Kangaroo Island suffered from significant bushfires in January 2020. Some residents lost their homes and for many, they will also lose their livelihoods relying heavily on tourism as their main source of income. At Life’s An Adventure we believe it is important to support this community in their hour of need, by continuing to run our tours here. We have created a new itinerary showcasing a range of walks and experiences on the island that have not been affected. Our accommodation has NOT been impacted by the fires, so that part of our journey is unchanged. There is still much beauty and wildlife remaining on the island to be enjoyed and we would love to show this to our guests.
In South Australia, a short distance from the mainland lies beautiful Kangaroo Island. Over a third of the island is protected by National Parks and Conservation areas. This creates a sanctuary abundant with native wildlife from sea lions and penguin colonies to striking birdlife and mammals. Our 5-day walk has been carefully designed so you can experience a range of landscapes of striking rock formations and vast wilderness areas in the National Park, savour sensational local produce and wines and indulge in exceptional accommodation.
No heavy packs to carry
We have designed this walking holiday so you can enjoy the scenery without the heavy burden of carrying your clothes or a heavy pack. Walk with as little as your camera, lunch and water each day and we will take care of your bags being transported to your accommodation.
Kangaroo Beach Lodge
Our guests will enjoy four nights at the stunning architecturally designed Kangaroo Beach Lodge. Perched on the edge of the cliffside lies the architecturally designed Kangaroo Beach Lodge. This lodge embraces the outdoors with large glass sliding doors offering uninterrupted views of the crystal clear waters of Kangaroo Beach Cove below. This lodge features four bedrooms (king beds or two twin beds in each room) and three bathrooms (two of which are outside the bedrooms- see floor plan in above photos) accommodating up to eight guests. Larger groups can be accommodated in two lodges a second lodge is a short drive away (our guides can transfer you to the main lodge for evening meals and breakfasts).
NOTE: Kangaroo Island is a large island with up to 3.0 hours’ drive from end to end. On most days there will be lengthy driving times between your accommodation and walks.
The wow factor
On a Life’s An Adventure tour, we always include a ‘Wow Factor’ to ensure your journey is truly inspirational and unique. During your stay, we will take a walk with a local National Parks Ranger through Seal Bay Conservation Area where we will encounter the local Australian Sea-Lion colony, and learn about these majestic creatures.
Perfectly matched with local wine
On our walk you will indulge in sensational high-quality local produce that makes this region unique. Dinners will be spent relaxing in the Beach Lodge, enjoy wonderful meals matched with local South Australian wines.
Chief Experience Officers
We are very proud of our talented team of guides. We call them our CEOs – Chief Experience Officers and it’s their job to ensure your tour exceeds your expectations. Their wealth of knowledge and expertise ensure your tour is relaxing, fun and informative.
Maximum of 12 guests
We keep our group sizes small and personalised with a maximum of 12 guests per trip, we find this delivers more personalised service, a great social environment and has less impact on the environment.
Even no credit card fees to pay
Our walking tours are all genuinely all-inclusive and once you pay for your tour there are no hidden extras. You won’t need to keep putting your hand in your pocket to pay for additional items not included in the tour. Your meals, wine, activities are all included, there’s even no charge for credit card fees when booking.
SUGGESTED PRE-TOUR NIGHT HOTEL: We suggest the ‘Chancellor on Currie’ a 4 star boutique Hotel on Currie Street in the heart of Adelaide or it’s sister property the ‘Grand Chancellor Adelaide’ on Hindley Street a larger 4-5 star hotel only 4 minutes walk from the Chancellor on Currie our meeting spot.
TRAIL NOTES: 5.5km, 2 hours walking with breaks, Easy Grade
WALK ITINERARY: Take a morning flight to Kangaroo Island to meet your guides. (Please note due to the current climate and unpredictable flight schedules if appropriate flights cannot be booked to join this tour, we are able to organise a transfer to Kangaroo Island with our guides using our vehicle via the ferry, please enquire when booking). Today we will enjoy a beautiful walk at Curley Creek. During the walk, you will have stunning views over Murray Lagoon and ultimately “climb” Bald Hill to a viewing/information platform. You will have a chance to watch migratory waders as they feed on the Lagoon. We transfer to our accommodation at the Kangaroo Beach Lodge for a dinner featuring local produce and South Australian wines.
