Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island statistics:

509 km (318.2 miles) coastline
155 km (96 miles) from east to west
55 km (34.5 miles) at its widest point
1 km (.6 miles) at its narrowest point
Area about 4350 square km (1680 square miles) making it the second largest of the southern Australian system of islands after Tasmania
Approximately 1600 km (1000 miles) of sealed and unsealed roads
Population 4261 (2006 Census)
 
Kangaroo Island is one of Australia's great scenic treasures and a must for anyone interested in travel to wilderness destinations.

Located 110 km (70 miles) south-west of Adelaide and easily accessible by Ferry or Plane. A mix of attractive small townships and fascinating wilderness; Kangaroo Island is Australia's third largest island.

Due to its size and the number of things to do and discover, it is impossible to see it all in a day or 2. If you only have one or  two days available on your itinerary, choose places from the things that interest you most.

The Island has a fascinating History and was almost claimed by the French in 1804.

Throughout the nineteenth century various attempts were made to establish a viable industry on the Island. Salt was mined; farmers tried to carve pastoral leases out of the poor soils; eucalyptus oil stills were set up, Yacca was threshed for it's gum to produce lacquer and explosives; commercial fishing was undertaken, gypsum mining established itself and the tourism industry began.

From the start of the 20th century tourism became a fundamental component of the islands economy. To this day Kangaroo Island's numerous natural wonders, beaches, conservation parks and wildlife sanctuaries are visited by tens of thousands of people each year.

The agricultural industry has adapted to the poor soil and forestry, sheep dairying, bee keeping and marron farming has become popular. There are still traditional farms but these are diminishing in number as the land is broken up into smaller 'hobby' style farms, making this island an ever changing wonder of lifestyle choices and experimental agricultural pursuits.

Viticulture has commenced here and the vines grow well in the moderate climate. The wines produced are world standard.

A fabulous place to stay and explore, this relatively large Island has many facets and is an interesting and welcoming location.