Australia, it’s time to sink deep into the serenity and charm of everything Kangaroo Island has to offer.
After sustaining some of the worst conditions of the Australian bushfire crisis in 2019, Kangaroo Island and its lovely people have shown their resilience and are back in business. Found south-west of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is one of the most naturally picturesque locations in Australia and while there’s never been a better time to visit, you’ll wish you made the trip sooner.
Move over craft breweries, gin is now in! A touch away from Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island Spirits has pioneered the term craft gin distilleries in Australia and has been passionately bringing the juniper berry flavour front and centre in their creations since 2002.
Unbridled by the need for commercial acclaim, the owners of Kangaroo Island Spirits have dedicated their time to impressing a more niche audience. Encapsulating the genuine artisan, quality craft and handmade products that are synonymous with the island, Kangaroo Island Spirits continues to imbue a palpable passion in their products that everyone can taste.
Their Mulberry Gin ($112) is best paired with soda and a squeeze of lime and is an absolute treat that it would be very remiss to forgo if you venture here.
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- Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Photographed by Steve Lagreca. Image via Shutterstock
Kangaroo Island Spirits – 856 Playford Hwy, Cygnet River, 5223
2. Show your support to rescuers
Devastatingly during the recent bushfires, many native animals lost their lives, but thankfully the team at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park were active in rescuing and seeking to rehome injured animals. There’s plenty to see and feed here from wombats to wallabies, and who could forget the happiest animal on Earth, the quokka!
On top of that, birds flourish here and the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park aquarium offers a spectral display of local fish. Plus, if you want to make most of your visit, there a few surrounding picnic spots with free barbecue facilities to use.
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- Koala on Kangaroo Island South Australia. Photographed by Simon Maddock. Image via Shutterstock
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park – 4068 Playford Hwy, Duncan, 5223
3. Visit a cliffside cellar door
To say that you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view at Dudley Wines is an understatement. Found on the eastern most part of the island, to enjoy everything that this cliffside cellar door has to offer is no better paired than with a glass of one of their unique drops. A glass of Dudley’s Grassy Flat Sauvignon Blanc couples perfectly with their famous Whiting Panini ($18).
Next, unwind with a spot of golf at their driving range. Don’t worry if you slice every ball, no one has to know as the range faces directly into the valley below. Thanks to their first small batch of red which was made in 1997; since then Dudley Wines has been one of Kangaroo Island’s premier cellar doors bottling the perfect taste of the island.
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- Cuttlefish Bay Kangaroo Island South Australia. Photographed by wolffpower. image via Shutterstock
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- Wine glasses with wine. Photographed by Africa Studios. Image via Shutterstock
Dudley Wines – 1153 Cape Willoughby Rd, Penneshaw, Cuttlefish Bay 5222
4. Get up close and personal with a seal
A guided tour of the Seal Bay Conservation Park grants spectacular access to some of the pure and unadulterated wilderness you can find on Kangaroo Island. Home to the third largest colony of Australian sea lions, for your visit let the expert guides allow you to get up close and personal with these majestic and loveable creatures.
Throughout Kangaroo Island there is a large emphasis on ecologically sustainable tourism and there’s likely no team more wholeheartedly enthused than here. Immerse yourself in the wonder and brilliance of the South Australian coastline while learning something new about one of our precious endangered species.
Seal on Kangaroo Island South Australia. Photographed by Rodrigo Lourezini. Image via Shutterstock
Seal Bay Conservation Park – Seal Bay Rd, Seal Bay, 5221
5. Tuck yourself into some luxurious accommodation
If it’s high time you spoiled yourself then you could certainly do a lot worse than a weekend at the beyond luxurious Cliff House. The main bedroom oozes decadence from atop a circular tower that overlooks the stunning Snelling Beach.
Whether you want to keep warm by an open fire or enjoying a glass of your new favourite drop in the bubbling jacuzzi that overlooks the cliffs edge, it’s completely up to you. All you need at this dream retreat is the willingness to succumb completely to relaxation.
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- Cliff House Accomodation, Kangaroo Island. Image supplied
Cliff House Accommodation – 6030 North Coast Rd, South Australia, 5223
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
Want to explore more of what South Australia has to offer? Start by a roadtrip through some of South Australia’s bushfire affected towns. Or, if you’re in search of the best wine, get ready to explore Adelaide’s five best wine regions.
Although this beautiful island is filled with an abundance of beautiful beaches and captivating landscapes, that’s not all that Kangaroo Island has to offer. Basking in a range of delightful getaways and eateries, there is so much to discover and enjoy.
It’s easy to become instantly infatuated with Kangaroo Island and we’ll do our best to guide you on your splendid new adventure with five reasons to visit and explore this beautiful landscape:
1. Enjoy a drink at a distillery