Getting Lucky on a Kangaroo Island Tour
Before we get started I must say that I am a strong believer in the “your bring about what you think about” philosophy. You know, those moments when that thing you’re really focused on just seems to come true? Ask anyone in my family, I’ve been doing that since I was a kid … I just didn’t understand it until much later.
When it comes to luck, I was never really a believer. It’s just not how I’m wired. I’m often told how lucky I am by others, but I know whatever I achieve is not the result of luck – it’s planned. Having said that; however, we all have those times in our lives where things just seem to work out without thought or explanation. During a trip to Australia, our Kangaroo Island Tour was just such a moment.
Where is Kangaroo Island?
Kangaroo Island is a small island off the coast of South Australia, 112 km (70 mi) from Adelaide. It’s 150km (93mi) long and 57-90km (35-56mi) wide and has a population of about 4,400 residents.
How to Get to Kangaroo Island
There are 2 main ways to access Kangaroo Island:
- Kangaroo Island SeaLink Ferry is the most popular, running between Cape Jarvis on the mainland and Penneshaw
- Regional Express (REX) operates short flights between some mainland airports and Kingscote on the island
For our trip, we chose to rent a car in Adelaide and take the lovely drive to Cape Jarvis, where we boarded the ferry. If you prefer, there are rental car companies on the island, or you can book an organized tour and go car-free!
Our Adventure Begins
The ferry-ride over to Kangaroo Island was quite a nice 45 minute journey, and we arrived in Penneshaw full of excitement for what the next few days had in store for us. With a borrowed GPS in-hand we were off!
Our Kangaroo Island tour began with a 45 minute drive to Kingscote, the largest town and main hub on the island. Along this drive we found the first of many “must see” roadside stops – Prospect Hill.
The 512 steps to the top of Prospect Hill is not the easiest of climbs, but the panoramic views of such a picturesque island are well worth it!
We arrived in Kingscote as the sun was setting and went directly to the hotel we had made reservations at … where were told we were too late! Apparently we had made reservations for the previous night, and when we didn’t show our reservation was given to someone else. The very nice concierge called around and we were very lucky to find one of the only rooms available on the whole island: the Honeymoon Suite at a motel just outside of town … overlooking the ocean!
Seal Bay
We awoke the next morning a took in some beautiful scenery from our motel balcony before hopping back in the car for the 40 minute drive to Seal Bay Conservation Park.
Seal Bay is an absolute MUST STOP during your kangaroo island tour! I highly recommend taking the Ranger Guided Tour where you are lead down onto the beach among third largest Australian Sea Lion colony in Australia, under the supervision of a park ranger. Don’t let their size and apparent awkwardness fool you, they are much faster than you are if threatened or if you come between them and their pups!
Flinders Chase National Park
After our seal adventure, we took the hour-long drive to Flinders Chase National Park. When we arrived, the park was open, but there was nobody in the Welcome Center so we couldn’t buy park passes. There were signs everywhere warning of the huge monetary penalties for not purchasing a pass before entering! With no other options, and being unable to return the next day, we ventured into the vast park to take our chances.
Our first stop was at the Remarkable Rocks. As we approached them we realized that their name really is the best way to describe what we were looking at! These granite boulders were formed by 500 million years of rain, wind and pounding waves.
Having our fill of these remarkable formations, we headed deeper into the park to Admiral’s Arch, near the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. This former cave has many stalactites dangling from the rocky ceiling, and can be enjoyed from a viewing platform looking directly through and out into the ocean beyond. Most days you will also be able to enjoy the New Zealand fur seal colony that has taken up residence here.
As the park closing time approached, we decided not to push our luck any further and head Back to Kingscote. On the journey back we realized our luck was far from running out!
As we exited the park we were met by a number of kangaroos grazing along the roadside, and a golden eagle whose wingspan was at least the width of the road!
Fairy Penguins
The night-time fairy penguin tour is a lot of fun, and another opportunity to see some wildlife up close and personal!
The tour begins with a very informative aquarium experience before heading out on a guided tour of the penguin colony. These tours are always at night because the penguins spend the day feeding at sea to avoid larger land predators. The penguins have very sensitive eyesight so flashlights and camera flashes are not allowed. It is believed that penguins cannot see the red spectrum of colour, so your guide will lead you around by red flashlight (giving any pictures or video a red hue).
Pennington Bay
During our drive back to the Penneshaw ferry docks we decided on a whim to follow a tourist sign pointing down a dirt side road, not far from Prospect Hill. A few minutes and a lot of dust later, we rounded a bend and were met with one of the most picturesque beaches i have ever seen!
