The Courier

Kangaroo Island: A winter wonderland awaits

Baby love: This winter will be peak pup time at Kangaroo Island, the only place in the world where you can take a walk on a beach right next to a colony of Australian sea lions.
Baby love: This winter will be peak pup time at Kangaroo Island, the only place in the world where you can take a walk on a beach right next to a colony of Australian sea lions.

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Dining on delicious fresh whiting, savouring a glass of local red wine by an open fire, and getting up close and personal with sea lion pups on a wild, white sandy beach.

That's winter on Kangaroo Island. When the temperatures start to fall it's one of the best times of the year to pack up your car, drive onto the ferry to cross South Australia's Backstairs Passage and experience this unique destination.

Australia's third largest island, just a 45 minute ferry ride from the mainland, can charm visitors at any time of year but it's in winter that many of its greatest attractions are at their most spectacular.

From unique wildlife and natural rugged scenery, to acclaimed local food and wine there are so many reasons to book a trip and go exploring.

Ferry whale watching: Winter is the best time in Kangaroo Island to spot Southern Right Whales as they make their annual migration. You might even catch a glimpse on the ferry ride over.
Ferry whale watching: Winter is the best time in Kangaroo Island to spot Southern Right Whales as they make their annual migration. You might even catch a glimpse on the ferry ride over.

Wonderful wildlife

Winter is when you're most likely to come face to face with more of Kangaroo Island's extraordinary wildlife.

This winter is expected to be a peak time to see plenty of newborn pups taking their place in the island's much-loved Australian sea lion colony so head to Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided beach walk among the famous residents.

It's a pretty special experience - Kangaroo Island is the only place in the world where you can stroll on the beach with these animals. Local guides say late July and August should be when this season's pups will be in public view.

It's also prime whale watching season as Southern Right Whales begin their annual migration. Whales can be seen all around Kangaroo Island but top viewing spots include Penneshaw and around Kingscote. If you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse on the ferry over.

In Flinders Chase National Park you're more likely to get a good look at some of the other wildlife in winter. The park comes alive as the native residents get more active and seek out the sun. Follow the walking tracks to spot kangaroos and their joeys, echidnas, koalas, and goannas.

It's where you'll also see iconic natural wonders like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

Natural wonder: Remarkable Rocks is just one of Kangaroo Island's biggest stars.
Natural wonder: Remarkable Rocks is just one of Kangaroo Island's biggest stars.

Eat & Drink

For food and wine lovers a feast awaits with the cool weather perfect for long leisurely food indulgences.

Winter is King George Whiting season. Stuff yourself with this glorious white fish at the island's great eateries or barbecue it yourself. And Kangaroo Island's oysters will be at their salty, succulent best.

The island is famous for its artisan food producers with plenty of cafes and farm gates you can visit to taste. Honey lovers particularly make a beeline for Clifford's Honey Farm to taste and stock up on unique Ligurian honey.

At the end of the day get cosy with a bottle of red from some of the leading local wineries like the pioneering Dudley Wines, or perhaps over a Ligurian honey and walnut liqueur from Kangaroo Island Spirits.

Sweet dreams: Honey lovers make sure they stock up on the unique product you'll find at Kangaroo Island.
Sweet dreams: Honey lovers make sure they stock up on the unique product you'll find at Kangaroo Island.

Where to stay

Kangaroo Island has a diverse range of accommodation styles to suit everyone and keep you toasty warm, from self-catered houses to luxurious indulgence.

Located at Vivonne Bay - once named the best beach in Australia - are two of the most popular because of their great location to explore the island.

Surrounded by native bushland and with a laid back atmosphere, Vivonne Bay Lodge offers everything from private rooms to dormitories with communal areas including an outdoor deck area to relax and soak up the winter sun.

Back to nature: Vivonne Bay Lodge's deck is the place to enjoy the local Kangaroo Island wine.
Back to nature: Vivonne Bay Lodge's deck is the place to enjoy the local Kangaroo Island wine.

Nearby, Vivonne Bay Holiday House offers a three bedroom home that sleeps six. It's just a 15 minute walk from the house along marked bushland trails to Vivonne Bay beach.

Winter is a magnificent time to visit Kangaroo Island so pack some winter woollies, throw a rain jacket in your car and hop on over.

SeaLink Kangaroo Island operates the ferry service to the island. See sealink.com.au to find more information and to book your travel and accommodation for your trip.

This is sponsored content for SeaLink