In 1800 the British Government commissioned Matthew Flinders to explore and map the southern coastline of Terra Australis. He made the first recorded European sighting of the island in March 1802. He came ashore on the North Coast and named it Kangaroo Island. The following month a sail appeared on the horizon. It was the Le Geographe a French corvette under the command of Nicholas Baudin. Despite Britain and France being at war, both parties soon realised that neither had hostile intentions. Information was exchanged about their explorations, with Flinders advising Baudin of the opportunity to replenish supplies with water and fresh meat (kangaroos) on the island. Baudin returned a year later and mapped much of the rugged south and west coastlines. Many of the features along this part of the coastline bear French names as a consequence of this visit. These early explorers discovered the island to be uninhabited as shown by the lack of campfires and tameness of the wildlife.

Evidence of stone tools and Aboriginal campsites were discovered in the early 1900’s, and carbon dating of campfire remains indicates that Aboriginal people were living on the island at least as early as 16,000 years ago. Why they abandoned Kangaroo Island or where they last lived on the island remains a mystery. The first non-Aboriginal people to live on Kangaroo Island were sealers, escaped convicts and runaway sailors who sought refuge here in the early 1800’s and they transported Aboriginal women from Tasmania and the mainland. Descendants of these original settlers are still on the island today.

Kangaroo Island is renowned for its spectacular scenery and unique flora and fauna. The spectacular South Coast is buffeted by winds from the Southern Ocean that have produced incredible rock formations, whilst the calmer north coast has rolling hills, secluded bays with beautiful beaches and the highest cliffs in South Australia. As the third largest island off the coast of Australia, behind Tasmania and Melville Island, Kangaroo Island covers an area of 4,500 square kilometres. Close to 50% is native vegetation with 30% of the island protected as natural wilderness; due to its isolation the island has suffered less than the mainland areas from the impact of European development.

The rich and diverse variety of wildlife and flora can be found in abundance. Kangaroo Island is also blessed with a temperate 'Mediterranean' climate not unlike the climate of the French Riviera. The warm dry summers and cool mild winters make it a year round destination. Average daytime summer temperature is 25 degrees centigrade and winter average is 15 degrees centigrade.

Flinders Chase National Park - 74,000 hectares (200,000 acres) of natural bushland and spectacular rock formations, such as Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch. The Cape du Couedic lighthouse stands sentinel over the rugged and isolated southwestern tip of the island. Driving through the park you will experience the breathtaking coastal scenery, dense eucalypt forests and wind swept coastal vegetation. The surrounding natural bushland is home to many species of wildlife. Remarkable Rocks are a cluster of large granite boulders sculptured by weather erosion into an amazing coastal formation. Admiral's Arch is a natural rock arch formed by pounding seas and winds and home to a large colony of playful New Zealand Fur Seals.

Grassdale Conservation Park - Grassdale is a former sheep station with restricted access to the public. Your guide will take you for a walk through this tranquil, historic area where you can find large mobs of Kangaroos.

Seal Bay - Home of the Australian Sea-lions. An opportunity to get a close-up view of the seals swimming in the surf or basking on the beach. Your personal guide will take you for a walk amongst these enchanting animals for an unforgettable experience.

Vivonne Bay - Voted the best beach in Australia!

Koalas - Your guide can take you to several locations around the island to observe Koalas in the wild.

Little Sahara - Unique, expansive sand dune area several kilometres from the coast. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

Parndana Wildlife Park - Award winning Wildlife Park in the centre of the island famous for its birds. It also features kangaroos, Tammar wallabies, koalas, echidnas, emus and more. An opportunity here to pat a koala and feed a kangaroo.

Stokes Bay - Foot access only through a a cave like track to a lovely secluded sandy beach with natural rock pool.

Lathami Conservation Park - Home of the Glossy Black Cockatoo. Enjoy an easy bushwalk through the park in search of the elusive and critically endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo as well as kangaroos, wallabies and other wildlife.

Kelly Hill Conservation Park - Sugar gum forest, habitat of crimson rosella, rainbow lorikeets and yellow tailed black cockatoos. Also contains an extensive limestone cave system with not only stalagmites and stalactites but also the rare helactites.

Western River Cove - Small sandy cove with footbridge access across the river. This beautiful cove has high rocky cliffs on either side and the drive into this area is spectacular.

Snellings Beach - Wind your way down through the hills towards Snellings Beach with magnificent coastal views as far as the eye can see.

