Freshwater Bay Holiday guidebook

Gary
Freshwater Bay Holiday guidebook

Sightseeing

Penneshaw • Sometimes overlooked by visitors • A small white dome on the foreshore of Hog Bay holds a special place in South Australian history. Its where explorers Matthew Flinders and Nicholas Baudin exchanged survival information, despite their counties being at war at the time. Flinders told Baudin of the abundance of food, in the form of kangaroos. • Visit the summer markets on the first Sunday of each month • Lashmar conservation ParkA favourite for beach lovers, Lashmar Conservation Park adjoins the long sandy beach at Antechamber Bay. • The park is an ideal location for swimming, fishing and bird watching and is just a short drive from Cape Willoughby lightstation. • Explore the park further by canoeing your way along the tranquil Chapman River which flows through the park and into the sea at Antechamber Bay. • A scenic picnic area and campground are also available within the park. Please note camping fees apply. Baudin Beach • Baudin Beach comprises 207 allotments, each in excess of 800 square metres. Some 30% of the allotments are a mix of permanent and holiday homes, the remaining allotments being undeveloped. • There are no shopping facilities in Baudin Beach and there is no reticulated water supply. Boat launching is possible from a recently improved boat ramp. Next to the boat ramp is a copper sculpture, unveiled in 2002, of Mary Beckwith, reputedly the first recorded European woman to set foot on South Australian soil • The waters of Eastern Cove immediately adjoining Baudin Beach are renowned for King George whiting. • Artworks Gallery (Bessell Drive) - Artworks is a friendly, informal community gallery manned and run entirely by the artists themselves and volunteer members of the artists Collective KI Inc. • The gallery is housed in an attractive open space building with light and airy display areas. The wide range of art and craft work for sale is a feature of artworks and includes paintings, photography, prints, collages, lino and solar etching prints, paper tole, jewellery, pottery, sculptures, wood and metal work, handmade felt items, hand knitted scarves and hats, cards, bookmarks and much more! • Whether you are looking for a unique piece of artwork from Kangaroo Island or a small memento of your visit you will find plenty to choose from at Artworks. A special photo opportunity is the giant limestone octopus at the entrance! Emu Ridge Eucalyptus • Emu Ridge is a unique attraction where you can find out how a traditional Aussie bush product is made, they will show you the past and present process of eucalyptus oil distilling. • Eucalyptus oil was Australia’s first true export overseas and one of Kangaroo Islands major industries. Emu Ridge is now the only remaining commercial eucalyptus oil distillery in South Australia and is proud to have preserved a major part of Kangaroo Island’s heritage our history and produce a eucalyptus oil that is unique to the world. • The award-winning Emu Ridge site has an excellent retail outlet that offers an extensive range of local produce, art, craft and historical memorabilia. Emu Ridge manufacture and retail Eucalyptus oil and a large range of associated natural products. • They offer Guided and Self-Guided Tours that take visitors through the distillery. • Emu Ridge offers light meals and is also the cellar door for the award-winning Kangaroo Island Cider. We have an indoor and 2 large outdoor eating areas that are also available for events. The dining area offers a fully licensed bar. Vivonne Bay • It is a 100km, a bit over an hour drive to Vivonne Bay from Penneshaw. Bypass the tourist attractions for now as you will need time to explore one of the best beaches on the island. Take Jetty Road on the left to the beach where you can surf, swim near the boat ramp, fish off the jetty or just walk and walk and walk. It’s a dirt road with corrugations – but it is still OK to drive on even with a motorhome. • Vivonne Bay's long, curved, sandy beach is a superb site for picnics, beachcombing, surfing and fishing. Experienced surfers enjoy the wonderful turquoise waters. Fishing from the jetty, beach, boat or the Harriet River mouth is excellent. • The beach can be reached by taking the road just past the Vivonne Bay store. Safe swimming areas can be found near the jetty and boat ramp, or the sandy-bottomed Harriet River that enters the bay nearby. On the other side of the river, Point Ellen provides photographers with spectacular views of the Southern Ocean, sending its waves crashing onto the cliff-face. • Little Sahara (10minutes from Vivonne Bay) - Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action offers customers a variety of high quality, action based, outdoor activities with the opportunity to explore