Stokes Bay name the second best beach in the world, Mayor now calling for government support
A hidden paradise situated on Kangaroo Island has been crowned the world’s second-best beach. But its mayor is calling for state and federal government support. Here’s why.
SA News
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A picturesque beach situated on Kangaroo Island has been crowned the second-best beach in the world.
Popular tourist destination Stokes Bay took second place on Big 7 Travel’s international listing of the 50 Best Beaches, South Australia Tourism Commission revealed.
Found about 162 km south-west of Adelaide after taking a cruisy four hour drive and ferry to the island, the hidden paradise beat 11,671 beaches on Australia’s mainland and islands.
Stokes Bay won critics over for its shimmering rock pools, cliffside location and sparkling turquoise waters found through a hidden rock tunnel.
Mayor of Kangaroo Michael Pengilly said Stokes Bay is “an attraction of its own”.
“It’s exciting for the island to get that sort of recognition,” he said.
“The rock pool is there for kids, the bigger beach is spectacular. It’s just a very special place (and) locals are fiercely protective of it.”
Mr Pengilly hopes the acclaimed title will prompt the state and federal government to invest in its infrastructure and essential facilities such as toilets and campgrounds.
“We’re getting more people to visit there and the facilities are third world,” he said.
“Popularity is one thing but having the infrastructure in place to deal with visitors is the big thing.”
In less than four years after a bushfire ravaged through Kangaroo Island during the summer of 2019-2020, the island has risen through the ashes and gained global recognition.
Last year, Stokes Bay took out first position on Tourism Australia’s annual Best Australian Beaches top 10 list.
It also ranked seventh on the New York Times List of Destinations for 2023.
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