I wish we could have seen the remarkable rocks but with only one day to tour, they didn’t fit into out timetable.
The Rocks were my favourite spot on KI. I would say the tours should include them in their itinerary, but then they would be too busy (just like the 12 Apostles)!
Loving Kangaroo Island. Pleased to see and know more through your lens and experiences.
The lighthouse caught my attention with its once-upon-a-time access by sea only. Visions of the movie Lighthouse with Willem Dafoe surfaced. I see the wild storm coming upon your Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and the conflict to survive more than the storm.
Again, stunning photos. What a gorgeous landscape. Some shots look like Dali paintings.
I want to adopt a Koala… If not possible, please hug and kiss one for me.
Hi there, as usual, amazing pictures that we have never seen. Thanks for the beautiful tour.
We had a ‘holiday’ with you dears.
Regards to the four of you.
Love from the Mallias xxx
15 thoughts on “Kangaroo Island”
KI is certainly in a league of its own with all its beautiful nature, bushland and coastline. You have captured it with some great photos Mary. I wish we could have seen the remarkable rocks but with only one day to tour, they didn’t fit into out timetable.
The Rocks were my favourite spot on KI. I would say the tours should include them in their itinerary, but then they would be too busy (just like the 12 Apostles)!
Loved the photos Mary, Stokes bay was my favorite beach there!
Viv x
Did you go via the “secret” passage (that everyone seemed to be using)?
Fantastic! Love seeing the koalas. What excellent bloggers and photographers you are!
Koalas seem to be the favourite Australian critter all around the world.
Loving Kangaroo Island. Pleased to see and know more through your lens and experiences.
The lighthouse caught my attention with its once-upon-a-time access by sea only. Visions of the movie Lighthouse with Willem Dafoe surfaced. I see the wild storm coming upon your Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and the conflict to survive more than the storm.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7984734/
Not familiar with the film but probably worth a viewing, especially since we like the romantic nature of remote lighthouses.
Joe – It’s good to have you back on the road again! Thank you for sharing your adventures and providing great information about your journey.
Happy to have you join us from the comfort of your home, Bruce.
Great travel log you two! …accompanied with your usual brilliant images.Keep ’em coming!
Cheers
Again, stunning photos. What a gorgeous landscape. Some shots look like Dali paintings.
I want to adopt a Koala… If not possible, please hug and kiss one for me.
Hi there, as usual, amazing pictures that we have never seen. Thanks for the beautiful tour.
We had a ‘holiday’ with you dears.
Regards to the four of you.
Love from the Mallias xxx
We miss you guys! x
Wonderful travelblog!!! Great photos, you guys certainly have the knack. And LOVE the CLAM. Good to see you continue your travels.