Things to do in Kangaroo Island
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Flinders Chase National Park
Occupying the western end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is one of SA’s top national parks. Much of the park is mallee scrub, but there are some beautiful, tall sugar-gum forests, particularly around Rocky River and the Ravine des Casoars, 5km south of Cape Borda. Sadly, around 100,000 acres of bush were burned out by bushfires in 2007. Many walking tracks and campsites are closed for rehabilitation, but there’s still plenty to see and do. Contact the park visitors centre or DEH in Kingscote for updates on closures.
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Kelly Hill Conservation Park
A series of dry limestone caves, close to Flinders Chase National Park, was 'discovered' in the 1880s by a horse named Kelly, who fell into them through a hole. Adventure caving tours leave at 2.15pm daily, following on from the standard tour. Minimum age is eight years; bookings essential. The Hanson Bay Walk (9km one way) runs from the caves through mallee scrub and past freshwater wetlands.
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Lighthouse Tours
On the northwestern corner of Kangaroo Island, CapeBorda is topped by an 1858 lighthouse, standing tall above the rippling iron surface of the Southern Ocean. There are walks here from 1.5km to 9km, and lighthouse tours departing at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm daily (plus 3.15pm and 4pm during summer holidays).
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Seal Bay Conservation Park
'Observation, not interaction' is the mentality. Guided tours stroll along the beach (or boardwalk on self-guided tours) to a colony of (mostly sleeping) Australian sea lions. Sunset tours run in December and January only. Bookings advised.
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Cape Willoughby Lightstation
About 28km south-east of town, the Cape Willoughby Lightstation first shone in 1852 and is now used as a weather station. Tours run at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm, also 3pm and 4pm in holiday periods. There’s also basic accommodation here; book through DEH (doubles $150).
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Rock Pool Café
Don't worry about sandy feet at this casual, alfresco joint in Stokes Bay. 'What's the house special?', we asked. 'Whatever I feel like doin'!', said the chef (usually seafood, washed down with local wines and decent espresso).
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Fish Cafe
The finest chef on the island shows his wares with local seafood at this little place. You can go the fish and chips, which has received wide acclaim, or go classy with a Thai fish curry. Free cooking classes on Thursday.
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Hope Cottage Museum
This Museum was built in 1857. It’s now a fastidiously maintained National Trust museum decked out in period style, with a reconstructed lighthouse, an amazing old quilt and KI’s first piano.
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Marron Café
Around 15km north of Vivonne Bay you can check out marron in breeding tanks, then eat some! It’s a subtle taste, not necessarily enhanced by the heavy sauces issued by the kitchen. Last orders 4pm.
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Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action
Rents out sandboards ($29 for four hours) and toboggans ($39) to skid down the dunes at Little Sahara, plus single/double kayaks ($39/69). Quad-bike tours are also available.
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Clifford's Honey Farm
It's almost worth swimming the Backstairs Passage for the honey ice cream here, sourced from a colony of rare Ligurian bees.
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Vivonne Bay General Store
This chipper little fish-and-chipper has an exhaustive menu of all-day breakfasts and takeaways. The whiting burger reigns supreme ('A meal fit for a king!').
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Chase Cafe
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Cape Borda Lightstation
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Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
A detour off Hog Bay or Birchmore roads takes you past the this self-sufficient operation extracting eucalyptus oil from Kangaroo Island's narrow-leaf mallee. The attached craft gallery sells eucalyptus-oil products.
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