Platypus Waterholes Walk – A multitude of birdlife, kangaroos, wallabies, geese, echidnas and goannas are regularly seen on this walk. Your patience may also be rewarded with the sight of a platypus. 4.5 km return

Snake Lagoon Hike – This trail winds through Sugar Gums and mallee before descending into the Rocky River valley. The trail crosses the river and meanders along its bank to the mouth, providing spectacular views through the valley and across the Southern Ocean. 3 km return

Rocky River Hike – Linked with the Platypus Waterholes Walk his half day hike meanders through the diverse habitats of the Rocky River. The trail meanders through forest and woodland, providing picturesque views of the river and opportunities to watch for platypus. 9 km return

Sandy Creek Hike – Follow the bank of the Sandy Creek before descending into the creek bed for the last section through the sand dunes and onto a large sandy beach with the Southern Ocean pounding against the shore. 3km return

Breakneck River Hike – Follow the Breakneck River through forest, woodland, mallee and coastal heath to a picturesque little beach, hemmed in by limestone cliffs. 6 km return

Murray Lagoon - Many waterfowl such as ducks, swans and waders flock to this lagoon to the delight of bird lovers. Hawks and eagles frequent the area in search of prey.

d’Estrees Bay – Large bay on the South coast with numerous deserted beaches. An osprey nest was recorded in a painting over 150 years ago by shipwrecked sailors. This nest is still being used by offspring to this day. The nesting ospreys and occasional sightings of Kangaroos make this area, with its whaling and shipwreck history, a worthwhile bay to visit.

Eucalyptus Distillery - The only commercial eucalyptus distillery in operation in South Australia. See the way way they did it in the 1930’s.

Island Pure Sheep dairy - Observe the milking of sheep and making of cheese and yoghurt, followed by the opportunity to taste these famous products which are based on Spanish, Greek, Italian and Cyprus recipes.

Honey Farm - Discover the process of honey production from the unique Ligurian bee. Opportunity to sample several flavours as well as delicious honey ice-cream.

Stonor Glass & Silk Studio - Unique and stunning one-off glass products by Bernie Stonor who specialises in Millefiori and mosaic glass, a technique developed 5,000 years ago. Sheila Stonor produces individually crafted visually striking silkworks.

Penneshaw - Attractive seaside village with a commanding view of the mainland, just 18km across Backstairs Passage. Baudin Conservation Park is home to the Tammar wallabies found here in abundance.

Dudley Wines – Kangaroo Island’s pioneer winery

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse - The first lighthouse built in South Australia in 1852 provides spectacular views to the mainland.

Antechamber Bay - The area is full of tracks leading through bushland, sand hills and lagoons. Provides spectacular views across Backstairs Passage to the mainland.

Various other walking trails, conservation parks, coastal routes with breathtaking views and secluded bays and beaches can also be included in the itinerary.

As all tours are on a private charter basis, our experienced specialist guides will tailor-make an itinerary to cater for any special interest or requests you may have.

Your nocturnal tour is conducted after dinner around the Emu Bay environs where you will visit the local penguin colony as they return from their day at sea. Afterwards we drive into the surrounding bushland behind the extensive sand dunes in search of kangaroos, wallabies, possums, owls, echidnas and other nocturnal animals.

 
Fairy Penguins

EMU BAY
Emu Bay, with its beautiful long white beach is located on the North coast of Kangaroo Island, 15 minutes from the main island town of Kingscote. Here you can swim in the clearest most aqua sea or take a walk along the 5km beach that stretches around the bay; even in the height of summer it is usually deserted. Emu Bay is also home to many species of birds including sea eagles, penguins, pelicans, hooded plover, pacific gulls, magpies, oystercatchers, masked lapwings, wedge tail eagles, silvereyes, finches, galahs, rainbow lorikeets, crimson rosellas, ibis, superb fairy wren and bush-stone curlews to name a few.

Emu Bay

ACCOMMODATION
Your luxury accommodation is provided by Seascape on Emu Bay. This stunning contemporary lodge sits high on the hill on five tranquil acres overlooking the beach of Emu Bay. All suites have king size beds, private bathrooms, outdoor patio and stunning beach and ocean views. Seascape provides the finest, luxury, fully hosted accommodation available on Kangaroo Island. Your host also speaks French, Dutch & German.

Seascape on Emu Bay

TOUR PACKAGES INCLUDE

• Return flights Adelaide to Kangaroo Island
  (Or return ferry travel if you wish to bring a vehicle from the mainland)
• On island transfers
• Private 4WD tour with naturalist guide and exclusive use of spacious vehicle
• Morning & afternoon refreshments and all entry fees
• One, two or three day itineraries
• Option of fully catered gourmet picnic lunch with wine
• Five star accommodation with breakfast and dinner
• Nocturnal wildlife & penguin tour
• Rental car for extended stay

Click here to view the tour options available.
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Escape Tours of Kangaroo Island is owned and operated by Seascape on Emu Bay.
This guarantees the finest and most exclusive accommodation and tour package available on Kangaroo Island.

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