Top 10 Things To Do On Kangaroo Island
Mistere on Kangaroo Island is the perfect place for a family getaway. Currently a very comfortable three bedroom home with panoramic views to the ocean, it is a great base for a family trip. If you’re planning on visiting Kangaroo Island, check out Mistere’s Top 10 family activity picks.
1. A Guided Seal Bay Beach walk
This walk with a Kangaroo Island guide sends a strong message regarding animal conservation. Passionate guides inform about this endangered species whilst walking along a stunning beach where plump Aussie sea lions bask in the soft white sand. There is also a self-guided 800 metre walk along an accessible boardwalk to view the colony in the distance.
2. Climb Remarkable Rocks
The best time to visit the Rocks is during sunrise or sunset. These impressive granite boulders have been carved into extraordinary formations over 50 million years of westerly winds, rain and salt spray from the ocean below. One of the major attractions on the island and part of the expansive Flinders Chase National Park is a must-see with the kids. A raised accessible boardwalk leads you through small boulders and grassy shrubs where if you might just be able to spot a beautiful Blue Wren preparing its nest.
3. Explore Admirals Arch
Admirals Arch is a short drive from Remarkable Rocks and is in the Flinders Chase National Park. An added bonus is taking in New Zealand fur seals and the charming Cape de Couedic Lighthouse.
4. Cape de Couedic Lighthouse
The historical sandstone lighthouse built in 1909 was much needed to guide ships away from treacherous Flinders Chase coast, where it had claimed 14 ships and 79 lives nearby. Save a thought for the lighthouse keepers of the day, living in remote conditions. So inaccessible was this lighthouse 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.
5. Stroll along stunning Vivonne Bay
Vivonne Bay has previously been named as Australia’s Best Beach with its long stretches of white powdery sand and clear turquoise water. It does have strong currents, so 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.
6. 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 it will lead you to 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.
7. See busy KI bees and sample honey ice cream
Kangaroo Island is home to Earth’s only population of Ligurian bees. KI 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.
8. Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
Drop into the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, 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.
9. Pennington Bay
This is a stunning bay that is famous for its surfing. Yet whilst not the best option for families to swim it is great for spotting dolphins and whales.
10. Island Beehive Kingscote
Island Beehive is an interactive visitor centre located in Kingscote. There is free honey tasting, a cafe which serves the best scones in town and tours of the factory are provided daily. The hand-made honeycomb ice-cream is a must try.
Kangaroo Island is a short flight from Adelaide or a 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. Mistere on Kangaroo Island is available from $440 per night.