otherwise inaccessible parts of Kangaroo Island. • Experience the natural beauty that Kangaroo Island has to offer by combining adventure activities with nature. • You can ride quad bikes through 500 acres of winding bush land trails, open grassland and rocky terrain, hire sandboards or toboggans and surf the massive sand dunes at Little Sahara. • Escape the crowds and make your own tracks on a guided Fat Bike Tour, the best way to discover this part of Kangaroo Island. Ultra-wide, low pressure tyres float over sand giving you an easy ride over the dunes at Little Sahara. Tours adapted to your riding style and fitness level; electric bikes available. • Take a guided kayak tour or hire a double or single kayak and paddle up the relaxing Harriet River (20mins from Vivonne Bay) at your own pace. • All outdoor adventures are for everyone - all ages and abilities, and suitable for the whole family. Guided tours from 1.5 hours to 3 hours, full day packages also available. Clifford’s Honey Farm • Clifford’s Honey Farm is Dave and Jenny Clifford’s family business with three generations currently working at the farm situated at Elsegood Road, Haines, Kangaroo Island. • Dave started with a couple of hives as a hobby in 1973. During the late 1980’s when the wool prices dropped, Dave and Jenny diversified their sheep farm by expanding the fledgling honey business. They opened the farm gate shop in 1993 and the business has slowly grown to what it is today. • The family runs the honey production business and farm gate shop which is open every day 9am to 5pm. Visitors to the farm gate shop will find a selection of our quality honey and a range of products from other artisan Kangaroo Island producers, including value added honey products made by Dave & Jenny’s daughters and their husbands. Bev & Tony Nolan’s range of Latitude 36 dressings and chutneys. And Sharon and Greg Simons Honey wheat ale. Visitors learn about beekeeping and the unique Ligurian bee only found on Kangaroo Island. • Dave and Jenny along with their daughters, grandchildren and local staff are committed to upholding the integrity of this unique resource of pure Ligurian bees for future generations to enjoy. Pennington Bay • The beaches are wider on this southern side of the island attracting surfers, fishermen and sightseers for great views from the clifftop carparks • Mobile cafe located at Pennington Bay Kangaroo Island with a beautiful ocean view. Speciality coffee roasted by Dawn Patrol at Kangarilla. You can enjoy a beach barista blend or a single origin which changes regularly and also decaffinated beans. We use South Australian made products as much as possible. Fleurieu Milk (jersey premium, low-fat or lactose free), also Milk Lab almond or soy options. Homemade cakes, a range of toasted sandwiches including gluten free bread. Golden North ice cream, made in South Australian (gluten and palm oil free), • You can sit and take in the view with a real cup and plate. If you need to use takeaway you can be assured all ours is 100% compostable. • Come and meet the friendly owners Rob and Kylie Raptor Domain • Dave and Leeza Irwin run three shows – Venom Pit, In Flight and Fangtastic. Learn all about deadly, venomous critters, get close up and personal with not so deadly ones and enjoy a show which highlights the natural talents of raptors. • Raptor Domain is an environmental education Rehabilitation Centre. They do not display animals, they present them in educational, interactive and fun presentations. Join them daily for one, two, or all three presentations. Venom Pit: 45 minutes 10.30am You will be able to get up close and personal in a safe environment with some of Australia's most venomous critters. Meet their local deadly snake species and come face to face with the world's second most deadly spider. This is a fascinating presentation about venom and the animals that use it. Birds of Prey "In Flight" one hour 11.30am and 2.30pm Raptor Domain delivers the only "In-Flight" Birds of Prey Display in South Australia. Meet an array of birds including Jedda the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle. Enjoy a delightful interactive experience with Casper the friendly Barn Owl, Banjo and Clancy the laughing Kookaburras and many more. This display is thought of by many to be the most interactive and educational Birds of Prey display they have seen. "Fang-Tastic" 45 minutes 1pm Enjoy an interactive hands on and educational experience with our friendly lizards and snakes. Learn some interesting facts about reptiles here in Australia. Seal Bay • As Kangaroo Island's premier tourist attraction, the award winning Seal Bay offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience. • Australia’s third largest colony of sea lions live a Seal Bay Conservation Park. A self-guided tour will