Kangaroo Island - unspoilt and beautiful

One of the Australia's most beautiful and unique wilderness holiday destinations, Kangaroo Island is the third largest island in the country. At 155 km long, up to 55 km wide, and covering an area of 4,500 square kilometers, Kangaroo Island has wallabies, goannas, koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, fur seals, eagles, whales and ospreys, all within easy viewing.

Due to Kangaroo Island's isolation, it has suffered less than the mainland from the impact of European civilisation. Today, Kangaroo Island still has a rich and diverse flora and fauna and substantial tracts of bushland still remain undisturbed. The Island' has over 850 species of plants, as well as around 250 introduced species.

The spring (September and October) Kangaroo Island's spectacular wildflowers bloom, while wildlife is most visible during winter and, in summer, during the cooler parts of the day.

Activities include sailing the clear waters, exploring the sandy beaches and isolated coves and there are many spectacular anchorages around Kangaroo Island. Skippered charter yachts operate from Kingscote offering day and overnight catered cruises. The waters off Kangaroo Island offer excellent temperate-water diving and you'll see walls of Gorgonia corals, red, orange and white sponges and fishlife including blue devil, harlequin, truncate coralfish and boarfish as well as leafy sea-dragons.

Camping is permitted in approved camping areas and designated areas within National Parks, but there is also an extensive range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from hotel, motel, farm stay, bed & breakfast, self contained houses, backpacker hostels, and caravan parks.

Kangaroo Island Tourism: www.tourkangarooisland.com.au