Hafen
Kangaroo Island

OVERVIEW

Treat your eyes to spectacular coastal views from a 19th-century lighthouse, and your palate to a tasting of Kangaroo Island-grown wines at a nearby cellar. A scenic drive from the pier leads to the southeastern tip of “KI”– that’s local shorthand for the island’s name – on the Dudley Peninsula. Here stands the Cape Willoughby Light, built of local granite and limestone in 1852. It’s South Australia’s oldest lighthouse, sorely needed to help navigators contend with a stretch of sea known as the Backstairs Passage, the treacherous channel between KI and the mainland. The vantage point on the coast is wonderful out here, and the scene is made even more perfectly Aussie by the free-range kangaroos that frequent this part of the peninsula. Not far away and bathed in the same maritime climate and sea breezes, wine grapes flourish. Enjoy a stop at a wine tasting establishment where you can taste how content these shiraz, sauvignon blanc and viognier fruits are to be growing here on Kangaroo Island as you sample the selections. The specific wines chosen for the tasting vary by the day, but the one sure bet is that they will showcase the unique KI environment.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a highly scenic drive across beautiful Dudley Peninsula to a historic lighthouse park on its far tip.
• Catch stellar views from Cape Willoughby Light, helping captains make it through the ship-eating waters of the Backstairs Passage since 1852.
• Enjoy a stop at a wine tasting establishment sampling some of the islands finest wine.
• Taste this unique maritime environment in their offerings – whether a classic sauvignon blanc, full-bodied shiraz, caramelly viognier, or whatever ever they’re pouring today.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

See the highlights of South Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destination, Kangaroo Island. From Remarkable Rocks to playful fur seals, you’ll discover Kangaroo Island’s natural highlights.

Enjoy an approximately 1-hour scenic drive toward the south coast of Kangaroo Island. One of the largest islands off mainland Australia, KI as the locals call it, is a natural wonderland known for its wildlife and pristine environment.

The rugged south coast is especially beautiful, as you will discover at Seal Bay, home to a colony of nearly 1,000 Australian sea lions. You’ll stop for approximately half hour here so you can walk the Seal Bay boardwalk to see and photograph a colony of Australian Sea Lions in their natural environment. Highly endangered, they are the world's rarest sea lion, but easy to recognize by their blunt, dog-like snout and ear flaps.

Make a stop at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where you’ll see koalas relaxing in the trees, as well as other native wildlife. During your visit, you’ll encounter kangaroos, wallabies, possums and echidnas. Birds are also found in abundance here.

Then it’s on to Flinders Chase National Park where you’ll visit some of its most impressive sites. Stop at Remarkable Rocks, a collection of sculpture-like granite boulders that the rain, wind and pounding sea have shaped over millions of years. Many of the boulders are covered with golden orange lichens that make them appear even more dramatic. Nearby is Admirals Arch, another unusual natural landmark shaped by erosion. The Admirals Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal this spectacular rock archway, which is a natural nursery and safe haven for the playful Long-nosed Fur Seals that can be seen resting, swimming and playing in the waves or on the rocks.