take you along the boardwalk to see the sea lions from a distance. • Learn about the amazing lives of these endangered animals as our experienced guides take you on a tour into the colony. There will be plenty of time for photos as the sea lions shelter in the dunes, rest on the sand or surf in the ocean. • Set your own pace on the 800 metre wheelchair accessible boardwalk which meanders through the dunes to a number of viewing platforms. • Seal Bay is a 45-minute drive from Kingscote. Beach access to the sea-lion colony is by guided tour only but sea-lions can also be seen from the self-guided boardwalk. Special twilight tours are also available in summer school holidays. Entry tickets can be purchased from Seal Bay Visitor Information Centre, where you can learn more about these fascinating creatures and also browse for souvenirs. • Nearby is Bales Bay picnic area where picnic shelters, gas barbecues and toilets are provided. Kelly Hill Caves • Head underground and explore the limestone labyrinth first discovered in 1880 when a local stockman’s horse fell through a hole in the ground. Guides explain how the intricate formations including stalactites and stalagmites. • For the bold and inquisitive there are also adventure caving tours that take you crawling through the underground maze. Or you may like to go bush walking to appreciate the diverse landscapes above ground and take advantage of the picnic facilities. KI Wilderness Trail • Rugged, challenging and soul-inspiring. That’s how the 61 kilometre Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is best described along with breathtaking (and you might be little breathless too depending on your fitness). • Lace up your hiking boots, or Converse if that’s more your style, and hit the trail to experience one of the Great Walks of Australia. Skirt along the remote and spectacular coastline of the Southern Ocean, spotting wildlife and rugged beauty along the way. BYO tent and spend the night under the stars. Dedicated campgrounds for walkers provide tent-platforms and facilities. Flinders Chase National Park • Remarkable Rocks – Perched above the sea in Flinders Chase National Park, the impressive Remarkable Rocks form what appear to be a cluster of precariously balanced granite boulders. • This stunning work of nature has been shaped by the erosive forces of wind, sea spray and rain over some 500 million years. The golden orange lichen covering some of the rocks offers visitors wonderful photo opportunities at different times of the day. Interpretation signs share the story of how these intriguing rocks were formed. • There is a viewing platform providing a vantage point for disabled access. The area also provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the photogenic Casuarina Islets. • Cape du Couedic lighthouse stands out like a beacon but don’t miss the detour to Weirs Cove where the lighthouse keepers lived and created an ingenious way to get their supplies up the treacherous cliff face every three months • Admirals Arch – Another wildlife encounter – this time NZ fur seals, from the boardwalk you will see many resting in the rocks, make sure to walk right to the bottom. • A beautiful natural rock arch shaped by the powerful Southern Ocean, and the sculptured granite boulders known as Remarkable Rocks. Other attractions include wild beaches, the unspoilt Rocky River, vast wilderness areas and cultural heritage sites – including two lighthouses. • Cape Borda Lightstation is testament to a bygone era of travelling the open seas by sail. It is a monument to isolation and hardship. The precinct is steeped in European history. It has an unusual square lighthouse built in 1858, several historic light keepers’ cottages you can stay in, and a museum. • Learn more about the island's maritime history on a guided tour (fee applies). Don't miss the 12.30pm tour - it includes the daily cannon firing at 1pm. You can find out all about it during the tour. • Other highlights include the museum where you can read the diaries of early lighthouse keepers. The nearby lighthouse keeper's cemetery at Harvey's Return also offers a sobering insight into the hardships faced by early lighthouse keepers and their families. • Cape Borda offers picnic areas with sheltered gas barbecues. Go for a walk after lunch - try the Cliff Top Hike for amazing views out over the water. • To really experience the spectacular beauty and tranquillity of Cape Borda, you can stay overnight in a charming self-contained lighthouse keeper's cottage. If camping is more your thing, nearby Harvey's Return has a campground (camping fees apply). Stokes Bay • Secluded Stokes Bay is a hidden paradise waiting to be uncovered on Kangaroo Island’s north coast. If you want to relax beachside, this picture-perfect cove is an idyllic spot to