Wildlife Spotting on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia is a treasure trove of wildlife. Separated from the rest of the continent for about 10,000 years, its natural wildlife has thrived without humans or other pests and predators that have struck on the mainland. Over the centuries, some animals have evolved into distinct sub-species, earning this place the nickname "The Galapagos of Australia." More than a third of the island is protected parkland, ensuring that it will remain a haven for the native plants and animals.

A Rat the Size of a Toddler and other Australian Animal Lessons

I had really meant to bring the kids to a zoo much earlier in our visit to Australia. As it was, we never got around to it until our very last full day when we found ourselves with some time to spare before our flight-that-wasn't-to-be. Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park (called the Parndana Wildlife Park at the time of our visit in January 2013) seemed like the perfect place to check off one final item on our Australian Wish List.

And what a visit it was! It was highly educational. Here are some of my favorite photos.

Lesson 1: Is that a rat the size of a toddler?

What a gigantic white rat! Or is it?

The Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch of Kangaroo Island



Remarkable Rocks

 

"Famous Rocks of Australia"... Now, there's a tour you don't often hear about. The morning after we left Uluru (Ayers Rock) and flew to Kangaroo Island, the kids wanted to know what we had planned for the day. "We're visiting another rock," we told them. Tops on our list was Flinders Chase National Park on the western side of the island which is a good place to see wildlife and geological formations such as Remarkable Rocks.

"Oh boy! Geological formations! Tell us more! Take us there immediately!" the kids exclaimed... in my imagination. Their actual response was more like, "But we did something yesterday. How about we just lie around the cabin and annoy each other?" to paraphrase the conversation.  Despite their protests, we headed off for the park, and I'm going to have to say that it turned out to be an excellent (and relatively complaint-free) visit.

After stopping by the Visitors Centre for a quick overview of the area's natural history, we first started down the road to Admirals Arch. The Cape de Couedic lighthouse, 25 meters (75 feet) tall and first lit in 1909, looms over the waters. The lighthouse is not open to the public, but you can book a room at one of the three cottages originally built as lodging for the lighthouse keepers. For many of its early years, this lighthouse was inaccessible by land. Supplies were brought in by boat and hauled up the cliffside with a flying fox.

Cape de Couedic Lighthouse

As we hiked down the boardwalk leading from the parking lot, I had no idea that we were actually walking over the arch to the get to the viewing platform. The sound of the crashing waves and the clear turquoise waters beaten to a frothy white by the churning surf was the first thing that caught my senses. This area is home to a colony of New Zealand fur seals, and we were delighted to see them resting on the rocks and frolicking in the water. They held everyone's attention for longer than I expected.



Gazing down through the clear turquoise waters at the rocky bottom
How many New Zealand fur seals can you spot? 



There were 4 fur seals. Did you get all of them?

There must have been over 100 New Zealand fur seals in this area.

Circling down around the cliff face, we finally came to the famous Admirals Arch. Part of me wishes we had come at sunset when the rocks are bathed in a golden glow, but that would have meant a long drive back to our cabin dodging wild kangaroos in the dark.

Admirals Arch is carved out of volcanic rock and has stalactites across its ceiling.
More fur seals rest on the other side.



Vegetation adapted to the salty air holds tight to the rocky earth.

Back on the main road, it was 4 km east over rolling hills to reach Remarkable Rocks. At the crests, you could see them off in the distance.

Remarkable Rocks on the granite dome rising 75 meters up from the ocean.

Remarkable Rocks are granite boulders made up of bluish quartz, black mica and pinkish feldspar. Rainwater worked its way down through the rocks and carved them into pieces. From there, more rain and wind eroded bits and pieces as the years went by.

Remarkable Rocks - Doesn't it look like Modern Art?

As far as my kids were concerned, this was one giant playground perfect for climbing and a game of hide-and-seek. It seemed that lots of other children had the same idea. So, you can go right ahead and attribute the erosion to both the forces of nature as well as youngsters' feet.

Relaxing in a rock cave

We headed back up the boardwalk to the car and returned to the Visitors Centre for lunch at The Chase Cafe. I was expecting something akin to a mere snack bar, but they have an extensive menu and offer local wines. More importantly, they are one of the few dining options on this side of the island. A dinosaur fossil dig pit is next to the alfresco dining patio if you need to give your young ones a little time to unwind.

