South Australia

South Australia Holiday Planner & Guide 15 Kangaroo Island is a microcosm of what really epitomises an Australian holiday. Beautiful scenery, stunning coastline, delicious gourmet food, and a wildlife haven, all wrapped up in one (fairly large) island. The third largest, aptly-named island of Australia also has its own endemic sub-species of kangaroo – darker, smaller and furrier than its Western grey kangaroo cousin, both of which are easily spotted on a typical day on the island. Wildlife experiences are easily accessible here – walk among a colony of Australian sea lions on a protected cove, swim with wild dolphins, see kangaroos and koalas in their thousands. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot the little-seen echidna, and if you’re really lucky, the endangered dunnart. Though Kangaroo Island was hit hard by the January 2020 bushfires, more than half the island was untouched. The affected bushland is regenerating quickly, with green buds of epicormic growth pushing through tree trunks, and grass trees bursting into flower. This landscape is fire-adapted and well on the way to recovery. The resilience of nature is mirrored by that of the locals – still smiling in the face of adversity and waiting to re-welcome visitors back to the island. DAY 1 Catch a morning flight from Adelaide Airport to Kangaroo Island or do the 2.5-hour drive and ferry, (coach and tour operators offer packages from Adelaide). Explore the local beaches, check out Clifford’s Honey Farm and Emu Ridge Distillery and have a delicious seafood lunch at the Oyster Farm Shop in American River. Head east to sample the wines at Dudley Winery and False Cape Wines before overnighting at Sea Dragon Lodge. DAY 2 We highly recommend joining a guided tour for at least one day on Kangaroo Island. Exceptional Kangaroo Island and Kangaroo Island Odysseys tours are led by locals who know the island inside and out. They can give you the hot tips on the best places to see wildlife, and special access to experiences and private bushland properties. Spend the day visiting Flinders Chase National Park and marvel at its swift recovery from the bushfires, enjoy a bush barbecue lunch, visit Seal Bay and go wildlife spotting at secret locations. Stay overnight at Ecopia Retreat or Oceanview Eco Villas, with chef-prepared hampers or hosted dinners. DAY 3 Swim with dolphins with Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures in the crystal-clear waters. Grab a bite to eat at Cactus in Kingscote, then head to Kangaroo Island Spirits for a gin making class using native botanicals. Stop at the Islander Estate, Kangaroo Island Brewery and Bay of Shoals Wines. Pick up some excellent drops to take with you when you leave. Fly back to Adelaide or ferry from Penneshaw. M U S T - D O K A N GA R OO I S L A N D E X P E R I E N C E S • Seal Bay Conservation Park • Flinders Chase National Park • Swim with dolphins • Gin making class at Kangaroo Island Spirits • Sand boarding at Little Sahara For a more detailed itinerary visit southaustralia.com/roadtrips