throw down a towel. After pulling up in the carpark, weave through a little labyrinth of caves before emerging onto some of the whitest sand and clearest water in Australia. • Once you’ve built up an appetite wading in the turquoise waters, head to Table 88 for tapas and sample some of the island’s best produce. • Stokes Bay Bush Garden offers an easy look at a unique collection of Kangaroo Island and Australian plants in a three-hectare setting. Just four kilometres from Stokes Bay on the Stokes Bay Road, the garden offers over 150 Kangaroo Island species, 16 endemic plants, over 1,500 named plants, over 75 different Banksias, more than 45 different Dryandras, over 145 types of Grevilleas and many seasonal native Orchids. Snelling Beach • At Snellings Beach the ocean sunsets are just as incredible as the local food. • Snellings Beach is also home to a pod of friendly dolphins who are known to join swimmers unannounced. • The limestone road back towards Snelling Beach from Stokes Bay is usually in fairly good condition, slow down to avoid potholes and the reward is another picturesque bay with protected waters. Kingscote • The commercial hub of KI, about 1800 of the islands 4500 live here. You’ll find fuel, supermarkets, pub, restaurants and shops. • Fine Art Kangaroo Island (91 Dauncey St) showcases an exclusive blend of quality island inspired artwork. • Beautiful and professional displays are lovingly curated in the historic renovated corner building. Don't forget to visit owner Fred Peters in his studio, and watch him create his beautiful silver jewellery. At the rear enjoy enjoy the quirky arts courtyard. The gallery offers a constantly changing collection including painting, sculpture, art jewellery, limited edition prints and glass work. • Outstanding personal service is provided. Fred and Fleur Peters are established galleristas with extensive knowledge of the artists, techniques and investment value. Resident jeweller Fred Peters runs jewellery making workshops from his home studio twice a year. • Exciting exhibitions program feature throughout the year. In August visit us at the National Wine Centre for SALA. Artwork can be framed, unframed, and an international freight service is offered. • The sublime and natural landscapes of Kangaroo Island inspire creativity and nurture the artistic soul. Fine Art Kangaroo Island is an award-winning gallery which presents a curated collection of the island's finest artworks combined with working jewellery studio and ephemeral arts courtyard. • Bay of Shoals Wines is located just north of Kingscote overlooking the Bay of Shoals and Reeves Point, site of the first settlement in South Australia. The first vines were planted on the hillsides in 1993 and their Riesling vines are thought to be the closest to the sea in the Southern Hemisphere, at just 30 metres from the water’s edge. • There are around 50 acres of vines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. These premium grapes are grown in a true maritime climate, with the wines reflecting this quality environment through intense varietal flavours. Reeves Point • This is where SA was first settled but when farming proved unviable, they moved the settlement to the mainland. Reeves Point features historic monuments like the old jetty, the islands first well and post office and a massive mulberry tree. It’s a great place for a picknick or if you’re looking for seafood get fish and chips at KI Fresh Seafoods at the Caltex petrol station. Emu Bay • Is another beautiful bay where actor Chris Hemsworth spent a holiday. You can go to the Lavender Farm for a sea of violet in lavender season and you can buy many products including dried flowers and ice-cream. Island Beehive • Visit Island Beehive to learn about Ligurian Bees. Kangaroo Island was declared a sanctuary for this docile bee in 1885 in order to protect the bee's purity. • See the production factory, take a guided tour, and enjoy free tastings of organic honey. Enjoy delicious scones in the cafe and visit the shop for bee products, beeswax candles, souvenirs, health products and local arts and crafts. • Island Beehive is a Tourist Centre on the outskirts of Kingscote, established by Peter Davis who is committed to the protection of the Ligurian Bee heritage. It has excellent facilities including conference, information technology and is wheelchair friendly throughout. • Island Beehive is very proud of its organic honey, which won "Best Organic Product" in the national, Audi sponsored, Vogue Entertainment plus Travel Awards announced in November 2005. • Guided tours operate every 30 minutes. Coach, group and after hours tours are available on request. Phone bookings are essential for group tours. Contact Island Beehive for current prices. Free admission to the information centre, shop and cafe.
