Dramatic coastlines, towering cliffs, pristine beaches and clean
oceans are the playground of seals, whales and dolphins. The coast
has also been the final resting ground for more than 40 ships
that have been wrecked (many with loss of life) since the first
recorded tragedy in 1847.
Many species of flora and fauna, some extinct on the mainland,
can still be found, and 250 different types of birds populate
its cliffs, beaches, wetlands and lagoons. The island's plant
catalogue lists more than 700 species of natives and the spring
months of September and October reveal spectacular wildflowers.
Its beaches are perfect for fishing, boating or lazing around.
Scuba
diving and surfing are also popular past times and the clear
blue waters provide the perfect setting for these and other aquatic
activities.
The colony of Australian sea lions, located at Seal Bay, is the
island's most popular attraction. Walking along the beach, visitors
can venture within a few metres of these amazing creatures, while
National Park rangers explain their curious habits. Tourists can
also join night tours along the island's coastline and be greeted
by groups of shuffling penguins as they retreat to their burrows
under rocks and shrubs.
And for those who like to indulge, Kangaroo Island is becoming
increasingly famous for its local produce, including award-winning
Camembert cheese, corn-fed poultry, pure honey and olive oil.
It is also developing a reputation for culinary achievements,
as local restaurants make use of fresh island produce with impressive
results. The Gum Creek Marron Farm serves up fresh water lobsters
for lunch, while Clifford's Honey Farm has a scrumptious array
of products on offer including honey ice-cream.
The island's Ligurian bee produces the honey. Tight restrictions
on imports have ensured that these are some of the purest bees
on earth and queen bees are regularly exported internationally
for this reason. The Island Pure sheep dairy, producing a range
of sheep's milk, cheese and yoghurt, allows visitors to watch
the milking and bottle-feed the lambs.
Kangaroo Island is also home to South Australia's only commercial
Eucalyptus Distillery. Located at Emu Ridge, the factory is powered
by steam and refined oils are produced using traditional methods.
Spanning 150 kilometres, Kangaroo Island is best seen over a number
of days to allow ample time to experience its many attractions.
The island is home to a number of professional
tour operators who can develop tailor-made itineraries taking
in the best that Kangaroo Island has to offer. Other Island experiences
include remote lighthouse accommodation where guests can enjoy
total peace and tranquility, scuba diving and adventure caving.
Visitors can travel to the island by sea or air. Kangaroo
Island SeaLink offers a one-hour ferry journey from Cape Jervis
on the Fleurieu Peninsula, or a 30-minute flight is available
from Adelaide to Kingscote.
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