three days on kangaroo island
If you are travelling to Kangaroo Island I would recommend at the very minimum a three night stay. We so often hear from our guests that they wished they had stayed longer and they didn’t realise how big the island was and how many things there were to see or do. The western end of the island, comprising the attractions of Flinders Chase, Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch are a full day trip and I would recommend leaving first thing to allow enough time to get there (it is further than you might think) and also a bit of time to stop and grab a bite to eat along the way. If you are planning to do this please allow a whole day for touring. Map of KI Due to the fires the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre is operating out of a temporary structure and does not have its normal cafe and shop.
Day 1 - arrive by ferry at the pretty coastal town of Penneshaw. Time for a coffee fix at Millie Mae’s Pantry, and also the temptation of her delicious cakes and lunch options. Now a quick stock up at the next door IGA (everything is very central) and you are ready to hit the road and find your new island base. The afternoon gives ample time to check out the local area, perhaps a trip to the Oyster Farm at pretty American River, or a challenging climb up Prospect Hill followed by a walk along Pennington Bay. That evening enjoy your first night and the clear star filled skies with just the sounds of water lapping in the distance - Bliss
Day 2 - Up bright and early, perhaps a beach walk before breakfast then let’s get sightseeing. First stop Seal Bay Conservation Park where you can see the seals under the expert guidance of one of the rangers. Have a quick bite to eat at the Seal Bay cafe then its time to see what KI is famous for, the wildlife. A visit to Raptor Domain is a fantastic way to see the amazing birds of Kangaroo Island. Many have been rehabilitated from injuries and love interacting with their visitors. For the not so faint hearted there is the Venom pit where you can safely get up close and personal with some of Australia’s deadliest creatures. Raptor Domain also has food and drinks as well as picnic areas. By now it will be getting late so time to head home before dusk. Travelling at dusk or in the dark can be hazardous as many of our local animals are dazzled by headlights and sadly can be hit and injured or killed.
Day 3
What about checking out Kangaroo Island’s wine food and art scene. The Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee is the only pure strain left in the world - pretty cool. Sadly quite a of the bees perished in the fires but our local beekeepers are tending the hives and rehabilitating the flora on which the bees depend. Visit Cliffords Honey Farm or the KI Beehive to see how the process takes place, sample some of the delicious honey and honey products (yum honey ice cream). A visit to the main town of Kingscote would not be complete without brunch or lunch at Cactus, delicious KI produce, homemade sweets and great (I mean really great) coffee. Now you have had a snack you can sample some of the local beverages at Bay of Shoals Wines, Kangaroo Island Brewery, Springs Road Cellar, The Islander Estate which are all very close to Kingscote. Also you can’t leave KI without visiting the world famous KI Spirits and see exactly how their award winning gin is made. Mini de Lights is a pop up kitchen who can even provide a gin pairing menu if requested.
If wine and food are not really your cup of tea, what about something else. Kingscote is home to Fine Art Kangaroo Island, with changing exhibitions of local artists works. Emu Bay is a beautiful sandy white beach and home to Emu Bay Lavender Farm, as well as an array of lavender based products there is a great cafe for lunch or just a snack. There is so much more to see and do, I bet you wish you had more than 3 days. You will have to come back again.