One of the fascinating places I
have visited is Kangaroo Island, South Australia. This is where Australia’s
wildlife comes alive. Nearly an hour’s distance from Adelaide by ferry, this island
is paradise for all who love nature and seek some solace from their hectic
lives. The island is just 150 km long but it took me two trips to unravel the
beauty of this island. Rich in history and wildlife, KI is beautiful and serene.
There are number of places I
visited and each and every one of them left me with awe. Planning your stay and
destinations can be tricky. Communication via cell phones is not available
throughout the island and fuel is restricted to only certain spots on the
island. A map and a GPS navigator can come in very handy. I made a selection of
some of the top destinations which could serve as a guide for anyone planning
to visit KI.
Kingscote
The seaside town is one of KI’s
biggest town and also the entry point into KI if your ferry is coming here.
Word of advice: Refuel and load up on ration and water over here as you will
find it hard to get anything elsewhere. People are warm and helpful. One can
pick up maps and guides from the local shops. There are many lodges here to
stay. They are economical and vary depending on the facilities available. Rooms
are available for couples and large groups (7-8 people or more). From Kingscote you may take either the
Playford Highway which will take you through the heart of the island or take
the Birchmore road which will lead you to the South Coast Road and you could
experience some of the most amazing places along the coast. Let’s begin with
the Playford Highway and make our way back through the South Coast Road. If you
are staying overnight at Kingscote don’t forget to pay a visit to the most
photographed person on KI-The Pelican Man. Watch him feed the pelicans. It’s a
feeding frenzy! A guided tour of the seashore will allow you to catch a glimpse
of the island’s nocturnal penguins. These endangered species are being closely
monitored by the local community.
Emu Bay
The first place you would arrive
at if you take diversion off the Playford Hwy towards the north coast. This is
a very desolate area. Nice if you are with your family or with someone special.
You can even take your vehicle onto the beach but I would recommend a walk down
the beach. It is one of the safest places on KI to try out your new fancy
swimming trunks. Look out for the eye catching Lavender Farm in this area. Locals
who grow lavender also make and sell a variety of lavender based products like
perfumes, oils, soaps to name a few.
Parndana
Parndana is the heart of KI. It
is also a very good alternative to Kingscote if you want to set up camp over
here. From Parndana, one can either take
the South Coast Road or continue on the North Coast Road. There is a
wildlife park that one could visit but if you have been to other places in
Australia chances are that you have already visited at least one other
conservation park. They are more or less similar.
Stokes Bay
Stokes Bay is a drive down the North
Coast Road from Emu Bay. A pristine beach along the northern coast, this one is
dotted by a rocky shoreline and thus is accessible only by foot. One of the
places that is a must visit places in this area is Paul’s farm. Known for
domesticating some rare breeds, you get a chance to get cosy with animals that
you would otherwise be able to see in a zoo or on your idiot box. I have some
fond memories of this place. I remember holding a baby koala in my arms, a python
round my neck and feeding a kangaroo off my hands. You can even get to hold emu
eggs and if you feel particularly adventurous you could even let emu’s eat
grains off your head (Caution: the pecking could get nasty, but it’s fun). A
must visit.
Cape Borda Lighthouse
It’s recommended to take the
Playford Hwy rather than continue on the north coast road if you are driving
down all the way to Cape Borda. This is located within the Flinders Chase
National Park but way off retreat houses. This lighthouse is perched on a cliff
overlooking the Investigator Strait. This has some Australian maritime history
which can be seen in the lighthouse attic.
Flinders Chase National Park
Driving back from Cape Borda
Lighthouse it is advisable to retire at the Flinders Chase National Park
retreat houses. One should check their reception times to book for overnight
stay and plan accordingly or you would have to drive for miles (during peak
season) before you could find accommodation for the night. If you are moving
around in a caravan there’s also a caravan park nearby that you could use. You
would need a camping permit if you are keen on camping in the wild. Nestled in
the national park, the retreat houses are well furnished. Most of the KI
creatures are nocturnal so don’t be alarmed if you hear all sorts of noises in
the night. Enjoy the night in the wild.
Watch out for more in my next blog...........
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