Kangaroo Island

Sea lions, seals and penguins oh my! Kangaroo Island is nature's playground, with its magnificent rugged coastline, exquisitely clear waters, multiple nature reserves and the island is one of the best places in Australia to see wild native animals, like koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, seals and penguins. Actually, over a third of the island is protected by nature reserves. There are five major National Parks, Conservation Parks and Wilderness Protection Areas. Seal Bay Conservation Park on the south coast of Kangaroo Island is the home of the third largest Australian sea lion colony in Australia. In the west, Flinders Chase National Park is known for penguin colonies and striking coastal rock formations, like the sculpted Remarkable Rocks and the stalactite-covered Admirals.

Located 13 kilometres off the coast of South Australia in the Great Australian Bight, Kangaroo Island is Australia's third-largest island. Kangaroo Island offers more than just nature and wildlife, its rich and bountiful farm land produces mouth-watering food and wine. Local delicacies include creamy sheep’s milk cheese, freshwater marron, premium olive oil and boutique wines. The island’s many art galleries showcase the woodworking, glass-blowing and furniture-making talents of local craftsmen.

The Aboriginal population that once occupied the island, sometimes referred to as the Kartan people, disappeared from the archaeological record when the land became an island following rising sea levels. It is estimated Kangaroo Island separated from mainland Australia around 10,000 years ago, the existence of stone tools and shell middens indicates that Aboriginal people once lived on Kangaroo Island. Although Kangaroo Island has had a mixed history of inhabitancy it is an interesting and important place in local Aboriginal culture. Home to a rich and intricate Aboriginal history the island has many significant sites, features in Dreamtime Stories and Songlines connecting Country, people and culture in the region.