After Melville and Tasmania, Kangaroo Island is the 3rd largest island in Australia. It is situated 112 km from the metropolitan city of Adelaide making it easy for anyone wanting to visit this lovely place.
The largest town on Kangaroo Island is Kingscote which was known as Reeves Point when it served as a settlement area in 1836 for Europeans. Its name was altered when a proposal was made that the town become South Australia’s capital. Unfortunately this did not happen because Kingscote did not have sufficient resources to support its increasing population. Instead, Adelaide became the capital of South Australia.
Agriculture is one of the main sources of the island’s economy. This includes grain, canola and potato farming, and sheep grazing. Cattle that are farmed in heavy rainfall areas produce meat that is known throughout Australia for its high quality.
Fishing and tourism also play large roles in the economy. The island hosts more than 140,000 visitors every year. A large percentage of these are from Europe. It is noted for the superb southern rock lobsters that are netted on the rugged coastline. Kangaroo Island has the only eucalyptus oil distillery in South Australia.
Kangaroo Island has a temperate climate. The winters (June to September) are mild and wet. The summers (October to May) are dry and warm. During summer, temperatures on the coastline are rarely higher than 25C because of fresh sea breezes. In winter, the temperature fluctuates between 13 and 16 Celsius. If you’re planning a winter visit, pack some warm clothing.
About half the island is blanketed with vegetation. One quarter is comprised of wilderness protection areas, national parks, and conservation parks. These include Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area, the Flinders Chase National Park, Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area, and Gantheaume Conservation Park. All are popular visiting sites.
Take a guided walk to Seal Bay and watch lazy sea lions soaking up the sun. The Remarkable Rocks are found at the Flinders Chase National Park. These giant boulders have been amazingly sculpted by nature. Other interesting places are the huge dunes at Little Sahara, Cape Willoughby, and the Kelly Hill Caves.
At Kingscote you can see delightful penguins in the Kangaroo Island Penguin Center, while the Murray Lagoon has an abundance of bird life. There is a lookout on Mount Thisby which was built in 2002 to honor Matthew Flinders, the first man to circumnavigate Australia. Here you can see amazing 360 degree views of the island.
There is plenty of accommodation in Kangaroo Island. Rent a cottage on the beach at Island Beach, Stokes Bay, Snelling Beach or Emu Bay. You will also find a number of comfortable backpackers’ houses where you can share inexpensive lodgings. In addition to bedrooms, these houses have large living areas, dining areas, and fully equipped kitchens. Some also have games rooms. Your other choices include motels and hotels, B&Bs, caravan and camping sites, holiday apartments and resorts.