Kangaroo Island

Do you have the inclination to get off the beaten track in Australia? Consider Kangaroo Island, a short flight from Adelaide or a 15 minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis. This Island was inhabited by Aboriginal people as early as 16,000 years ago. Early European settlers arrived in the beginning of the 19th century. Most of the animals seen today were introduced from the mainland in the early 1900s. There are numerous National Parks. These allow their descendants to live undisturbed in their natural habitats.

Each season has its own charms. Winter lasts from June to August and is the best time to see some of the normally nocturnal animals who come out by day during this season. The koala babies (called joeys) come out of their mothers’ pouches and ride on their backs. The Southern Right whales are seen off shore on their migration from Antarctica.

In spring, September to November, the countryside is rife with wildflowers. Sea lions give birth in spring after a 18 month breeding cycle.

In summer, December to February downunder, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas give birth. This time of year, they are most often seen at dawn or dusk. During the day, they most often retreat to the bushland to avoid the heat.

Though it is relatively easy to drive around Kangaroo Island on ones own, it is almost impossible to find the animals without prior knowledge of their hideouts. Knowledgeable guides are available who can ferret out the animals and helped one to see such sights as koalas asleep in the crook of tree branches. The koalas blend in to the forest so that they are almost invisible to the casual sightseer. The guides also are known for cooking a great lunch on the barbe.

A highlight on Kangaroo is the Seal Bay Conservation Park. There one will see hundreds of Australian sea-lions sunning themselves on the beach. You are permitted to walk within 10 feet of these magnificent creatures.

The activities available on Kangaroo Island include fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and surfing. Visitors can also go cycling and bushwalking. Though many people fly to Kangaroo Island in the morning and return to Adelaide the same evening, it is thought to be most rewarding to stay for a few days.

Accommodations include motel style hotels, guest houses, B and Bs and farm stays. Overnight stays will allow the visitor to take a nocturnal tour and allow one to see the animals rarely seen during the day. Also, it will be possible to explore the Island in more depth.

On this Island, just off the coast of South Australia, beside seeing the fauna of Australia, one canl enjoy meeting people from all over the world. A visitor will be rewarded with a slice of rural life far removed from the bustling cities of Australia. (Source PRWeb)