Kangaroo Island - Eco tourism Sanctuary

An Island of Pristine Wilderness and Magical Wildlife
Kangaroo Island separated from the mainland some 10,000 years ago and has remained a sanctuary for the diverse plants and animals that inhabit the unspoilt coastline, waterways and bushland covering an area of 4,500 square kilometres, the local population impressively protects its natural heritage with over 30% of the land falling under national or conservation park status, or wilderness protection areas.

The isolation of the island has not only allowed it to escape the impact of European settlement, but has meant that a lack of predators, including the native mainland dingo, has allowed the wildlife to breed peacefully and the habitat to prosper. More than half the island has never been cleared of vegetation, so amidst the virgin bushland are found species of wildlife that are uncommon or endangered on the mainland, but found in abundance on Kangaroo Island. Many have developed or maintained their own unique features. For the same reason some of the flora is found nowhere else. Experience the wildlife at its best and enjoy discovering one of the world's last unspoilt wilderness destinations.

Nature's Place
There is an amazing diversity and abundance of birdlife and wildlife on Kangaroo Island. The undeveloped coastline supports healthy colonies of New Zealand fur seals, Australian fur seals and Australian sea lions. They live and breed along the quiet bays and sandy beaches, happily playing in the sand dunes and ocean shallows.

A highlight of your tour will be a privately guided beach walk on Seal Bay. At your own pace wander along the beach near the wild sea lions; you will be close enough to observe the nuances of colony life amongst these amazing marine mammals.

On the eastern side of the island witness the remarkable nightly ritual of the little penguins as they leave the ocean and make their way up the beach to their waiting young.

The sheltered bays around the island also host a variety of whales on their migratory route, between May and October.

Exploring the parks and protection areas of the island provide for exhilarating sightings of kangaroos and Tammar wallabies, wild koalas and even the elusive platypus. Enjoy the opportunity to quietly approach grazing kangaroos, scout the bush for wild koalas and scan the waterways for platypus. In the evening try spotlighting for kangaroos and wallabies, while relaxing with a refreshing drink. Look for tours which include these special experiences and enhance your stay.

Kangaroo Island, because of its isolation, plays an important role in the conservation of a variety of bird species. This makes it a paradise for bird lovers. Amongst the virgin bushland there are 253 species of birds on the island, many species of which are either unique to the island or endangered on the mainland. These include the beautiful glossy black cockatoo (the small population on Kangaroo Island is isolated and differs from other subspecies on the mainland), the bush stone-curlew, the hooded plover, the bassian thrush and many others.

Kangaroo Island History
Kangaroo Island owes its name to Commander Matthew Flinders who discovered it during his 1802 exploration of Australia. Flinders only explored and chartered the northern part of the island. The southern part was charted a few months later by Captain Nicolas Baudin commander of the French ship Le Geographe. There is evidence of his success in the french place names along the island's south and west coastline.

The island was named Kangaroo Island because of the abundance of kangaroos, which Matthew Flinders' men slaughtered for meat on the shores. Flinders and his men remarked that the kangaroos were not afraid of humans, indicating that they had not seen man before.

There is only minimal evidence of an Aboriginal population on Kangaroo Island. Since land clearing started in the late 1800s the odd tool, midden heap and fire place has been discovered, but little else. Carbon dating suggests that the Aboriginal presence on the island ceased in mysterious circumstances some 2,500 to 3,000 years ago. To add to the mystery, mainland Aboriginals never crossed to the island which they called 'island of the dead'.

In the early 1800s the island became a refuge for escaped convicts and sailors, and home to many sealers and whalers who slaughtered the seal and whale populations almost to extinction.

The island's first official settlers arrived in 1836 at Kingscote. Dogged by the lack of water and suitable timber for construction the settlement was moved six months later to Adelaide.

Modern Settlement
The European settlers and native wildlife of Kangaroo Island have always been important to each other. In the late 1800s a pastoral industry was established, with sheep being the main focus. While farmers cleared the land to grow grains and farm sheep, they recognised the importance of the existing wildlife. The settlement relied on the island's timber and mammals for their shelter and food. They quickly became aware of how the surrounding bushland could provide for them in the way of native gums and eucalyptus oils.

APT's Kangaroo Island, Adelaide & the Barossa Valley Short Breaks
Join APL's experienced and professional guides to discover Kangaroo Island's remarkable historical and natural treasures, on one of our eco-sensitive tours. Your touring options range from the most comprehensive day tour of Kangaroo Island available, to two, three and four day tours that provide a range of accommodation, viewing of Kangaroo Island at its best, plus the opportunity to explore the city of Adelaide and the famous Barossa Valley wine region.

Certainly the hidden jewel of South Australia is Kangaroo Island. Escape the mainland crowds and be stimulated by the rich and varied attractions: enjoy historic Cape Willoughby and Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, explore the shops of Kingscote and Penneshaw townships, thrill at experiencing the closeness of amazing wildlife, see striking birdlife on the wetlands and discover a rare place of outstanding natural beauty. With your specialist guide there is so much to do and see, at your own pace.