Kangaroo Island (“Ki” to the locals) is Australia’s third largest island and a well-known haven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a retreat. The island lies around 112 km southwest of Adelaide and is almost two thirds protected by reserves and national parks. There are also many cafés and restaurants that serve fresh local fare. The island’s main focus is on eco-tourism and you’ll find flawless beaches along the coastline such as Vivonne Bay, which was crowned Australia’s best beach in 2003. Island Beach is another remote oasis, where kangaroos, seals, dolphins and various birds are found in abundance, while the west coast of Flinders Chase National Park is home to the iconic granite boulders known as Remarkable Rocks.
The region known as the Adelaide Hills is located in the state of South Australia, just 30 minutes from the city of Adelaide. Technically part of the Mount Lofty Mountain Range, this area makes a popular weekend retreat with its cool climate and sylvan surroundings. Begin at the prominence of Mount Lofty Lookout, before checking out the nearby Botanic Gardens (famous for its rhododendrons and magnolias) and the Cleland Wildlife Park, where emu, kangaroo and pelican sightings are commonplace, and you can visit wombat enclosures and even cuddle koala bears. The town of Hahndorf makes a popular base, with German bakeries, art galleries and the Beerenberg Strawberry Farm to visit, while the National Motor Museum in Birdwood houses an impressive collection of more than 300 vehicles.