49 locals recommend
Kangaroo Island
49 locals recommend
Penneshaw • Sometimes overlooked by visitors • A small white dome on the foreshore of Hog Bay holds a special place in South Australian history. Its where explorers Matthew Flinders and Nicholas Baudin exchanged survival information, despite their counties being at war at the time. Flinders told Baudin of the abundance of food, in the form of kangaroos. • Visit the summer markets on the first Sunday of each month • Lashmar conservation ParkA favourite for beach lovers, Lashmar Conservation Park adjoins the long sandy beach at Antechamber Bay. • The park is an ideal location for swimming, fishing and bird watching and is just a short drive from Cape Willoughby lightstation. • Explore the park further by canoeing your way along the tranquil Chapman River which flows through the park and into the sea at Antechamber Bay. • A scenic picnic area and campground are also available within the park. Please note camping fees apply. Baudin Beach • Baudin Beach comprises 207 allotments, each in excess of 800 square metres. Some 30% of the allotments are a mix of permanent and holiday homes, the remaining allotments being undeveloped. • There are no shopping facilities in Baudin Beach and there is no reticulated water supply. Boat launching is possible from a recently improved boat ramp. Next to the boat ramp is a copper sculpture, unveiled in 2002, of Mary Beckwith, reputedly the first recorded European woman to set foot on South Australian soil • The waters of Eastern Cove immediately adjoining Baudin Beach are renowned for King George whiting. • Artworks Gallery (Bessell Drive) - Artworks is a friendly, informal community gallery manned and run entirely by the artists themselves and volunteer members of the artists Collective KI Inc. • The gallery is housed in an attractive open space building with light and airy display areas. The wide range of art and craft work for sale is a feature of artworks and includes paintings, photography, prints, collages, lino and solar etching prints, paper tole, jewellery, pottery, sculptures, wood and metal work, handmade felt items, hand knitted scarves and hats, cards, bookmarks and much more! • Whether you are looking for a unique piece of artwork from Kangaroo Island or a small memento of your visit you will find plenty to choose from at Artworks. A special photo opportunity is the giant limestone octopus at the entrance! Emu Ridge Eucalyptus • Emu Ridge is a unique attraction where you can find out how a traditional Aussie bush product is made, they will show you the past and present process of eucalyptus oil distilling. • Eucalyptus oil was Australia’s first true export overseas and one of Kangaroo Islands major industries. Emu Ridge is now the only remaining commercial eucalyptus oil distillery in South Australia and is proud to have preserved a major part of Kangaroo Island’s heritage our history and produce a eucalyptus oil that is unique to the world. • The award-winning Emu Ridge site has an excellent retail outlet that offers an extensive range of local produce, art, craft and historical memorabilia. Emu Ridge manufacture and retail Eucalyptus oil and a large range of associated natural products. • They offer Guided and Self-Guided Tours that take visitors through the distillery. • Emu Ridge offers light meals and is also the cellar door for the award-winning Kangaroo Island Cider. We have an indoor and 2 large outdoor eating areas that are also available for events. The dining area offers a fully licensed bar. Vivonne Bay • It is a 100km, a bit over an hour drive to Vivonne Bay from Penneshaw. Bypass the tourist attractions for now as you will need time to explore one of the best beaches on the island. Take Jetty Road on the left to the beach where you can surf, swim near the boat ramp, fish off the jetty or just walk and walk and walk. It’s a dirt road with corrugations – but it is still OK to drive on even with a motorhome. • Vivonne Bay's long, curved, sandy beach is a superb site for picnics, beachcombing, surfing and fishing. Experienced surfers enjoy the wonderful turquoise waters. Fishing from the jetty, beach, boat or the Harriet River mouth is excellent. • The beach can be reached by taking the road just past the Vivonne Bay store. Safe swimming areas can be found near the jetty and boat ramp, or the sandy-bottomed Harriet River that enters the bay nearby. On the other side of the river, Point Ellen provides photographers with spectacular views of the Southern Ocean, sending its waves crashing onto the cliff-face. • Little Sahara (10minutes from Vivonne Bay) - Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action offers customers a variety of high quality, action based, outdoor activities with the opportunity to explore otherwise inaccessible