Easily accessible and stunningly beautiful, Kangaroo Island oddly enough isn’t the best place see kangaroos. If you want to visit Kangaroo Island with kids – these are the things you really should do.
Kangaroo Island Coastline. Picture: Shutterstock
A guided Seal Bay Beach walk
Seal Bay is packed with plump Aussie sea lions basking on the soft white sand. Families can take a self-guided walk along an 800metre boardwalk to view the colony in the distance. However, we strongly recommend families hire a Kangaroo Island guide. They will walk with you around Seal Bay and explain how the island works together to protect and conserve the sea line. This tour sends a strong message about animal conservation that really resonates with kids.
Climb Remarkable Rocks
More than 50 million years of westerly winds, rain and salt spray have carved Kangaroo Island’s granite boulders into extraordinary formations. The best time to visit is sunrise and sunset. Head to the raised accessible boardwalk in Flinders Chase National Park and you can wander through small boulders and grassy shrubs. Keep your eyes out for beautiful Blue Wren’s preparing their nests in spring.
Remarkable rocks Kangaroo Island. Picture: Shutterstock
Explore Admirals Arch
Admirals Arch is a short drive from Remarkable Rocks in the Flinders Chase National Park. This stunning natural beauty is made even more special when you find New Zealand fur seals on the rocks. From here you will also be able to see the charming Cape de Couedic Lighthouse.
Admirals Arch Kangaroo Island. Picture: Supplied
Cape de Couedic Lighthouse
The historical sandstone lighthouse was built in 1909 to guide ships away from the Flinders Chase coast. This treacherous stretch of land had claimed 14 ships and 79 lives. Save a thought for the lighthouse keepers of the day, living in remote conditions. Cape de Couedic Lighthouse was so inaccessible that supplies were winched from the ships by a horse-drawn cable.
A flat, elevated boardwalk with a few connecting flights of stairs pass lovely vistas of jagged coastline, awesome waves, rugged rock pools of emerald blue waters and dark brown New Zealand fur seals resting on rocks in great numbers.
Stroll along stunning Vivonne Bay
With long stretches of white powdery sand and clear turquoise water, it’s no surprise that Vivonne Bay was once named as Australia’s Best Beach. Be warned though – Vivonne Bay has strong currents. It is not advisable for swimming. Safe and equally stunning beaches are located on Kangaroo Islands North Coast. Noteworthy beaches include Emu Bay, Snellings Beach, Hanson Bay and Island Beach.
Swim in the hidden rock pool at Stokes Bay
Step through a winding passage, where at times only one person can fit between tight crevices, and you will be rewarded with a shimmering secret beach. Dramatic golden sandy cliffs form a sheltered cove and a large natural break wall creates an inviting turquoise lagoon where kids can swim safely.
Seals are the most famous inhabitants of Kangaroo Island. Picture: Shutterstock
See busy bees and sample honey ice cream
Kangaroo Island is home to the world’s only population of Ligurian bees. This island is so remote the bees are free of any bee disease. Some say it’s the purity of these bees that produces such fine tasting honey.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery is filled with lotions, potions and products made from native plants and eucalyptus oil. The kids will have fun with outdoor play areas, a restored carriage to ride and a resident emu to admire.
Pennington Bay
This is a stunning bay is famous for surfing. It isn’t the best option for families to swim. But it is a great for spotting dolphins and whales.
Kangaroo Island drives. Picture: Shutterstock
Island Beehive Kingscote
Island Beehive is an interactive visitor centre located in Kingscote. It has free honey tasting and a cafe which serves the best scones in town. Families can join in daily factories tours. The hand-made honeycomb ice-cream is a must try.
Getting there:
Kangaroo Island is a short flight from Adelaide or a one-hour ferry ride from Cape Jervis. It is famous for wildlife including the lolling sea lions, friendly kangaroos, koalas and echidnas in an untouched habitat, as well as its unspoilt beaches and world-class food and wine.
Staying there:
Mistere on Kangaroo Island is a three bedroom home with panoramic views to the ocean for $440 per night. Just look at these views…
Mistere Kangaroo Island. Picture: Supplied
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