Pennington Bay is a beautiful, secluded beach that needs to be on your list when you take your own kangaroo island tour. At times it becomes a hotbed for surfing, but you’ll always want to have your camera handy for the stunning scenery!
The End of our Kangaroo Island Tour
Kangaroo Island was definitely a highlight of our Australia tour, and I’d highly recommend it to everyone! I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to returning to Australia partly to experience even more of this beautiful island.
Have you been to Kangaroo Island and experienced something I haven’t mentioned? Maybe you’ve had similar experiences “getting lucky” on your travels? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
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Be sure to comment below and let me know where you’ve been that was as amazing as a Kangaroo Island tour!
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That is look really perfect. I think that everybody would like to go there after your post!
I’m glad you think so! It really is a magical place that not many people have on their radar when visiting Australia
Awesome post Bruce! What an epic journey. Made me feel like I was there.
Thanks so much George!!
Wow…I loved this post and your pictures
Made me feel like I was right there with you!
One place I gotta go see
Dr. Lisa
Definitely Dr. Lisa, you’ll love it there!
Love it looks like a great place to go. I spent my time in Guam Japan and Philippines and an fixing to go back now that I am part of Cesar and Taynas Team. Plus been married to a Filipino
Always great to visit that part of the world Timothy!
Wow, this looks incredible! I spent a few months living in Gold Coast, Australia last year and traveled a bit around the country, but I never made it over to Kangaroo Island – looks so cool! Thanks for sharing 🙂
It really is a hidden gem! We happened to find out about it when researching great day-trips near Adelaide
I have never heard of this place but it looks amazing! I love everything about the nature and animals, and the island seems to offer so many things to see. I would love to participate if I am close by someday.
It’s definitely a nature/animal-lover’s dream!
What a great (and timely) post! I’m loosely planning a trip to visit a friend in Australia sometime within the next 18 mos, and her family home is in Adelaide. She’s always asking me what kind of things I wanna do/see and I’m happy to put Kangaroo Island on my list. Everything you did looks right up my alley and the scenery is just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing and I’m pinning for safekeeping! Cheers 🙂
We loved visiting friends in Adelaide! Our favourite day-trips from there were Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley (wine region and Whispering Wall), and Victor Harbor
Wow how cool! When I finally visit Australia, the tour is exactly what I want to do. Looks like a beautiful place with great views. Thanks for sharing!
You’re very welcome Joannah, you’ll definitely love this place!
Australia is on my Dream list if I make it there this is definitely a must see!!!!!
Definitely make that dream a reality Ginger! If you’d like help with that, I’d be happy to give you some tips
I have only heard a few things about the island. So this is very informative and what a great place to explore. Love all the wildlife but the scenery is pretty amazing too! A definite must visit.
Lisa recently posted…Top 5 Coolest Central Neighborhoods in Sydney
You’re absolutely right Lisa. This is still one of the top places i’ve ever experienced
Wow! So much wildlife to see! I love watching seals. They remind me of dogs with flippers. I truly get a kick out of it!
That’s very true Meg … I could have watched those seals all day!
I have been to Granite island in South Australia but looks like kangaroo island is next 🙂 enjoyed reading your post, thanks for sharing .
Anna recently posted…Prague McSleep Review
Thanks so much Anna, It’s truly an amazing place
You sure did get lucky on Kangaroo island. It seems like the perfect place to go if you love to see wildlife in action. The Remarkable Rocks do stand up to their name by the looks of your photos. Great you got to see kangaroos (and lucky once again) on your way out of the park. I will keep this island in mind for when I travel to Australia. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Riely!! Yes, it was such a magical place, and luck was definitely on our side
This looks amazing! I will need to add this to the many things my Aussie Husband must arrange for me to see when we move there 😉 I just love animals and this would be incredible.
Yes, go there for sure! You’ll both love all the island has to offer
Those seals on the beach are too cute! I would love to visit here one day. I love how much wildlife you can see.
It really is amazing how much you can find on this small island. I hope you are able to make it there very soon!
Beautiful!
Never heard of Kang Is!! I’m a travel blogger too…but mainly continental USA .
Following your blog….thank you and nice to “meet” you….found on the blog promo fb group.
So happy you found me Chris! Love connecting with other travel bloggers 🙂
Do you have email subscription, Bruce? I follow on fb and P, but I like to get blogs in my inbox so I don;t miss anything.
Absolutely Chris! If you fill out the form above for the “Traveler’s Handbook” it’ll subscribe you on my list to be notified of new posts.