Swim with dolphins
Because it would still be a shame to spend a few days on an island and stay on dry land, why not take a boat trip to observe, and even swim with dolphins? A few companies offer this type of service, departing from the northeast of the island from the “capital”, Kingscote. We then cruise along the coast, sailing on turquoise and transparent waters, to easily observe the dolphins, without even getting into the water (wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses, which erase the reflections of the sun on the waves, is recommended to see even better underwater).
But why stop there, when you can swim with the dolphins?
For this, you need a mask and a snorkel (provided), and be in good shape.
As soon as the boat approaches a bench, you have to sit at the back of the boat, then jump into the water to get as close as possible to these graceful cetaceans.
But this magical moment rarely lasts more than a few seconds, the dolphins moving away quickly enough from this crowd of funny mammals without fins ... You then have to get back on the boat, which approaches the dolphins again, and start over.
Tiring but unforgettable!
Price:
for a tour of about three hours, the supply of masks and snorkels and hot drinks, 160 euros per adult, 95 euros per child.
Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures.
Phone.
: +61 8 8553 3227, contact form on the website.
From December to March, departures are from Emu Jetty Bay, from April to November, meet at Bay of Shoals Wharf, down Cordes Road.
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Australia: the
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Walk the cliffs of Flinders Chase National Park
The Remarkable Rocks, granite outgrowths rounded by erosion and covered with an orange lichen which reveals all their beauty, STANISLAS FAUTRE / Le Figaro Magazine
Absolutely unmissable, Flinders Chase National Park was almost completely devastated by the forest fires that ravaged Australia during "Black Summer", in December-January 2020. But almost two years later, if the trees are charred, they are not dead and the vegetation takes over. Head to Cap du Couëdic to admire the cliffs (and a few seals basking below), the Admiral's Arch and especially the Remarkable Rocks. These granite outgrowths, rounded by erosion and covered with an orange lichen which reveals all their beauty, are perched on the edge of a cliff flowing into the ocean. If you can, go there at dawn or at sunset for even more vibrant memories.
Getting there:
Follow South Coast Road, Playford, or West End Highway west.
Price:
10 euros per adult, 5 euros for children from 4 to 15 years old.
Flinders Chase National Park.
Phone.
: +61 8 8553 4444. E-mail: FlindersChase@sa.gov.au.
Watch sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park
Seal Bay Conservation Park is one of Australia's largest sea lion reserves.
Adobe Stock
Extensively hunted by the very first European explorers, they came close to extinction almost two centuries ago. Endangered species, there are now around 12,000 Australian sea lions, the only endemic pinniped of Australia, along the southern and western coasts of this mainland country. It is at Seal Bay Conservation Park that you will find them easiest. We can be content to stay on the wooden boardwalk, which overlooks the dunes, to see them resting in the shade of a few bushes or the females nursing their young. However, we recommend that you opt for a guided tour with a "ranger", both to learn more about these amazing animals (which can snorkel at more than 150 meters deep) but also and above all,to be able to walk the beach and see them up close frolicking in the waves.
Price:
free entry, guided tour (which we recommend): 32 euros per adult, 18 euros per child from 4 to 15 years old.
Book a guided tour.
Seal Bay.
Phone.
: +61 8 8553 4463. Seal Bay Road, Kangaroo Island, SA 5221.
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E-bike ride along Cygnet River
A walk of 2:30 or 5:30 in nature.
Exceptional Kangaroo Island
Due to its surface area (4405 km²) equivalent to a department like the Hautes-Pyrénées, Kangaroo Island is generally visited by car. But for a more direct experience with nature and to increase your chances of observing the local fauna, we recommend a small guided excursion by electric bike. This is what the Exceptional Kangaroo Island agency offers. Away from the roads, you go for a walk on the paths of private land, returned to nature, where the only noises you hear are birdsong. In the current formula, an excursion of 5:30 am is proposed, with picnic in the middle of nowhere in the shade of huge gum trees. But the company is also considering a shorter formula, with an aperitif at the edge of a lake where the local fauna gathers at sunset.
Price:
128 euros per person (two people minimum) for a 2.5 hour sunset tour (glass of wine, cheese and crackers included).
Departure at 4 p.m.
250 euros per person (two people minimum) for a 5h30 tour, including a full lunch in the heart of nature, wine and gins tasting.
Departure at 10:30 a.m.
Kangaroo Island E Bikes.
Phone.
: +61 8 8553 9119. Email: info@exceptionalkangarooisland.com.
1139 Playford Hwy, Cygnet River, SA 5223
Taste gin from the Kangaroo Island Spirits distillery
This gin was voted the best in the world.
Kangaroo island Spirit
South Australia is best known for producing some of the best wines in the country.
But on Kangaroo Island, the Kangaroo Island Spirits distillery is the star.
Opened in 2002 by two enthusiasts, it quickly gained an excellent reputation, until the consecration in 2019: one of their beverages, O Gin, with aromas of juniper, coriander and Angelica roots, was named best. gin of the world!
For a tasting session, we settle in a botanical garden where plants grow which are used to flavor the different variants of gin produced by the distillery.
Ideal after a day of excursion to whet your appetite before dinner.
Price:
tasting of five kinds of gin for 17 euros.
Kangaroo Island Spirits.
Phone.
: +61 8 8553 9211, contact form on the website.
856 Playford Hwy, Cygnet River, SA 5223.
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