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| A Weekend on Kangaroon Island - Liss May 2007 |
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 Finally after many years of trying to get to Kangaroo Island on one of my many trips to see my in-laws in Adelaide, we finally made it!
Sandy beaches, abundant wildlife and rolling green hills were promised to us in the brochures – and we were not disappointed! Although - we were not entirely prepared for the remoteness of the island! With a population of only 4400 spread mainly between Kingscote (the capital) and Penneshaw (where the ferry arrives from the mainland) the infrastructure leaves a little to be desired! There are only 2 sealed roads on the island, which traverses the landscape east to west – one on the south of the island, the other on the north. Thankfully our trusty AWD Subaru did not let us down, although you wouldn’t want to have to get around the island in a little Laser!
The ferry ride over on Sealink (www.sealink.com.au) was very comfortable, with the terminal at Cape Jervis a lovely warm way to start the very windy and bumpy ride over to the island. Being able to take your own car on the ferry means that you are able to start your holiday as soon as the ferry docks – you just drive off and the adventures begin!
We drove straight across the island to the stunning Flinders Chase National Park – where we walked down to the very windy Admirals Arch to see beautiful fur seals basking on the rocks (my what a smell though) there was even a baby seal – very sweet! Then on to Remarkable Rocks – limestone formations that have been around for millions of years.
 From there we drove to Kingscote where our lovely accommodation for the night was. Ozone Hotel is right on the waterfront in Kingscote (www.ozonehotel.com) where we stayed in one of their newly refurbished rooms with views over the main street and down to the pier. Dinner that night was a low-key affair – not many options in a town of 1800 people, in the off-season, on a Tuesday night!
The next day was spent tasting some of the beautiful cool climate reds and whites that Kangaroo Island is slowly becoming famous for, as well as a visit to the Eastern most point of the island and Cape Willoughby lighthouse. The view back to the mainland is unparalleled.
From there a short drive to Penneshaw and an even rougher trip back to the mainland on the ferry! Unfortunately the ferry terminal in Penneshaw left a lot to be desired with only a bus stop type area to wait until your turn to drive on to the ferry.
Overall we had a lovely relaxing time on Kangaroo Island – would love to go again. Would recommend a minimum of 3 days as although the island is quite small, the roads really do limit your speed so driving places, does take a long time. Summer would be magnificent with the great sheltered beaches for families, or the rougher surf beaches for those after a bit of adventure! |
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