Around mid-day, make your way to the one of the park’s cafes where you will be treated to a light lunch. Afterwards, you’ll further explore more of this wonderful national park with its wild beaches, rocky shorelines and towering limestone cliffs. It’s immensely picturesque and chances are you will spot all sorts of indigenous wildlife before returning to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Encounter stunning coastline and a menagerie of marine creatures as you cruise just offshore of Kangaroo Island. Aboard a custom undercover vessel ideally suited for nature spotting in these waters, listen in as your captain points out the landmarks, shares island history, and brings you as close as possible to whatever wildlife’s out and about this day. Expect to see New Zealand fur seals romping in the water or snoozing on the rocky shore; they’ve made a remarkable comeback since being hunted nearly to extinction in the 1800s. Another furry marine mammal you’re likely to encounter is the Australian sea lion, a species that remains highly endangered worldwide but enjoys the safety of a breeding reserve here on Kangaroo Island. Males and females look quite different; your captain will help sort out who’s who when they show up. While you’re aboard, don’t be surprised to spot a pod or two of bottlenose dolphins, perhaps with calves swimming alongside their mothers. They often approach the boat for a closer look – as curious about us as we are about them. And don’t forget to look up. Plenty of seabirds to see, including white-bellied sea eagles, spectacular to watch when they fish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the wild Kangaroo Island coastline aboard a custom built 38 seater undercover vessel optimized for marine life spotting.
• Enjoy expert commentary from your captain on the landmarks, history and animals of the region.
• Anticipate encounters with playful New Zealand fur seals, rare Australian sea lions, inquisitive dolphins and more.
• Spot seabirds like the white-bellied sea eagle, fond of swooping down to pluck unlucky fish from the water.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light windbreaker.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Explore picturesque Kingscote, a heritage town with a thriving arts community and the first European settlement in the state of South Australia. Established at nearby Reeves Point in 1836, Kingscote remains relatively undeveloped, due in part to its remote location. That is the beauty of this seaside town and the surrounding area, were nature reigns supreme. On the way to town, you will pause at gorgeous Pennington Bay and Pelican Lagoon; the latter known for its free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies and of course pelicans. While meandering about Kingscote on your own, you might browse the art galleries, admire the enormous kangaroo mural painted on a downtown silo and shop for hand-crafted jewelry. Many of the stores also carry products made with organic honey from imported, genetically pure Ligurian bees. Later, you will visit the Island Beehive, the source of this revered raw honey that is used in everything from mead to beauty products.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the spectacular natural beauty while driving through the wilds of Kangaroo Island.
• Look for kangaroos, wallabies and birds along the shores of Pelican Lagoon.
• Enjoy free time to explore the seaside, artsy town of Kingscote on your own.
• Visit the Island Beehive and see the array of products made from Ligurian bee honey.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience the splendid beauty, wildlife and flavours of Kangaroo Island during this half-day tour that showcases some local producers including a shearing demonstration, honey farm and Eucalyptus distillery.

Rob's Sheep Shearing

Depart the pier for the scenic, narrated drive to the Rob's Sheep Shearing. Robs Shearing Demonstration which provides a chance to watch KI local farmer Rob work together with his well-trained sheepdogs to round up sheep in the yards.  Rob then puts his expert shearing skills on show, by shearing one of his flock and entertaining you with his local stories. Rob will then use a spinning wheel to spin wool into a fine, even string creating a lovely ball of merino yarn.

Clifford's Honey Farm

Next, re-board your coach and drive south for a visit to Clifford's Honey Farm, where over 22,000 pounds (10,000 kilograms) of honey is produced annually. Kangaroo Island is the only place in the world where a pure strain of Ligurian bee exists. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the Honey Room and facility, explore the honey collection, extraction and production processes, and participate in a tasting of honey varieties.

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery

Your last stop is at the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, the only commercial eucalyptus distillery operating in South Australia. Take a guided tour of the distillery and sample Kangaroo Island Cider.

Re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute ride back to the pier.

Discover the scenic splendour and wildlife of Kangaroo Island during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, Pennington Bay, Free Time, Ocean & Coastal Views, Crashing Waves

Depart the pier for the short drive to Pennington Bay, an extremely popular surfing and fishing beach. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to relax, stroll the beach and/or take in splendid panoramic views of the coast and ocean. Extreme care should be taken due to the very strong rip currents here, and crashing huge waves on the shore that can be heard at the American River, located approximately 5.6 miles (about nine kilometres) away.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Rare and Unique Wildlife from Kangaroo Island and Australia

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. With a wide range of Kangaroo Island and Australia's rare, unique and special wildlife, this park offers a unique, hands-on experience in a safe, friendly and educational environment. During your guided walking tour, you get an up-close and hands on experience with many of the parks animals, most of which have been rescued over the years. There may also be the opportunity to hold a koala weather permitting at your own expense.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 70-minute drive back to the pier.

Marvel at the coast and wildlife of Kangaroo Island from the water during this scenic and exhilarating, 'Ocean Safari' excursion.

