My favorite memory about Kangaroo Island? Seeing so much wildlife in one place. Someone described it as a zoo with no fences and their slogan says it all: “A hop, skip and jump to unspoilt wilderness”.
Kangaroo Island in South Australia is with its 155 km length and 55 km width Australia`s third largest island. When visiting Kangaroo Island, I was told by my guide, the size of the island is the biggest misconception most visitors have.
We had a guided tour for a day, and even though you can easily explore Kangaroo Island by yourself, having a guide who knows where to see the wildlife, while sharing his knowledge and fun facts, was definitely the way to go.
What wildlife did I see? Well, it started with Pelicans by the water.
A Wallabee
This Koala was just making its way along the road, as you do.
This little fella is the oldest land mammal that survived from the dinosaurs’ time: Echidna
Australian Sea Lions at Seal Bay
And of course you can`t go to Kangaroo Island without seeing kangaroos!
How did Kangaroo Island get its name?
English explorer Matthew Flinders and his crew were exploring and mapping the Australian coastline. When the explorers on their expedition arrived at the island, they hadn`t had a decent meal with meat in a while. When they saw the kangaroos, they killed them to take them onboard for a feast meal. Because they felt grateful, they decided to name the island after the kangaroos, hence Kangaroo Island.
I visited Kangaroo Island with the support of South Australia Tourism, who organized a tour with Kangaroo Island Odysseys. We had a day tour, but the company offers different possibilities, even a variety of language tours. I very much enjoyed the tour, as you get to explore the hidden gems of Kangaroo Island that only the locals know and they take you to this special spot for a delicious lunch. Ask for Terry, he was our tour guide!
Even though South Australia Tourism helped us out with this trip, all the raving about the tour and the wildlife is my own.
It’s almost like the Galapagos. Looks like a great place to visit.
Funny that you say that Leigh, as our guide told us Kangaroo Island is referred to as the Galapagos of Australia!
Lovely photos Isabelle!
Thanks!
Gorgeous photos Isabelle. We’re certainly lucky to have that little island paradise on our doorstep!
Thanks! And also thanks for a smooth ride to and from the island 🙂
The way I heard, Galapagos is the Kangaroo Island of South America! 🙂
LOL I like that one!