Diverse Kangaroo Island

The best time to visit Kangaroo Island is during the spring (September-November), when the wildflowers encompass the island and begin to bloom. The springtime is also the time when the platypuses lay their eggs, and eucalyptus oil production begins. You’ll also find that the summer (December - February) is an excellent time to visit because it’s when the koala and kangaroo babies are born.

In the morning, pick up your rental car from Adelaide Airport and make your way to Cape Jervis. As the morning sun glistens upon your skins, drive south with the windows down and the wind blowing through your hair as the beautiful landscapes surround you. On both sides of the road, you’ll already see the famous Australian kangaroos and their relatives, the wallabies. In just about 1.5 hours, you’ll reach Cape Jervis. Hop onto a 45-minute ferry to Penneshaw for your Kangaroo Island adventure to begin. With a little luck, you might also see some whales or dolphins swim by! Enjoy the remarkable views of the deep blue sea as you sail closer to the island.

Kangaroo Island is a small island in southern Australia, yet it is the third-largest island in Australia. Since it’s a remote island, it offers ample opportunities to see many animals rarely seen on the mainland.

Kingscote is where the island’s tiny airport is and home to 1,750 residents. Even though it’s the island’s capital, it has no traffic lights. Visitors can spot the spectacled pelicans on the Bay of Shoals close to the capital.

On the other side of the island, you’ll find an absolute highlight: Flinders Chase National Park and the Remarkable Rocks. The natural phenomenon is partially hollowed out at its base, making it a rare geological feature. What kind of figure do you see in the Remarkable Rocks? With a little imagination, can you make out the wide-open mouth? Or how about a UFO? Anteaters? Or maybe you see different faces?

The orange-blue color contrasts between rocks, sky, and sea, with peak times for unforgettable sights in the early morning or late evening. Does the smell of the salty air and eucalyptus trees tickle your nose hairs? Then you’ve arrived at Cape du Couedic and its Admirals Arch. It is a cave adorned by natural tree roots, open to the sea, and surrounded by numerous seals. The locals call this part of the sea the “Southern Ocean” because it’s the Pacific and Antarctic meet. More highlights in the national park are the cute koalas, might kangaroos, and unique platypuses.

Not only is nature worth your trip, but you must also try the gin! Located on the island is a small distillery called the Kangaroo Island Spirits Factory. A visit here is a must for every gin fan. Another delicious product you can try is the island’s famous eucalyptus honey, known for its sweet yet spicy notes.

Two nights at Mecure Kangaroo Island Lodge**** in a Superior Room King Bayview, American River, Kangaroo Island

It’s adventure time! Your guide will pick you up from the lodge and take you on a small group excursion in a 4x4 jeep. Did you know that Kangaroo Island is also called the “Galápagos of Australia?” That’s because a little over 250 animal species live here and it’s the only place on the continent where you can see them.

At the Seal Bay Conservation Park, your guide will take you on an unforgettable stroll along the beach. Keep your eyes peels for seals lazing around or as they come ashore, waddling to their hangout spot. Your guide will safely lead you next to these animals, close enough where you’re protecting both yourself and the marine animals.

Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch! Go to a bush house and savor a gourmet picnic in a gorgeous setting. Then you will continue the excursion with a walk in the bush or on the beach.

Continue driving through the island’s countryside, keeping an eye out for koalas dozing off in the eucalyptus trees or native anteaters. On the north coast, you will discover even more beaches where you can hear the cockatoos singing. In the early evening, the kangaroos and wallabies come out to say hello. They graze the island’s wild fields and compared to mainland kangaroos, these ones are smaller and have thicker tails. Since they live on a remote island, they are also not afraid of humans, so you might even have some unique interactions!

Your tour ends in Penneshaw, where a transfer will take you back to your hotel.

If you wish, you can individually extend your trip on KI (the nickname the locals call their island). If not, you will hop onto the ferry and head back to Cape Jervis. Once you’re back on the mainland, drive to Adelaide Airport and return your rental car.

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Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge****, Kangaroo Island

The lodge is only 25 minutes away from Penneshaw and overlooks the American River Bay. Go for a dip in the pool on hot days, or enjoy some delicious food and cocktails at Reflections Restaurant or the bar. Guests also can embark on activities on the nature trail or watch pelicans feeding in the bay. The 38 air-conditioned rooms all have a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, microwaves, a toaster, and WiFi.

Duration of the trip: 3 days / 2 nights

Including

• 2 nights according to the program

• 3 days rental car (Toyota Rav 4 or similar) with no excess, unlimited mileage, property damage cover, vehicle registration fee, processing fee, 24-hour breakdown assistance, taxes, location fee, MAX Cover, GPS

• Ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw and back

• Day trip in a 4x4 jeep on a group basis (Day 2)

Excluding

• International flights

• Entrance fees to national parks or similar

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Rental cars: petrol, surcharge for young drivers, one-way fees, surcharges for delivery/collection outside of opening hours, deposit, other extras (WiFi, child seats), etc.

Services & Notes

• The General Terms and Conditions of HERTZ Australia apply