REVISED ITINERARY DUE TO BUSHFIRES:
Please note day two’s walk to Hanson Bay to Kelly Hill Caves was affected by the January 2020 bushfires. When this walk is re-established we will add this back into our itinerary.
NEW Day 2: Bales Beach to Cape Gantheaume Walk
16kms. 6 hours.
After breakfast, we drive to the beginning of today’s walk. Our walk follows the wild and rugged south coast of Kangaroo Island out to Cape Gantheaume. Explore remote pristine beaches dotted with New Zealand fur-seals and stunning cliffs. We then drive back to our Lodge to indulge in a sensational dinner, accompanied by wonderful wines from South Australia.
ORIGINAL ITINERARY: Hanson Bay to Kelly Hill Caves & Admirals Arch (currently not operating due to January 2020 bushfire damage). Walk: 9kms, 3.5 hours walking with breaks, Easy – Medium Grade. Admirals Arch – approx. 1.5km return on made pathways/boardwalk, Easy Grade. After breakfast, we drive to the beginning of today’s walk, which takes us from the scenic Hanson Bay to Kelly Hill Caves. This walk is one of the most popular walks on Kangaroo Island and is officially the final day of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, of which we will also cover other sections. During the walk, you will meander through various landscapes, including dune systems, pink gum woodlands, banksia heath, Mallee, and coastal heath. You will begin with beautiful views of the coast on a short beach section and catch glimpses of freshwater lagoons amongst the bushland landscapes we traverse.
Following a picnic-style lunch, we transfer a short distance to Admirals Arch for a lovely afternoon stroll. The short return walk offers gorgeous coastal panoramas before reaching the Admirals Arch viewing platforms, from which you can view the flourishing fur seal colony and marvel at extraordinary geological formations. We then drive back to our Lodge to indulge in a sensational dinner, accompanied by wonderful wines from South Australia.
REVISED ITINERARY DUE TO BUSHFIRES:
Please note day three’s walk Snake Lagoon to Cape du Couedic was affected by the January 2020 bushfires. When this walk is re-established we will add this back into our itinerary.
NEW Day 3: Flinders Chase National Park – Wildlife Rescue Centre
4kms. Transfer time 1.5 hrs.
After breakfast, we head out to explore Kangaroo Island. Our first stop is Flinders Chase National Park starting with a 1km walk to Remarkable Rocks to discover these magnificent natural granite sculptures that rise like art forms out of the surrounding earth. From here enjoy short walks offering gorgeous coastal panoramas to see Cape de Couediac lighthouse precinct and Admirals Arch from which you can view the flourishing fur seal colony and marvel at extraordinary geological formations. As well as visiting pretty Weir cove. Afterwards, we drive to Kangaroo Island wildlife park at Parndana for a tour and talk regarding the wildlife rescues. We make our way back to our accommodation for another superb dinner, accompanied by South Australia wines.
ORIGINAL ITINERARY: Snake Lagoon to Cape du Couedic & Remarkable Rocks (currently not operating due to January 2020 bushfire damage). Walk – 16kms, 6.5-7 hours walking with breaks, Easy – Medium Grade. Remarkable Rocks – approx. 1km return on made pathways/boardwalk, Easy Grade. Enjoy a lovely breakfast before transferring to the start of our walk at Snake Lagoon, where we will begin our walking journey to Cape de Couedic, wandering through the spectacular rugged landscape of the Flinders Chase National Park. Not long after starting today’s walk, you will see your first magnificent panorama of the Southern Ocean. Along the way, you can spot beautiful coastal plants and if you’re lucky, you may see bottle-nosed dolphins, seals and/or sea-lions while walking along this exposed and rugged coastline. On completion, will take a short drive to Remarkable Rocks for a 1km walk to explore these magnificent natural granite sculptures that rise like art forms out of the surrounding earth. We make our way back to our accommodation for another superb dinner, accompanied by South Australia wines.
REVISED ITINERARY DUE TO BUSHFIRES:
Please note day four’s walk Ravine des Casoars and Cape Borda Clifftop Hike was affected by the January 2020 bushfires. When this walk is re-established we will add this back into our itinerary.
NEW Day 4: Ironstone Hill Hike – American River History Trail
10.3kms. 4 hours.
