After the cold winds of Winter have blown away and the pale Spring sun begins to warm the ground, things start to happen on Kangaroo Island. Birds forage in the undergrowth. Goannas emerge from their winter burrows. Wildflowers bloom in a carpet of vibrant colour.
When spring arrives, the bloom of colour and life add magic to the rugged coastlines and wild inland landscapes, to make Kangaroo Island a perfect walking destination.
Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island. It sits just 14 kilometres off the coast of South Australia and it holds several nature reserves that protect the abundant flora and fauna of the island: the short-beaked echidna, Rosenberg’s goanna, the glossy black cockatoo, the southern bandicoot and the Australian sea lion are all rare or endangered species that make their home on the island.
There are also large populations of wallabies, koalas, wombats, echidnas, seals, dolphins, pelicans, penguins, Cape Barren geese and, the island’s namesake, kangaroos. (It was explorer Matthew Flinders who named the island in 1802 after its enormous population of the western grey kangaroo.)
Park Trek’s Kangaroo Island walking tour
The walking on Kangaroo Island is not difficult – it is mostly flat or gently undulating, winding along beaches, coastal cliff tops, and forest trails. A feature of the island’s walking opportunities is the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail – a 61-kilometre trail that weaves around the island’s southern coast and visits the natural highlights. On Park Trek’s 5-day walking tour, we’ll walk quite a few sections of this beautiful trail, walking each day and returning to our accommodation each evening.
The Rocky River Trail is a real highlight in Spring. The wildflowers are flourishing, covering the ground in a riot of colour: the pinks of heath myrtle, the oranges and reds of pea flowers. The trail winds alongside a beautiful creek and if you’re quiet you might even spot a platypus dipping and diving in the water.
We’ll have an interpretive visit with local rangers at Seal Bay as we watch the rare Australian Sea Lion colony bask in the sun. At Kelly Hill Caves we’ll have another ranger-led experience, as we explore the limestone caves with their delicate stalactites.
Our accommodation at a working farm near Flinders Chase National Park is a highlight. All rooms feature ensuites and our delicious home-style meals are cooked with fresh local produce.
Kangaroo Island 5-day walking tour Spring special
Book now for Spring 2019 and save $200 off the tour price*.
Tour dates:
– Saturday 7 to Wednesday 11 September 2019
– Thursday 26 to Monday 30 September 2019 (women only)
Inclusions: all transport ex Adelaide, accommodation, most meals, experienced walking guides, ranger-led tours.
Group size:a maximum of 10 walkers
*twin share only, 7 Sep and 26 Sep departures only, offer valid until 31 July 2019. Enter or quote promo code KI2019200OFF when booking.
