Australia's Hidden Oasis: The Kangaroo Island

While a third of the 4,405 sq km island is protected, wildlife obeys noboundar­ies, and can be seen everywhere, from kangaroos (but, of course) and wallabies to goannas, koalas, echidnas, seals and more. There are around 250 species of birds, including little penguins and the massive wedge-tailed eagle.

It was while taking a break on a quad biking trail that I saw my first koalas in the wild, thanks to a more attentive travel companion. After that it was a visual treat, watching the cute dynamics of the mother-child pair, the mother patiently coaxing her ward to leap over to her (baby obliged in the end, and then curled up for a nap). 

After a quick lunch of burger and soda at the Vivonne Bay General Store and Bottle Shop, we drove out to the Seal Bay Con­servation Park. Here, guides take you on elevated wooden walkways under which seals go about their business, and then down to the beach, where you are kissing distance from them.

KI’s amazingly friendly wildlife is complemented by its iconic sights and stunning natural formations, many of which can be seen inside the Flinders Chase National Park. These include the Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.

That evening, at Sunset Food and Wine, a Modern Australian bistro which relies on seasonal produce to startling effect, we toasted a day of spectacular natural immer­sion with a glass of Kangaroo Island wine.

Next morning, at Clifford’s Honey Farm, we were face-to-face with the Ligurian bee, introduced from Italy in the late 1800s, and now the only pure strain of that spe­cies to exist anywhere in the world. They make the most excellent honey, as we were able to attest, and it was a sweet finish to a memorable adventure.