Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is the third biggest island Australia’s (145km length and 60km wide) and lies southwest from Adelaide. It is only 13 km off South Australia’s coast and is a serene and beautiful place with a small population mainly inhabiting the eastern towns. The coastline of towering rock and sheltered beaches is edges with turquoise seas, while acres of forest and bush cover the interior’s red earth. However, the island’s real treat is an abundance of glorious birds, animals and ocean-based creatures.

The isolation from European disease and (introduced) feral species greatly protected the island’s native flora and fauna. This care of the natural ecosystem continues, with 30% of land now maintained as either conservation or national parks.

There are myriad tours operating from Adelaide and the towns on the island. However, don’t discount a DIY trip. Although there’s no public transport on Kangaroo Islands, car hire is inexpensive and distances are not vast (you can drive the length of the island in two hours).

The Kangaroo Island is especially beloved by surfers, snorkel guys and divers. There is a ferry operating from Adelaide to get to the island or you go by airplane.

Kangaroos and Cape Barren geese are easily spotted at “Flinders Chase National Park”. If you’re lucky you may see a platypus here as well.

The most important city there is Kingscote, 60 km from Penneshaw and 117 km from the "Flinders Chase National Park". The "Kangaroo Island Central Backpackers Hostel" in Kingscote offers a night in a dorm for A$ 20.