What is Kangaroo Island?
Kangaroo Island is Australia's third-largest island, lying about 13 kilometres off the coast of South Australia. It is famous for wildlife, rugged coastlines and local produce.
The island covers about 4,400 square kilometres and has fewer than 5,000 residents. Matthew Flinders named it in 1802 after his crew ate kangaroos there.
Visitors can see kangaroos, koalas, Australian sea lions, fur seals, echidnas and many birds. Much of the island is protected in national parks and reserves.
Bushfires and recovery
Bushfires in 2019 and 2020 burned about half of the island, including most of Flinders Chase National Park. Native wildlife suffered heavy losses, but the bush has been regenerating.
The island is known for Ligurian bees, protected in a sanctuary since 1885, and for honey, gin, wine and seafood.
A car ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw takes about 45 minutes. Flights also link the island with Adelaide.
Seal Bay Conservation Park, Vivonne Bay and the Raptor Domain bird shows are among the other attractions visitors enjoy on the island.
Did You Know?
Kangaroo Island is the only place in the world with a pure Ligurian bee population.