parts of Kangaroo Island. • Experience the natural beauty that Kangaroo Island has to offer by combining adventure activities with nature. • You can ride quad bikes through 500 acres of winding bush land trails, open grassland and rocky terrain, hire sandboards or toboggans and surf the massive sand dunes at Little Sahara. • Escape the crowds and make your own tracks on a guided Fat Bike Tour, the best way to discover this part of Kangaroo Island. Ultra-wide, low pressure tyres float over sand giving you an easy ride over the dunes at Little Sahara. Tours adapted to your riding style and fitness level; electric bikes available. • Take a guided kayak tour or hire a double or single kayak and paddle up the relaxing Harriet River (20mins from Vivonne Bay) at your own pace. • All outdoor adventures are for everyone - all ages and abilities, and suitable for the whole family. Guided tours from 1.5 hours to 3 hours, full day packages also available. Clifford’s Honey Farm • Clifford’s Honey Farm is Dave and Jenny Clifford’s family business with three generations currently working at the farm situated at Elsegood Road, Haines, Kangaroo Island. • Dave started with a couple of hives as a hobby in 1973. During the late 1980’s when the wool prices dropped, Dave and Jenny diversified their sheep farm by expanding the fledgling honey business. They opened the farm gate shop in 1993 and the business has slowly grown to what it is today. • The family runs the honey production business and farm gate shop which is open every day 9am to 5pm. Visitors to the farm gate shop will find a selection of our quality honey and a range of products from other artisan Kangaroo Island producers, including value added honey products made by Dave & Jenny’s daughters and their husbands. Bev & Tony Nolan’s range of Latitude 36 dressings and chutneys. And Sharon and Greg Simons Honey wheat ale. Visitors learn about beekeeping and the unique Ligurian bee only found on Kangaroo Island. • Dave and Jenny along with their daughters, grandchildren and local staff are committed to upholding the integrity of this unique resource of pure Ligurian bees for future generations to enjoy. Pennington Bay • The beaches are wider on this southern side of the island attracting surfers, fishermen and sightseers for great views from the clifftop carparks • Mobile cafe located at Pennington Bay Kangaroo Island with a beautiful ocean view. Speciality coffee roasted by Dawn Patrol at Kangarilla. You can enjoy a beach barista blend or a single origin which changes regularly and also decaffinated beans. We use South Australian made products as much as possible. Fleurieu Milk (jersey premium, low-fat or lactose free), also Milk Lab almond or soy options. Homemade cakes, a range of toasted sandwiches including gluten free bread. Golden North ice cream, made in South Australian (gluten and palm oil free), • You can sit and take in the view with a real cup and plate. If you need to use takeaway you can be assured all ours is 100% compostable. • Come and meet the friendly owners Rob and Kylie Raptor Domain • Dave and Leeza Irwin run three shows – Venom Pit, In Flight and Fangtastic. Learn all about deadly, venomous critters, get close up and personal with not so deadly ones and enjoy a show which highlights the natural talents of raptors. • Raptor Domain is an environmental education Rehabilitation Centre. They do not display animals, they present them in educational, interactive and fun presentations. Join them daily for one, two, or all three presentations. Venom Pit: 45 minutes 10.30am You will be able to get up close and personal in a safe environment with some of Australia's most venomous critters. Meet their local deadly snake species and come face to face with the world's second most deadly spider. This is a fascinating presentation about venom and the animals that use it. Birds of Prey "In Flight" one hour 11.30am and 2.30pm Raptor Domain delivers the only "In-Flight" Birds of Prey Display in South Australia. Meet an array of birds including Jedda the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle. Enjoy a delightful interactive experience with Casper the friendly Barn Owl, Banjo and Clancy the laughing Kookaburras and many more. This display is thought of by many to be the most interactive and educational Birds of Prey display they have seen. "Fang-Tastic" 45 minutes 1pm Enjoy an interactive hands on and educational experience with our friendly lizards and snakes. Learn some interesting facts about reptiles here in Australia. Seal Bay • As Kangaroo Island's premier tourist attraction, the award winning Seal Bay offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience. • Australia’s third largest colony of sea lions live a Seal Bay Conservation Park. A self-guided tour will take you along