Escape's guide to Kangaroo Island

HOP to Kangaroo Island for a gourmet break surrounded by some of Australia's most spectacular wildlife and scenery.

kangaroo island escape dec 22

HOP to Kangaroo Island for a gourmet break surrounded by some of Australia's most spectacular wildlife and scenery.

Sleep

- Aurora Ozone Hotel

In town, walking distance from restaurants and cafes and 10 minutes from the airport, the Aurora Ozone Hotel is a great spot to base yourself.

The townhouses and apartments are self-contained and ideal for families and groups of friends. I stayed in an executive sea-view room. It was big and modern, with basic furnishings and views out to Nepean Bay. 

See auroraresorts.com.au

- Stranraer Homestead

Historic Stranraer Homestead is a working lamb, wool and grain property. Driza-Bones and cowboy hats hang in the hallway and a clawfoot bath, thick cotton sheets and plush feather pillows create a quality backdrop to relax and unwind.

Graham and Lyn Wheaton own and run the property that was built by Graham's grandfather in 1920.

My favourite room was bedroom three, which is at the front of the house, although a self-contained building at the back would be my pick for extended stays, with its large kitchen to make the most of all the wonderful local produce. Graham runs Stranraer Under the Stars tours each night; I saw about 30 kangaroos and wallabies feasting on poor Graham's hay.

Lyn serves optional gourmet dinners in the dining room. The breakfast was decadent and delicious, especially the homemade muesli. 

See 72.29.87.11/~stranrae

- Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge's entry looks across an expansive sunken lounge, timber furnishings by Malaysian-born Adelaide designer Khai Liew and cushions the colour of eucalypt leaves, muted greens and silvery purple.

The fireplace appears to float, beckoning you to enjoy a drink from the self-serve cocktail bar. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out to the Southern Ocean below; I caught sight of a southern right whale swimming in the turquoise water one afternoon. The shape of the building disappears into the landscape, although the views aren't the slightest bit obscured.

The rooms are elegant Australian, not over-the-top or flashy, every part luxury wilderness lodge. The private deck's a spectacular place to watch dark clouds roiling off the Southern Ocean. Dine indoors or out; the locally inspired menu changes daily. 

See southernoceanlodge.com.au

Taste 

- Yellow Ash'n'Chili

Tasty Mexican fare can be found less than five minutes' walk from the Aurora Ozone Hotel. The restaurant deck at Yellow Ash'n'Chili comes to life in summer and the colourful interior creates a festive backdrop in winter. Make sure you try their crunchy corn tortillas with guacamole. 

Search for Yellow Ash'n'Chili on Facebook

- Island Pure Sheep Dairy and Cheese Factory

A tour of Island Pure Sheep Dairy and Cheese Factory was an interesting and delicious lesson in the making of sheep cheese. Creamy in flavour, smooth in texture, preservative free and protein rich, sheep milk is an alternative for people who have an intolerance to cow milk.

Haloumi, manchego and two tubs of yoghurt came home with me, but didn't last long. 

See islandpure.com.au

- Kangaroo Island Spirits

KIS creates high-quality spirits and liquors with unique Australian flavours. They include gin with native juniper, vodka with Kangaroo Island samphire, and liquors that use Kangaroo Island fennel, lemon and fleurieu limes. Their anisette, ginger and orange liqueurs took out silver medals at the 2012 World Spirits Competition.

See kispirits.com.au

- Clifford's Honey Farm

Kangaroo Island is home to the last wild colonies of ligurian bees. Originally from the Liguria region of northern Italy, they have a knack for taking on the flavours of the natural island environment. I tasted their sugar gum, cup gum and stringy bark and all were distinctly flavoured and tasty. At Clifford's you can watch how the honey is produced. 

See cliffordshoney.com.au

See

- Seal Bay Conservation Park

A major breeding ground for the Australian sea lion, Seal Bay and Bales Beach are an aquatic reserve. Access is only possible with a guided tour at the Seal Bay Conservation Park.

Depending on the time of year, the sea lions sleep under scrub on the dunes or play on the beach. A boardwalk through the dune area ensures you can get close to the animals without disturbing them.

Go in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid tour bus rush hour. 

See environment.sa.gov.au/sealbay

- Flinders Chase National Park

The rock platforms around Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park are a breeding ground and rest area for the dark brown New Zealand fur seals. The blustering winds did little to dispel their smell but watching them hop in and out of rock pools and the waves below was a welcome distraction.

Flinders Chase is also home to Cape du Couedic and the Remarkable Rocks. Sunset is the best time to go. 

See environment.sa.gov.au 

-- The writer was a guest of Tourism SA and Qantas