Join us for a group guided walking holiday on Kangaroo Island, the third largest in Australia. With over 25% of it protected within national parks, it’s a paradise for walkers and naturalists alike. We focus our walking on the spectacular western end of the island where tall limestone cliffs dominate the coastline and deeply incised creeks flow out to the sea. As well as stunning coastal landscapes, there are vast areas of wilderness and highly visible terrestrial and marine wildlife.
On top of a huge granite dome, wind sculptured Remarkable Rocks proudly sits, testament to 500 million years of nature’s erosion. Nearby, Admirals Arch is another product of wind and ocean carving the coastline like a sculpture. Over 7000 fur seals call the Arch home, frolicking on rock platforms and in the sea here.
There is loads of wildlife in addition to seals. Over the years, many threatened mainland species have been introduced to Kangaroo Island. Combined with the absence of foxes and rabbits and the conservation of large tracts of bush, this has resulted in an unexpected populations of kangaroos, wallabies, possums, echidnas, goannas, penguins, koalas, Cape Barren geese, Australian Sea-lions, fur seals and platypus.
During this walk, you’ll see Australian sea-lions in their natural habitat, and we’ll take you on an evening walk to see penguins in their rookery.
Everything bursts to life during spring when food and water are abundant, so wildflowers and birds are also plentiful. Approximately 40 endemic floral species exist on the island and the Cape Barren geese nest on top of the native iris grasses to incubate their eggs.
As well as walking you’ll visit Kelly Hill Caves and see ornate limestone formations, sinkholes, caverns and extensive chambers. These are no ordinary caves – you’ve no doubt seen stalagmites and stalactites, but have you ever seen helictites?
There are historic lighthouses to explore, each with its own unique features and inspiring history. At Cape Willoughby enjoy a walk through history and the opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse. Cape Borda’s special square lighthouse is perched high above Investigator Strait, and was built in 1858 to guide sailing ships arriving off the “roaring forties” trade routes. And you’ll get to spend two nights in charming lighthouse keepers cottages at Cape du Couedic lighthouse.
There are plenty of beaches on Kangaroo Island, including the long curving sweep of Vivonne Bay, recently proclaimed the “best beach” in Australia.
Photos
Location
This holiday starts and finishes in Adelaide.Accommodation
Seafront hotel, wilderness retreat and cottages at historic Cape du Couedic lightstation. Note that on the two nights at the lighthouse there will be shared bathrooms and no single rooms. These beautiful restored stone cottages are set in bushland adjacent to the lighthouse itself. It’s a great place to watch the sun set. There are 3 cottages and each has 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. Hence, no ensuites – we’ll all need to share for these two nights. Everyone will need to share a room with another person. There are 3 rooms available with queen beds and the rest have 2 single beds. The guides will prepare meals (there are no restaurants nearby) – dinners will be substantial but will obviously not be a-la-carte! Note that, due to limited time, we cannot cater for very restrictive diets. Vegetarians are OK but if you have specific requirements, please contact us prior to booking to discuss what we can and can’t do. Remember, staying at a remote Lightstation such as this is a special experience!