the boardwalk to see the sea lions from a distance. • Learn about the amazing lives of these endangered animals as our experienced guides take you on a tour into the colony. There will be plenty of time for photos as the sea lions shelter in the dunes, rest on the sand or surf in the ocean. • Set your own pace on the 800 metre wheelchair accessible boardwalk which meanders through the dunes to a number of viewing platforms. • Seal Bay is a 45-minute drive from Kingscote. Beach access to the sea-lion colony is by guided tour only but sea-lions can also be seen from the self-guided boardwalk. Special twilight tours are also available in summer school holidays. Entry tickets can be purchased from Seal Bay Visitor Information Centre, where you can learn more about these fascinating creatures and also browse for souvenirs. • Nearby is Bales Bay picnic area where picnic shelters, gas barbecues and toilets are provided. Kelly Hill Caves • Head underground and explore the limestone labyrinth first discovered in 1880 when a local stockman’s horse fell through a hole in the ground. Guides explain how the intricate formations including stalactites and stalagmites. • For the bold and inquisitive there are also adventure caving tours that take you crawling through the underground maze. Or you may like to go bush walking to appreciate the diverse landscapes above ground and take advantage of the picnic facilities. KI Wilderness Trail • Rugged, challenging and soul-inspiring. That’s how the 61 kilometre Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is best described along with breathtaking (and you might be little breathless too depending on your fitness). • Lace up your hiking boots, or Converse if that’s more your style, and hit the trail to experience one of the Great Walks of Australia. Skirt along the remote and spectacular coastline of the Southern Ocean, spotting wildlife and rugged beauty along the way. BYO tent and spend the night under the stars. Dedicated campgrounds for walkers provide tent-platforms and facilities. Flinders Chase National Park • Remarkable Rocks – Perched above the sea in Flinders Chase National Park, the impressive Remarkable Rocks form what appear to be a cluster of precariously balanced granite boulders. • This stunning work of nature has been shaped by the erosive forces of wind, sea spray and rain over some 500 million years. The golden orange lichen covering some of the rocks offers visitors wonderful photo opportunities at different times of the day. Interpretation signs share the story of how these intriguing rocks were formed. • There is a viewing platform providing a vantage point for disabled access. The area also provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the photogenic Casuarina Islets. • Cape du Couedic lighthouse stands out like a beacon but don’t miss the detour to Weirs Cove where the lighthouse keepers lived and created an ingenious way to get their supplies up the treacherous cliff face every three months • Admirals Arch – Another wildlife encounter – this time NZ fur seals, from the boardwalk you will see many resting in the rocks, make sure to walk right to the bottom. • A beautiful natural rock arch shaped by the powerful Southern Ocean, and the sculptured granite boulders known as Remarkable Rocks. Other attractions include wild beaches, the unspoilt Rocky River, vast wilderness areas and cultural heritage sites – including two lighthouses. • Cape Borda Lightstation is testament to a bygone era of travelling the open seas by sail. It is a monument to isolation and hardship. The precinct is steeped in European history. It has an unusual square lighthouse built in 1858, several historic light keepers’ cottages you can stay in, and a museum. • Learn more about the island's maritime history on a guided tour (fee applies). Don't miss the 12.30pm tour - it includes the daily cannon firing at 1pm. You can find out all about it during the tour. • Other highlights include the museum where you can read the diaries of early lighthouse keepers. The nearby lighthouse keeper's cemetery at Harvey's Return also offers a sobering insight into the hardships faced by early lighthouse keepers and their families. • Cape Borda offers picnic areas with sheltered gas barbecues. Go for a walk after lunch - try the Cliff Top Hike for amazing views out over the water. • To really experience the spectacular beauty and tranquillity of Cape Borda, you can stay overnight in a charming self-contained lighthouse keeper's cottage. If camping is more your thing, nearby Harvey's Return has a campground (camping fees apply). Stokes Bay • Secluded Stokes Bay is a hidden paradise waiting to be uncovered on Kangaroo Island’s north coast. If you want to relax beachside, this picture-perfect cove is an idyllic spot to throw