Following another hearty breakfast, we drive from our accommodation to the eastern side of the island, where we will explore the landscapes and learn about the early history of Kangaroo Island. Our first walk takes us to Baudin Conservation Park. We explore the historic Ironstone Hill which offers magnificent views across Backstairs Passage to the Fleurieu Peninsula. This trail, which is rich in farming heritage takes us to the ruins of Harry Bates’ cottage. From here, we transfer to our next walk, the American river history trail. The small town of American River on Kangaroo Island has a rich and fascinating history since European discovery and settlement. We then make our way to Beyeria Conservation Park with its narrow-leaf Mallee Broombush plant community and some of its unique plants. The park was created to protect rare endemic plant species and was named after the endangered Kangaroo Island Turpentine bush, Beyeria subtecta. We return to our accommodation for some well-deserved free time in the afternoon to relax and perhaps enjoy a swim. Tonight, indulge in your final dinner on tour, accompanied by South Australian wines.
ORIGINAL ITINERARY: Ravine des Casoars and Cape Borda Clifftop Hike. Walk – 7.5km, 3-3.5 hours walking with breaks, Easy – Medium Grade. Cape Borda Clifftop Hike – approx. 1km return on compact pathway, Easy Grade. Following another hearty breakfast, we ultimately drive west from our accommodation to the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Area, which is located close to the most westerly end of Kangaroo Island. Starting in the lush forest of the ravine valley, you will walk towards the coast passing various types of vegetation. You will enjoy some incredible views of the coast and ultimately arrive at intriguing limestone caves along the watercourse and at the beach, where we will enjoy our morning tea break. Afterwards, we drive to Cape Borda for a lovely stroll, where you can explore scenic rock gardens, enjoy the views from some of the highest sea cliffs in South Australia and be intrigued by the unique square-shaped Cape Borda Lighthouse. The Lighthouse sits on the cliffs high above Investigator Strait and is immersed in European history. We return to our accommodation for some well-deserved free time in the afternoon to relax and perhaps enjoy a swim. Tonight, indulge in your final dinner on tour, accompanied by South Australian wines.
TRANSFER TIMES: Morning: 1.5 hour transfer from our accommodation to the start of the Seal Bay Conservation Park. Afterwards: 30 minute transfer to airport
WALK DETAILS: 1-2kms on guided tour. Easy grade.
ITINERARY: After an early breakfast, we pack up and transfer to the Seal Bay Conservation Park on the south coast of Kangaroo Island. This region has been home for thousands of years to an Australian sea-lion colony, and the Conservation Park plays a significant role in ensuring this remote population is protected in order to continue to thrive. During our visit, you will be escorted by one of the Conservation Park’s qualified guides on a short stroll along the boardwalk and down on to the beach to see the wild sea-lions in their natural habitat. The guide will provide you with a broad range of information and answer any questions you may have about these majestic creatures. Afterwards, we make our way to the airport for your flight to Adelaide around lunchtime (own expense) and celebrate the end of a remarkable journey. . (Please note due to the current climate and unpredictable flight schedules if appropriate flights cannot be booked to get you back to Adelaide, we are able to organise a transfer from Kangaroo Island with our guides using our vehicle via the ferry, please enquire when booking).
NOTE: Kangaroo Island is a large island with up to 2.5 hours drive from end to end. On most days there will be lengthy driving times between your accommodation and walks.
Short note to thank you for a terrific itinerary and choice of accommodations. We got back from Australia having had the best 'real' holiday in years. Loved it! The order of the trip was perfect and all the hotel bookings worked seamlessly.
We had a wonderful time! We so appreciate your arranging everything for us. It all went very smoothly. We just had to show up where and when you told us to. It took away any stress to this leg of our journey.
At long last & very overdue, we wish to thank you very much for all the bookings you made on our behalf for our adventure. We were pleased with all the accommodation bookings you made, we particularly noted we got what we asked for, walk in showers, twin beds & all clean & tidy. Thanks Madi, well done!!
Just wanted to say a big thank you!!! We have now returned from our holiday & it was fantastic. We would really like to thank you for how well everything was organised. Accommodation & tours were fabulous. We really loved how well organised our trip was and this is a credit to you!!! Thanks again, will be recommending you to friends and family.