Christmas Cove, Dolphin Cove, Cuttlefish Bay, Kangaroo Head and Snapper Point

Depart the pier for the short transfer to Christmas Cove. En route, a photo brief stop is made to take in spectacular panoramic views over Penneshaw. Upon arrival at Christmas Cove, embark your awaiting, 24.6-foot (about 7.5-metre) rigid-inflatable boat (RIB), the Gemini Waverider, and begin your approximately one-hour coast and wildlife tour. Along the way, your panoramic route wraps around the coastline of Kangaroo Island, and visits locales like Dolphin Cove, Cuttlefish Bay, Kangaroo Head and Snapper Point.

Wildlife

During your exciting journey via RIB-boat, you may encounter pods of bottlenose and common dolphins frolicking happily in their natural environment, or swimming alongside the boat. Seals also inhabit the coasts of Kangaroo Island, and may be seen resting up on the rocks. In addition, look for the many diverse species of seabirds, including sea eagles, osprey and wedged-tailed eagles. At the conclusion of your RIB-boat adventure, return to Christmas Cove and disembark your boat, then re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Experience the coastal beauty of Kangaroo Island and legacy of southern Australia's oldest European settlement during this leisurely, half-day sightseeing excursion.  

Pennington Bay, South Coast, Kangaroo Island Beaches, Kangaroos

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Kingscote. En route, a photo stop is made at Pennington Bay. Upon arrival, take in spectacular panoramic views of Pennington Bay, the rugged south coast and beautiful beaches of Kangaroo Island. During your drive, look for local kangaroos often seen lazing in the paddocks.  

Kingscote, Free Time, Reeves Point, Bay of Shoals

Upon arrival, in Kingscote, southern Australia's oldest European settlement and the largest township on Kangaroo Island, approximately two hours of free time is made available to explore the main street, browse the local shops and/or relax with a refreshing drink in a local café at your own expense. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier. En route, learn about the history of Kangaroo Island, and pass by historic Reeves Point, the point of South Australia's first settlement, and the scenic Bay of Shoals.

Explore the diverse flora, fauna and wildlife of Kangaroo Island during this picturesque excursion to Seal Bay,a national parks set up to protect the endangered the Australian Sea-lion and its natural habitat.

Seal Bay

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 80-minute narrated drive to Seal Bay. See the endangered Australian Sea-lions in their natural environment of coastal vegetation, dunes and beach. It is a large sandy beach and dune area where approximately 600 Australian sea lions rest and nurse their young. Seal Bay is one of only two places in the world where you can stroll with your guide through a wild seal colony. Wander along the 800-metre boardwalk which meanders through the limestone cliffs and dunes to viewing platforms where you can observe the sea-lions surfing the waves or sunning themselves on the beach while you enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.

Pennington Bay

Re-board the coach and continue driving to Pennington Bay, a superb surf beach and photographer's dream, and a popular for swimming and fishing.

Your tour concludes with the transfer back to the pier.

Explore the fascinating natural sights and wildlife of Kangaroo Island during this panoramic, full-day, off-road sightseeing excursion.

Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, Seal Bay, Sea Lion Colony

Depart the pier aboard a 4X4 Land Rover for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Seal Bay. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour on the beach. Along the way, marvel at the sea lion colony of 600 bulls, pups and cows.

Flinders Chase National Park, Barbecue Lunch, Remarkable Rocks

Next, re-board your Land Rover for a picturesque drive past many beautiful and natural sights en route to Flinders Chase National Park. Located on the west-end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is the largest park on the island and home to many iconic Kangaroo Island sights. Upon arrival, proceed for a barbecue lunch accompanied by Kangaroo Island wines. Afterward, take a guided discovery walk to the Remarkable Rocks, a group of granite boulders atop a granite dome.

Admirals Arch

Your last stop is at Admirals Arch, another of the many beautiful and natural landmarks on Kangaroo Island. At the conclusion of your visit to this distinctive rock bridge, re-board your Land Rover and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.