Kangaroo Island

Some think first of the paradisiacal beaches, while others associate the name more with magnificent wilderness. However, it is the combination of both that makes Australia's third-largest island such a popular vacation paradise.

Kangaroo Island is an island that could not be more beautiful and vibrant. With an area of 4,405 km², it is the third-largest island in Australia and belongs to the state of South Australia. Located just about 131 miles from Adelaide, it attracts countless visitors every year during the Australian spring and summer, between September and February, yet the island still feels very untouched. Today, I want to take you on a journey to this South Australian natural paradise and show you why this beautiful piece of land absolutely belongs on your bucket list.

The best way to reach Kangaroo Island, known in German as Känguru-Insel, is via the South Australian capital of Adelaide. From there, you can easily fly with Qatar Airways, with flight times depending on the connection taking around 22 hours. From there, domestic flights usually cost around $190 for a round-trip and take you directly to Kingscote on the island. Once you arrive, I recommend renting a car for those of you eager to explore, allowing you to discover every hidden corner of the 90-mile-long and up to 35-mile-wide island more effectively.

You can sense it even during the flight: This natural paradise is something truly special! These majestic landscapes, the shining blue sea, and the unique wilderness, already visible from the airplane - simply fantastic!

Your fingers tingle with excitement, as you can hardly wait to step off the plane and see this magical backdrop up close. The rugged rock formations, underground caves, national parks, and picturesque bays are just waiting to be explored by you.

Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, penguins, echidnas, and pelicans - these and many other amazing animals have made this island their home and roam freely in the wild. A glance at this magnificent wildlife is enough to see how well they are doing in the wild national parks and protected areas. The koalas lazily hang out in the trees, munching on eucalyptus leaves, while the sweet seals and sea lions play and cuddle on the beach at Seal Bay. Another highlight are undoubtedly the kangaroos, which also seem to feel perfectly at home and curiously watch their visitors. Yes, it's no wonder that most tourists are drawn here primarily due to the fascinating wildlife. By the way, you can find a detailed report on the diverse animal life of South Australia in my travel magazine.

Where can you experience and observe all these exciting animals up close on Kangaroo Island? The best is to head from the airport to the famous Flinders Chase National Park in the west end, the island's biggest highlight and thus a major tourist attraction. You really shouldn't leave this island without having visited this national park at least once. You don't necessarily have to drive there by car or public transport; I would actually recommend a hike along the coast, for example, from Cape Borda in the northwest of the island. This takes about 7 to 9 hours depending on your fitness level, so feel free to make a stopover with an overnight stay. But the effort is definitely worth it: You'll capture fantastic impressions of the breathtaking nature and wildlife of South Australia along the way. For example, observe how sea eagles glide gracefully over the sea searching for prey, or, with a bit of luck, playful dolphins and whales swimming in groups.

Once you arrive at the national park, in addition to the many curious animals, you will find dense eucalyptus forests, untouched wilderness, stunning beaches, and impressive historic lighthouses. One particularly noteworthy site is the Cape de Couedic Lighthouse from 1909, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view. About a half-hour from here, you will find the massive rock formations known as the Remarkable Rocks, which offer an unforgettable experience, especially at sunset. My outing tip: If you're already there, you should also visit the underground limestone caves, Kelly Hill Caves, located about 9 miles east of the national park in the equally named Kelly Hill Conservation Park. A spectacle that you definitely shouldn't miss. Equally popular is the Admirals Arch, a somewhat hidden limestone arch created over many years by the wild sea. The strangely shaped, hanging stalactites create a fantastic scene.

Do you love the sea and can't get enough of the diverse flora and fauna of this charming island? Then I heartily recommend a snorkeling or, even better, a diving tour on Kangaroo Island, where you can experience Australia's magnificent underwater world from one of its most beautiful sides. Very popular, for example, are dives off the western tip of the island, Cape Borda. From there, you can explore over 30 wrecks, such as the famous shipwrecks of Fides and Loch Vennachar from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Surfers will find great waves at Stokes Bay in the north, Vivonne Bay in the south, or at Pennington Bay much further east on the island. These beaches are very popular not only among nature lovers seeking relaxation but also among passionate surfers. Vivonne Bay is said to have some of the finest white sand and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Australia, while the calmer beaches in the far north of the island, such as Stokes Bay or Snellings Beach, are more suitable for swimming and sunbathing.

The island, with just about 4,100 residents, offers not only diverse flora and fauna but also culinary delights. Particularly popular are the small, locally operated establishments in charming towns like Kingscote or Penneshaw, which attract visitors with fresh seafood. In Penneshaw, there is also a regular farmers market where you can purchase various local products. However, Kangaroo Island is even more famous for its excellent wines. Due to the mild climate, various wineries have settled here since the early 1990s, some of which even boast award-winning wines. Nowadays, most wineries even offer daily tastings where you can sample some of the total 18 different brands.

Because the island is also home to one of Australia's oldest bee protection areas, it is rumored to produce the best honey in all of Australia. The unique flavor comes from the Ligurian bee, originally from Italy, whose rare species is protected here. So, how about a delicious, fresh fish dish paired with an excellent wine and a sweet dessert with honey to top it off? Mmm, my mouth is already watering!

My conclusion about this gem of Australia: Adventurers and explorers find just as much to love on Kangaroo Island as relaxation-seeking nature lovers and connoisseurs, that much is certain. It's simply amazing what wonderful places this state has in store for us. Are you eager for more? Here you can find more exciting articles on South Australia.