Kangaroo Island Things to Do

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Beautiful coastline on this end of the island. What a treat to see the seals relaxing and at play in this natural setting. A real treat. Wear your warm gear in case the wind is blowing, but this is a must to see!

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Cape du Couedic is the southwesternmost point of the island. Like several other places on Kangaroo Island it has a French name, as some of the first explorers were French. The ridge carries a lighthouse that marks this dangerous spot. Two small rocky islands prolong the cape further out into the sea.

The tip of the cape forms a natural arch named Admiral's Arch, which is not visible from the top, you have to walk down the stairs.

The rocks around are home to a colony of New Zealand Fur Seals. They rest on the rocks quite close to the viewing platform and can easily be spotted.

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The Remarkable Rocks are part of Flinders Chase National Park. At this spot on the Southwestern coast of the island, granite boulders have appeared out of nowhere, like giant bubbles rising from deep in the ground. Geologists will have a scientific explanation for their existence, whatever it may be. Wind and erosion have turned them into fantastic sculptures that ignite everyone's imagination. Lichens give them their characteristic reddish colour.

The rocks are situated more or less on the cliff's edge. There is no railing. The flat parts are safe but the rock becomes steeper and steeper towards the cliff (photo 2). Moisture and lichens may make them slippery. Take care where you walk, don't go too far down.

More photos in my Remarkable Rocks travelogue

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Once upon a time colonies of seals inhabited all coasts and beaches around the island. The were all extinct by hunters in the 19th century, with the exception of this one, due to protecting reefs further out that do not allowe ships to access the bay. So this one colony of the now rare Australian Sea Lions has survived.

The seals of Seal Bay are by no means tame. They are neither fed nor by any other means supported. They are wild animals that have learned to tolerate humans on their beach as long as they don't disturb them. Visitors may approach the animals up to about 8 metres. You will be accompanied by a ranger who not only has an eye on you keeping a safe distance but also explains the life and behaviour of the seals and the scenes you see on the beach.
Only a small part of the beach is accessible through the Ranger Station. The rest is closed to protect the seals' breeding areas.

Seal Bay allows fascinating insight into the daily life of these animals. They come back in after three days and three nights out at sea, diving for fish. They take a well-deserved rest on the beach first. They are not lazy but just deadly tired. Depending on the season you can also observe the young pups.

Photo hint: The best photos can be taken from eye level - sit down in the sand and snap away...
Travelogue page with my best photos

Reeves Point is the site of the first official European settlement in South Australia. Take a drive or walk around the area and discover the public artwork at the flagpole. The flagpole features a crows nest and a flag-bearing mast, representing the nautical theme of the first settlement. Through the interpretive signage, you can imagine the harsh conditions experienced by the first settlers and can understand their decision to resettle at Glenelg, Adelaide.

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The South Coast of Kangaroo Island is a hive of activity by day, as it's home to many of the Island's major attractions. Seal Bay is spectacular with the opportunity to walk among Australia's third largest, and most accessible, colony of Australian Sea-lions. Vivonne Bay can only be described as stunningly beautiful. The long, curved sandy beach is a superb site for picnics and fishing. On the other side of Vivonne Bay, Point Ellen is home to a fleet of lobster boats, the turquoise water and rustic jetty are a photographer's delight. Kelly Hill Caves offers tours throughout the day. The recent installation of fibre optic lighting allows visitors to see the cave decorations in brilliant natural white light. Further west, Flinders Chase National Park includes some stunning walks as well as the natural rock formations, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

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Emu Ridge is the only commercial eucalyptus distillery in operation in South Australia. The technology of this operation may surprise you! The rustic outlook hides some clever bush technology and processes which are simple yet effective. Emu Ridge is self-sufficient with solar, steam and wind power.

Emu Ridge provides a craft gallery retail area not only for their own craft and products, but also provides an outlet for over 40 local artists and craftspeople. They make over 100 locally produced souvenirs and market a range of other Australian essential and fragrance oils.

Guided tours are available every half hour during peak season and self-guided tours are available at all times. Phone bookings essential after hours and in winter.

This is an area of spectacular vivid white sand dunes, surrounded by natural bush vegetation. Climbing over the first ridge, you are confronted by a second and much higher dune, which when scaled, does not expose the coast as one would expect, but more sand dunes flanked by natural Australian bushland..

Take your sandboard and climb to the top of the razorback ridges and enjoy a thrilling ride back to the bottom of the dune.

There is no charge to enter Little Sahara.