Remarkable Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Your Remarkable Adelaide to Kangaroo Island adventure begins today as you travel through the Fleurieu Peninsula, a beautiful region known for its stunning coastline, picturesque towns, and rich cultural heritage. At Cape Jervis it’s all aboard as you cruise south across the Backstairs Passage bound for Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island’s second largest town. Enjoy the slow pace with an afternoon at leisure exploring this quaint seaside town. Why not take a walk along the Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail, delve into the island’s history at the Maritime and Folk Museum or just relax with a dip at the beach. The choice is yours! This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel with your travelling companions.

After a leisurely breakfast, your Kangaroo Island adventure begins with a visit to Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, home to South Australia’s oldest operational lighthouse. Explore the visitor centre & museum to learn about the rich maritime history before taking a walk around the lighthouse and enjoying the panoramic views of Cape Willoughby. Next, you’ll discover the history of Kangaroo Island Wool as you embark on a unique and captivating 75-minute journey through time on a working mill tour. Begin with an unforgettable cinematic experience within Australia's only 9-metre Igloo Dome, where you'll be transported to the heart of Kangaroo Island. Discover the fascinating story of the island's wool industry, from its early settlers to the present-day wool farmers who have shaped its rich heritage. Meet the people who have played a crucial role in shaping Kangaroo Island's wool legacy and gain a deeper understanding of the island's history and culture.  Working up a thirst, your final stop of the day is to meet Mike, your host at Kangaroo Island Brewery. This is no ordinary brew-house – Mike makes all his beers using rainwater he collects from the roof of his shed. Try a paddle of his liquid gold, or sip wine or cider while chatting with your affable host.

Today mingles wilderness, wildlife and wonderful food in equal measure. Your outlook begins on a high at the Remarkable Rocks. Formed some 500 million years ago, the precariously balanced, rust-hued granite boulders cut a dramatic form against the inky blue of the Southern Ocean and silvery shrubs that cover the countryside. Your outlook is just as wild at Admirals Arch, a natural rock formation within Flinders Chase National Park, and a popular hangout for cacophonous New Zealand fur seals. The colony loll about on just about every surface you can see. They’re petite compared to the creatures found at Seal Bay Conservation Park, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where playful seals tumble down the sand to splash about in the water – metres from where you stand. And on to that food and drink. After a two-course lunch at Vivonne Bay Bistro, Peter at Island Beehive will dish up samples of the honey (and delicious honey ice-cream) he makes here using Ligurian bees. They’re found on KI, and nowhere else in Australia. Meanwhile, the owners of Islander Estate Vineyard will pour you a glass or two and talk through the production of their wines.

One of the reason bees are so happy on Kangaroo Island is because they have an immense floral bounty to buzz over at Emu Bay Lavender Farm. Maria and Tony have been tending the land for two decades, and today grow 10 varieties of this fragrant flower. They turn it into all kinds of products, from soaps and beauty products to ice-cream, jam and scones. Dig in. Before you leave the island, follow your nose to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery. If Australia was an aroma, this would be it. Pick up essential oils, body creams, sweets honey and soaps, and taste their cider. Then bliss out knowing that anything you eat or use not only tastes and smells great, but also has therapeutic properties. Back in Adelaide, relax this afternoon before joining your fellow foodies for dinner.

Bags a few kilos heavier thanks to all that honey, lavender and eucalyptus, it’s time to bid farewell to Adelaide and Australia’s second-largest (but perhaps most beguiling) island.