Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island, Australia's third largest island, is a stunning microcosm of landscapes and environments - from pristine beaches and crystal clear waters to lush untouched forests and even amazing desert dunes. No wonder it's one of Australia's National Landscapes.

Stroll among sea lions sunning themselves on the beach, swim with dolphins in a sheltered cove, catch sight of koalas napping in the trees and watch mobs of kangaroos grazing in a clearing.

Or just sit back and enjoy fresh seafood, local wines and a lazy day on a deserted, sandy beach.

And it's only a short flight or ferry ride from the coast of South Australia - making it an easy, accessible island holiday destination.

Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia's first true luxury lodge, offering a unique and exclusive travel experience on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Seeming to float atop a secluded cliff, the Lodge commands peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine wilderness. Outstanding architectural and custom interior design combine with exquisite local dining, wildlife encounters and guided adventures to create a complete Kangaroo Island experience. Sensitive, intimate and sophisticated, Southern Ocean Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxe, Kangaroo Island style.

Getting there: It takes around 50 minutes to reach Southern Ocean Lodge from Kingscote Airport. The Lodge Managers meet scheduled flights for transfer and checkin.

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Lifetime Private Retreats

LifeTime Private Retreats - an island paradise where you can stay at one of three luxury beach villas set on their own stunning coastal Kangaroo Island estates, a place of complete privacy. Choose from the sensuous curves of Cliff House perched on the cliff over beautiful Snelling Beach; romantic Sky House with its sweeping views of rugged coastline; and the earthy character of Stone House, combining the charm of beach and bush settings.

Getting there: Snelling Beach is an hour's drive west from Kingscote on Kangaroo Island's north coast.

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Kangaroo Island Marine Tours

More than just a boat ride, eco-certified Kangaroo Island Marine Tours will show you the island's stunning marine wonderland. Swim with dolphins at play and visit a seal colony. See seabirds and marine creatures like the Leafy Sea Dragon in their natural environments. Go snorkeling, take a walk on a remote beach or just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Getting there: Tours depart from Emu Bay a short 15 minute drive from Kingscote.

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Seal Bay Conservation Park

Want a wild experience? Join a guided tour or explore the boardwalk and lookouts to see Australian Sea Lions in their natural environment, snoozing on the beach or in the dunes after long fishing trips at sea. Every day is different, you may enjoy the antics of young pups waiting for their mums to return or rowdy juveniles play fighting, and if the surfs up some serious sea lion surfing, all set in stunning coastal landscapes.

Getting there: Seal Bay is 45 minutes by road from Kingscote, on the south coast of Kangaroo Island.

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Flinders Chase National Park

Comprising almost 75,000ha, Flinders Chase is one of the jewels of Kangaroo Island, renowned for its amazing wildlife experiences and landscapes. Marvel at the wind-sculpted rock formations at Remarkable Rocks and New Zealand Fur Seals at Admirals Arch. Experience the abundant wildlife or go bushwalking along trails that open up to stunning beaches - some of which you may just have all to yourself.

Getting there: Flinders Chase is approximately 110 km west of Kingscote on Kangaroo Island's south western coast.

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Wallaby Bob's Night Fishing Tours

Join one of Kangaroo Island's fishing legends, 'Wallaby' Bob Campbell, on the ultimate educational, fishing experience. Stroll along sandy beaches and small reefs and learn about the diversity of the marine environment while catching an assortment of seafood for your culinary delight. And Wallaby Bob offers an unbeatable 'no fish, no pay' policy.

Getting there: Wallaby Bob's tours depart from Baudin Beach, 10 minutes from the town of Penneshaw at the eastern end of Kangaroo Island.

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Day One

Take a leisurely drive to Cape Jervis about 90 minutes south of Adelaide and catch the Kangaroo Island Sealink car ferry to Penneshaw, a comfortable 45 minute journey. Explore Penneshaw before lunch featuring fantastic local produce at Dudley Wines cellar door. After lunch travel east to beautiful Antechamber Bay. From there continue to Cape Willoughby and tour the historic lighthouse before journeying east to Kingscote to check into your accommodation, or if you'd prefer self contained lodging book a holiday house at Emu Bay just a few kilometres down the road.

Day Two

Start the day in an unforgettable way with Kangaroo Island Marine Tours and a cruise along the beautiful KI coastline with the chance to enjoy the magical experience of swimming with dolphins in their natural surrounds. Head into Kingscote for lunch. Why not try fresh, locally caught fish and chips on the beach? Then spend the afternoon sampling some of the island's natural products. Drop by Island Pure Sheep Dairy and if time allows keep heading south to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery. Still remembering that lunch? Drop by Kangaroo Iland Fresh Seafoods in Kingscote and pickup some of the freshest fish you can buy and head back to Emu Bay for an evening barbeque.

Day Three

Head west from Kingscote and Emu Bay along scenic North Coast Road. Stop for lunch at the Rockpool Cafe at Stokes Bay. From there it's just a short drive to Stokes Bay Bush Garden for a self-guided walk through a unique collection of Kangaroo Island and Australian plants. If you're holidaying with children make a bee-line for Paul's Place nearby where you can cuddle a koala, bottle-feed baby animals or hold a kangaroo. Then continue your journey along North Coast Road and if the weather is warm don't miss a swim at either Stokes Bay or Snelling Beach, two of Kangaroo Island's most beautiful beaches, before returning to your accommodation.

Day Four

Check out of your accommodation and drive west across the island to Flinders Chase National Park, renowned for amazing wildlife and dramatic wind-sculpted rock formations. Try lunch at the park's Chase Café before driving to Kelly Hill Caves and a tour of this magical system of underground caves. Travel to your accommodation. Choose from options including the superb luxury of Southern Ocean Lodge and the natural bushland setting of Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat.

Day Five

Make an early start and drive along the south coast to Vivonne Bay, proclaimed Australia's best beach. Team up with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action for a quad bike tour along bushland trails or a kayaking expedition on Harriet River. For lunch go no further than the Vivonne Bay General Store, home of the famous whiting burger. This afternoon go sandboarding at nearby Little Sahara, an area of spectacular white sand-dunes surrounded by bush vegetation. Hire boards and toboggans at Vivonne Bay. After such an energetic day you'll deserve an early trip back to your accommodation.

Day Six

Allow yourself a leisurely start and head east to Seal Bay for a remarkable experience. See Australian Sea Lions in their natural environment, snoozing on the beach or in the dunes after long fishing trips at sea. Drive north and take a lunch break at Kingscote before making your way towards Penneshaw and an afternoon ferry to the mainland. But on the way stop off at Sunset Wines – one of the island's 18 labels – for great wine and stunning coastal views.

Coopers Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival

On 18 and 20 February 2010 come to the Coopers Kangaroo Island Cup. Spread over two huge days of racing (Thursday and Saturday), the Cup is the Island's biggest party, attracting spectators and horses from Australia wide. On track the racing is first class, while off track the action is just as good with Fashions in the Field and party tents always popular.

For Further information: (08) 8553 1185 or 0409 673 640