down a towel. After pulling up in the carpark, weave through a little labyrinth of caves before emerging onto some of the whitest sand and clearest water in Australia. • Once you’ve built up an appetite wading in the turquoise waters, head to Table 88 for tapas and sample some of the island’s best produce. • Stokes Bay Bush Garden offers an easy look at a unique collection of Kangaroo Island and Australian plants in a three-hectare setting. Just four kilometres from Stokes Bay on the Stokes Bay Road, the garden offers over 150 Kangaroo Island species, 16 endemic plants, over 1,500 named plants, over 75 different Banksias, more than 45 different Dryandras, over 145 types of Grevilleas and many seasonal native Orchids. Snelling Beach • At Snellings Beach the ocean sunsets are just as incredible as the local food. • Snellings Beach is also home to a pod of friendly dolphins who are known to join swimmers unannounced. • The limestone road back towards Snelling Beach from Stokes Bay is usually in fairly good condition, slow down to avoid potholes and the reward is another picturesque bay with protected waters. Kingscote • The commercial hub of KI, about 1800 of the islands 4500 live here. You’ll find fuel, supermarkets, pub, restaurants and shops. • Fine Art Kangaroo Island (91 Dauncey St) showcases an exclusive blend of quality island inspired artwork. • Beautiful and professional displays are lovingly curated in the historic renovated corner building. Don't forget to visit owner Fred Peters in his studio, and watch him create his beautiful silver jewellery. At the rear enjoy enjoy the quirky arts courtyard. The gallery offers a constantly changing collection including painting, sculpture, art jewellery, limited edition prints and glass work. • Outstanding personal service is provided. Fred and Fleur Peters are established galleristas with extensive knowledge of the artists, techniques and investment value. Resident jeweller Fred Peters runs jewellery making workshops from his home studio twice a year. • Exciting exhibitions program feature throughout the year. In August visit us at the National Wine Centre for SALA. Artwork can be framed, unframed, and an international freight service is offered. • The sublime and natural landscapes of Kangaroo Island inspire creativity and nurture the artistic soul. Fine Art Kangaroo Island is an award-winning gallery which presents a curated collection of the island's finest artworks combined with working jewellery studio and ephemeral arts courtyard. • Bay of Shoals Wines is located just north of Kingscote overlooking the Bay of Shoals and Reeves Point, site of the first settlement in South Australia. The first vines were planted on the hillsides in 1993 and their Riesling vines are thought to be the closest to the sea in the Southern Hemisphere, at just 30 metres from the water’s edge. • There are around 50 acres of vines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. These premium grapes are grown in a true maritime climate, with the wines reflecting this quality environment through intense varietal flavours. Reeves Point • This is where SA was first settled but when farming proved unviable, they moved the settlement to the mainland. Reeves Point features historic monuments like the old jetty, the islands first well and post office and a massive mulberry tree. It’s a great place for a picknick or if you’re looking for seafood get fish and chips at KI Fresh Seafoods at the Caltex petrol station. Emu Bay • Is another beautiful bay where actor Chris Hemsworth spent a holiday. You can go to the Lavender Farm for a sea of violet in lavender season and you can buy many products including dried flowers and ice-cream. Island Beehive • Visit Island Beehive to learn about Ligurian Bees. Kangaroo Island was declared a sanctuary for this docile bee in 1885 in order to protect the bee's purity. • See the production factory, take a guided tour, and enjoy free tastings of organic honey. Enjoy delicious scones in the cafe and visit the shop for bee products, beeswax candles, souvenirs, health products and local arts and crafts. • Island Beehive is a Tourist Centre on the outskirts of Kingscote, established by Peter Davis who is committed to the protection of the Ligurian Bee heritage. It has excellent facilities including conference, information technology and is wheelchair friendly throughout. • Island Beehive is very proud of its organic honey, which won "Best Organic Product" in the national, Audi sponsored, Vogue Entertainment plus Travel Awards announced in November 2005. • Guided tours operate every 30 minutes. Coach, group and after hours tours are available on request. Phone bookings are essential for group tours. Contact Island Beehive for current prices. Free admission to the information centre, shop and cafe.