Adventure is worthwhile in itself - Amelia Earhart
Rise and Shine. Starting off from where we left over, it is time to get adventurous. Yes literally! Before we do
so if you are not short on time try and spend at least a day to see the nature’s
beauty around Flinders Chase National Park. The Flinders Chase Visitor Centre
is a good starting point. It gives you a lot of handy information about KI and
the National Park. This park is known for two iconic tourist attractions: Remarkable
Rocks and Admiral’s Arch. So let’s explore.
Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch
Nature is also an excellent
sculptor and the proof of this can be seen from the beautifully shaped rocks.
They are truly remarkable and are the island’s signature landmarks. One can
reach the rocks through a series of wooden steps. These rocks have been
fashioned by environmental elements over a course of 500 million years. The
rocks look as if they have been chiseled into some abstract piece of art. One
can climb on these to gain a vantage point overlooking the ocean. The ideal
time to visit this iconic spot is in the evening as you can catch the sunset at
the Admiral’s arch. The sight is truly breathtaking. An ideal spot to try out
your photographic skills.
Just like the Remarkable Rocks,
the rocks are carved into arch’s by erosive forces. The Admiral’s Arch provides
a scintillating view of the sunset and the New Zealand fur seals that colonize
the rocky shores. You can find them jumping around in the cold waters of the
ocean and are a treat to watch. In my opinion it is one of the best places on
KI to end your day. There are a number of sunset viewing points so if you are
in a group it won’t be a problem photographing yourselves with the sun setting in
the background. A memorable group selfie.
Snake Lagoon and Rocky River Valley (Trekking)
For starter’s, the name is
misleading. You don’t find any snakes over here. The lagoon gets its name from
its serpentile rocky pathway (Rocky River Valley) and is only a few miles away
from the Admiral’s Arch. It’s a popular trail among tourists and the trek leads
you through the terrains to the mouth of the river where it meets the sea. If you
don’t mind a short trek you can put on your trekking shoes and enjoy the walk.
Kelly Hill Caves (Cave Adventuring)
If you don’t mind getting
yourself dirty then cave adventuring is the right thing for you. As you drive
down the South Coast Rd from Flinders Chase National Park towards Vivonne Bay
you encounter this little hideout. Remember the limestone formations from your
textbook? Probably not. A range of structures emerging from the ceiling, sides
and surface of the caves give it an impressive artistic viewing. These
underground caves have been a feeding site for some KI inhabitants and a death
trap for some unfortunate ones who fall through holes above the cave. The
fossils of the dead are visible. You are given a guided tour with proper gear
to crawl through narrow dark crevices. Yes you heard me right! You have to
crawl like a reptile on your belly at certain spots.
Little Sahara (Sand Surfing, Quad Biking and Kayaking)
Nature has put a desert bang in
between lush green outfields. Spread over two square kilometers, this sand
oasis is perfect for sandboarding. I remember ending up on my back with legs
pointing towards heaven. Sandboards can be hired from KI Outdoor Action. Try
it. It’s fun.
While there, you may also hop on
a quadbike for a guided tour and try your maneuvering skills on some well laid
out dirt tracks and open grasslands.
To complete an action packed
adventure you could choose to go on a guided kayak tour and wade through the
beautiful Harriet river saying hello to nature as you pass by.
A word of advice if you plan on
completing all of the above activities: Check the timings and requirements. KI
Outdoor Action offers all of the above. A combined package could be much more
economical.
Vivonne Bay
Continuing from Little Sahara, at
a little distance along the South Coast Road, is Vivonne bay. Adjudged one of
Australia's top beaches by University of Sydney, its known for its clear blue
waters, privacy and easy accessibility. It’s worth taking a walk along the
seashore. Swimming is not recommended here (even if you are a good swimmer).
Before you head off to Seal Bay you may want to treat yourself to a sumptuous meal at Marron Café. The eatery is named after a relative of cray fish, Marron.
Located on the Andermel Marron Farm, the place houses a Marron hatchery and you
will be taken on a guided tour to see how these crustaceans are breeded. It is
a local delicacy. Tasting locally produced wines is another added attraction at
this site.
Seal Bay
Heading further along the South
Coast Road to our final destination (not like the movie hehe..), we reach Seal
Bay. This place is famous for the colonizing Australian Sea Lions. It is a
breeding spot for these sea mammoths and the area is closely monitored by local
authorities. Being closer to Kingscote the beach is a tourist hotspot.
If you take a map of Kangaroo Island and chart the course of our journey then we would have covered the whole
island (or at least the most visited places on the island).
Few things to keep in mind:
- Avoid camp fire, you could cause forest fire. KI has had episodes of wildfires.
- Keep an eye for Kangaroos and Wallabies if you drive after dusk. KI wildlife comes alive after sunset.These nocturnal creatures are attracted towards light and may accidentally bump into your vehicle. Protect wildlife.
- Avoid travelling after sunset as fuel and other resources are scarce on this island after 5pm.
- Barring Telstra, other network providers have limited island coverage.
- Don’t forget to have fun.
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