To locals Kangaroo Island is known as KI. The island is 15 kilometres from the mainland and is 155 kilometres in length and 55 kilometres wide, with 509 kilometres of coastline. It was first discovered in 1800 when Mathew Flinders was exploring the southern coastline of Australia. The crew came across the island and spotted the kangaroos to which they named the island after. The French also came across the island and many of the areas are French named. 
 

In the early 1800’s the island held a community of sealers and the island was considered to be a capital, though resources and support for a large community was rejected, so Adelaide was chosen. 
 

Around the island there are several historic places to visit such as Reeves Point, Old Mulberry Tree, First Settlers Monument and the Kingscote Museum.
 

The island is also referred to as a ‘Zoo without Fences’ for its protection to native wildlife. It’s here on Kangaroo Island where you can spot koalas in the eucalypt trees, kangaroos and the smallest of the wallabies, the rabbit sized Tammar Wallaby who are capable of drinking sea water. Kangaroo Island has its own subspecies T. a. multiaculeatus of echinda, which has a fast 9 inch tongue and can scoop up insects up to 100 times in a minute – wow, that’s fast! 
 

Like the subspecies echinda, there is a subspecies kangaroo called the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo or Sooty Kangaroo. These kangaroos are shorter, heaver built and live for up to 13 years. There is also a sheep farm on the island which produces delicious cheese. 
 

Kangaroo Island is home to the only Ligurian Bee population in the world. The bees originated from Liguria in northern Italy, brought in from the settlers and is home to one of the only pure strains of bees anywhere in the world. No honey, bees or bee handling equipment is allowed onto the island to protect the Liguria Bees. 
 

In the water and around the coast Australian Sea Lions, New Zealand Fur Seals, penguins, pelicans, black swans, bottle-nosed dolphins and birds of prey are spotted including the Cape Barren Geese with its striking yellow bill. It was endangered and close to extinction decades ago though is now thriving on the island. 

 

Since the first settlement, there has been over 50 shipwrecks. The three lighthouses on Kangaroo Island have been hard at work to help sailors navigate the treacherous coastline. 

 

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse was built in 1852 and was the first lighthouse constructed in South Australia. Located on the east coast of the island, it is here on our Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail that you can stay exclusively in the light keeper’s cottage for one night of our active walking holiday. 
 

Cape Borda is a unique square shaped lighthouse on the north western side was built in 1858 and Cape de Coudic lighthouse was built in 1909 on the south western point. Check out the museums at the lighthouses to learn about the history of the rocky coastline. 
 

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is 61 kilometres over 5 days and takes in the natural highlights of the island. Head to Admirals Arch in the Flinders Chase National Park. It’s here along the boardwalk around the cliff face you’ll see the natural rock arch and spot sea lions frolicking in the rock pools under the arch. 
 

The Remarkable Rocks are a cluster of epic granite boulders with unique formations. The natural elements over 500 million years have shaped the boulders and orange lichen covers some of the rocks to provide a stunning landscape. 
 

Visit the limestone cave system of the Kelly Hill Caves to learn about how the caves were formed and marvel at its ceiling stalactite and ground stalagmite formations. 
 

On this 5 day Kangaroo Island exploration you’ll visit the scenic coastal bays, rivers, lighthouses, forests, spot wildlife, learn about the history and enjoy the island’s charm only carrying a day pack.