Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
Gateway Visitor Information Centre
(see 15)
History
Many KI place names are French, attributable to Gallic explorer Nicholas Baudin who
surveyed the coast in 1802 and 1803. Baudin's English rival, Matthew Flinders, named
the island in 1802 after his crew feasted on kangaroo meat here. By this stage the island
was uninhabited, but archaeologists think indigenous Australians lived here as recently
as 2000 years ago. Why they deserted KI is a matter of conjecture, though the answer is
hinted at in the indigenous name for KI: 'Karta', or 'Land of the Dead'. In the early
1800s an indigenous presence (albeit a tragically displaced one) was re-established on KI
when whalers and sealers abducted Aboriginal women from Tasmania and brought them
here.
2
Activities
The safest
swimming
is along the north coast, where the water is warmer and there are
fewer rips than down south. Try Emu Bay, Stokes Bay, Snelling Beach or Western River
Cove.
For
surfing
, hit the uncrowded swells along the south coast. Pennington Bay has
strong, reliable breaks; Vivonne Bay and Hanson Bay in the southwest also serve up
some tasty waves. Pick up the
Kangaroo Island Surfing Guide
brochure from visitor in-
formation centres.
There's plenty to see under your own steam on KI. Check out
to 18km.
The waters around KI are home to 230 species of fish, plus coral and around 60 ship-
wrecks − great
snorkelling
and
diving
!
Kangaroo Island Dive & Adventures
(
08-8553 3196;
www.kangarooislanddiveandadventures.com.au
;
guided shore/boat dives from $195/
320, snorkelling/diving equipment hire from $45/120)
runs diving trips and offers gear hire.
Skidding down the dunes at
Little Sahara
is great fun.
Kangaroo Island Outdoor Ac-
08-8559 4296;
www.kioutdooraction.com.au
; Jetty Rd, Vivonne Bay)
