Kangaroo Island

South west of Adelaide, separated from the Australian mainland by Backstairs Passage is Kangaroo Island. Travel to the island is by a 40-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis on the mainland or via a 30-minute flight from Adelaide Airport. Kangaroo Island is just 16 kilometres off the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula and possesses 480 kilometres of coastline.

The island was discovered by Europeans in 1802. English explorer Matthew Flinders was first to see the island followed shortly by French explorer Nicolas Baudin.

Unspoilt wilderness

Kangaroo Island is a genuinely unique region as more than one third of the entire island is dedicated to national and wildlife parks. The area is totally protected from the mainland and, in many areas, the impact of human activity has been minimal. The pure air and clean water makes Kangaroo Island one of the last unspoilt regions of the world and visitors embrace the natural beauty and pristine environment.

For intrepid sightseers, there is an abundance of native wildlife and vegetation. Visitors can expect to see playful fur seals, Australian sea lions, penguins, koalas, wallabies, goannas, up to 251 types of bird and, of course the island's namesake kangaroos.

Unique local industry

The pristine environment of Kangaroo Island supports many successful primary industries. Indulge yourself with gourmet goodies such as creams and cheeses, corn-fed chicken, marron and fresh seafood or sample some delicious honey from the rare and matchless Ligurian bee.

A wide range of leisure activities is available on the island. They include ocean sailing on yacht charters, fishing expeditions, diving, horse-riding and bush-walking. Visitors can also take guided nature tours with experts or dangle a line from the jetty.