A tiny bird perched outside the Flinders Chase Visitors Centre

IF YOU GO:

• Flinders Chase National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, but day visitors must leave at sunset.
• The Visitors Centre is open 9AM-5PM daily. Closed on Christmas day.
• For current entry prices, click here. Buy your pass at the Visitors Centre.
• The Chase Cafe is open 9AM-3PM for breakfast and lunch. Coffee and cakes served until 5PM. Closed on Christmas Day.
• Both Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks have parking lots with a wooden boardwalk leading to the main site. They are partially wheelchair accessible.
• Toilets are available at the Visitors Centre and Remarkable Rocks. Admirals Arch does not have toilet facilities.
• Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch are some of the most popular spots on Kangaroo Island, and many tours stop here. Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

Panoramic view of Remarkable Rocks

Related Posts:
Kangaroo Island Highlights (YouTube)
Kangaroo Island's Koala Walk
It's the Great Penguin, Charlie Brown
Major Fail: Sitting Together on the Airplane
The Allure of Uluru (Ayers Rock)


This post is part of Travel Photo Thursday on Budget Travelers Sandbox,"Oh, The Places I've Been!" on The Tablescaper and Friday Daydreamin' at R We There Yet Mom? Check them out for more around the world travel inspiration.

Kangaroo Island's Koala Walk

 

Such a sweet, sleeping koala

One of the best places to see koala bears on Australia's Kangaroo Island is at Hanson Bay Sanctuary's Koala Walk. Feral cats have had a detrimental effect on the population of small mammals on the island, so this area of 250 acres is fully fenced to protect the animals.

We took our time strolling along the avenue of gum and eucalyptus trees peering up through the leaves and branches in search of the cuddly animals. Hubby was the best at spotting them with my girl also proving herself to have keen eyes. The boys were too busy trying to poke each other with long sticks.



50% of the people in this group are looking for koalas.



Seek and ye shall find.

All in all, we saw 9 koalas, 4 wallabies, 5 kangaroos and a few colorful birds. The sign out front stated that 23 koalas had been found that day. All were free to roam wherever they liked, not confined to pens. These animals didn't seem to consider us dangerous. They certainly weren't motivated to move whenever we approached. Most of them were asleep. In fact, we decided that the easy life of a koala spent up in the trees napping all day combined two of my oldest son's favorite pastimes.

I finally identified this Crimson Rosella when I saw a stuffed animal version at a gift shop.

Tiny Tammar Wallabies are the size of large rabbits.



We spent about an hour here, taking our time to slowly wander around and look for animals. A big tour bus pulled up while we were at the sanctuary. They were in and out in 15 minutes once they had "See a Koala" checked off their To-Do list. Take as long or short as you like.



Eucalyptus acorns

Unfortunately, we didn't have a chance to go on the Nocturnal Tour which starts at sunset and lasts 90 minutes. I bet it would have been quite fascinating.

What happens when I vaguely suggest, "Why don't you pet it?"

The Sacred Dwelling Space exhibit by Evette Sunset, an environmental sculptor, caught our eye from afar. The five teepee-like structures were formed from woven branches with a line of stones curving out from the base.



Sacred Dwelling Space
Although I'm not quite sure who dwelled here. Probably not koalas.

There's also a cafe on site with a yummy looking dessert case as well as baguette sandwiches, schnitzel, fish'n'chips, cheeseburgers, vegetarian food and espresso. Staples like water, milk and bread are also available — handy since the nearest grocery store is an hour away.

As we drove off on the main South Coast Road, lots more wallabies hopped across the road in front of our car. Drive slowly!



Kangaroo Crossing

Where on Kangaroo Island
South Coast Road, Karatta, South Australia
7 km before Flinders Chase National Park

When
Open 7 days a week, opening at 8 a.m.
Reservations required for the Nocturnal Tour.
During the day, you are welcome to stroll Koala Walk yourself, taking as long or short as you like.
Cafe open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost in AUD
Self-guided Koala Walk
Ages 12 years and up      $6
Children under 12 years  $3

Guided Nocturnal Walk
Ages 19 years and up      $24
Ages 12-18 years            $19
Children under 12 years  $14

See Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary website for more information on tours.



Related Posts:
It's the Great Penguin, Charlie Brown (Hanson Bay)
Major Fail: Sitting Together on the Airplane
Kangaroo Island Highlights
Why My Kids Love the Sydney Opera House
The Allure of Uluru (Ayers Rock)



This post is part of Travel Photo Thursday on Budget Travelers Sandbox and Friday Daydreamin' at R We There Yet Mom? Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.