Kangaroo Island lies off the mainland of South Australia. With beautiful rugged coastlines and inland tracts, it is mostly made up of protected nature reserves and sheep or cattle ranches.
Tragically, in 2020, large-scale bushfires burned almost half the island, devastating habitats and huge numbers of wildlife and domestic livestock. Local communities, emergency aid organizations…… and of course, Mother Nature ….. have worked tirelessly to restore both flora and fauna. Today it is a dazzling destination.
Southern Ocean Lodge was completely destroyed in the fire, the only survivor being Sunshine, the kangaroo sculpture that was left standing after the inferno passed…
The lodge has been completely rebuilt, and now sits overlooking the southern coast of the island…..
Beachcombing and sunrise/sunset watching:
It did not take too long to find the creatures for whom the island is named…..
Ty was quick to spot this wild koala in a tree on our drive to the lodge.
A local sanctuary has a large number of animals that were displaced, orphaned or injured by the wildfires, providing an opportunity to get up close to these fascinating creatures….
And a small group of dingoes, wild dogs that are not amenable to domesticity.
Kangaroo Island has also become a foodie destination, with vineyards, local wild honey…… and a gin distillery that offers a tasting of five different varieties!
Next destination – Mount Ive Station in the Grawler Ranges.
Emerald Isle to the Norse Lands 