Drive 1 'Rolling North Coast'
Western Cove, Stokes Bay and Emu Bay
The drive to Western River Cove is beautiful with rolling hills typical of the entire north coast. Stop at Wind in Wings Gallery for art, food and wine in spectacular surrounds. Look for dolphins from Constitution Hill lookout at spectacular Snellings Beach. Entertaining stops en route to Stokes Bay include Rare Breed Farm, with its unusual farm animals, Paul's Place with 23 hands-on wildlife experiences and Stokes Bay Bush Garden. Do not miss the hidden beach at Stokes Bay – make your way through the tunnel on the eastern end of the beach. Emu Bay is a peaceful retreat and a safe swimming beach – visit the Emu Bay Lavender Farm on the drive from Emu Bay towards Kingscote.
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Drive 2 'Southwest Corner'
Flinders Chase National Park and the Visitor Centre, Remarkable Rocks, Weirs Cove, Admirals Arch, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Hanson Bay and Kelly Hill Conservation Park.
A whole day could easily be spent exploring Flinders Chase National park, the interactive Visitor Centre, justifiably named Remarkable Rocks, historic awe-inspiring Weirs Cove and stalactite-fringed Admirals Arch with its population of New Zealand fur-seals playing below, is simply spectacular. Leaving the park, enjoy a walk among koalas or a wildlife tour at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, before walking the white sandy beach to the rocky headlands at Hanson Bay. A cave tour at Kelly Hill Conservation Park or for the more adventurous, a tight squeeze through the adventure caving circuit is rewarding.
Extra option – stay an extra day in this area and enjoy one of the spectacular walks in Flinders Chase National Park.
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Drive 3 'South Coast & Kangaroo Island Heartland'
Parndana and Vivonne Bay.
Be sure to park somewhere along the drive to Parndana and listen for the scratching of wildlife in the roadside vegetation – where the road weaves through a canopy of trees is perfect. Among Parndana's facilities, the Soldier Settlement Museum is worth a visit. Parndana Wildlife Park and Roo Lagoon wood-tuning Gallery are also good stops. Andermel Marron Farm and Two Wheeler Creek Wines on Harriet Road is beautifully presented with farm gate tours and sales of fresh water crayfish (marron). The Café provides the perfect place for a lunch stop. Complete the day at Vivonne Bay with a glass of wine and a toast to Australia's best beach!
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Drive 4 'Penneshaw to Seal Bay'
Penneshaw, Pennington Bay, Seal Bay, Little Sahara, Murray Lagoon and D'Estrees Bay.
Driving from Penneshaw, take the opportunity to stretch your legs at Pennington Bay, one of the Island's spectacular beaches. Moving off the highway, Jumbuck Australiana showcases the sheep-shearing industry. Clifford's Honey Farm for a beekeeper tour and tastings (don't miss the honey ice-cream) and the self-sufficient Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery are all novel attractions dotted among quiet country lanes. At Seal Bay, join a ranger on a guided beach walk among Australian Sea-Lions. If time permits try sand surfing at Little Sahara sand-dunes (boards available from KI Outdoor Action) or view birdlife at Murray Lagoon or D'Estrees Bay.
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Drive 5 'West End'
Cape Borda, Scott Cove, Ravine des Casoars (hiking), Flinders Chase Visitor Centre & National Park
The Lighthouse Keepers cemetery near Cape Borda is the day's first grim reminder of the tragedies that struck early settlers. Further along, Scott Cove lookout is a great reward for the long drive to Cape Borda, with stunning views of the coast and cliffs of the north coast, the tallest in South Australia. A Cape Borda lighthouse tour is a must. The 12.30pm tour includes a firing of the signal cannon. The Ravine des Casoars hike is a good option for the energetic. Later, wind along Shackle Road to Flinders Chase Visitor Centre, a self-guided tour brochure is available from National Parks.
Drive 6 'Dudley Peninsula'
Penneshaw, Cape Willoughby, Antechamber Bay, Chapman River, Pennington Bay, Prospect Hill & American River
Penneshaw attractions include a maritime museum, regular art exhibitions, the Visitor Information Centre for Kangaroo Island and popular cafes, restaurants and pub. There is also a 7 Day Supermarket and Bottle Shop, Petrol Station and Hardware, Fish & Tackle Shop. On the drive to the easternmost point of Kangaroo Island, Cape Willoughby, stop at Antechamber Bay/Chapman River for unspoilt coastline and attractive picnic areas. Take the tour to the top of the lighthouse at Cape Willoughby for magnificent views before enjoying a local produce platter and a glass of wine at adjacent Dudley Wines (moving to Penneshaw in late 2007). Enjoy a rural drive along Wilson River Road before touring Pennington Bay, Prospect Hill and American River. Complete the day with visit to Sunset Winery just out of Penneshaw with spectacular views over Eastern Cover and a guided penguin tour in Penneshaw.
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Drive 7 'Northeastern Highlights'
Eastern Cove, Baudin Beach, Prospect Hill, Pennington Bay, American River, Pelican Lagoon
Outside the many attractions of Penneshaw unfolds a winding drive. Sunset Winery is set atop Eastern Cove with expansive views to Kingscote. Wine matches perfectly with a tasting plate of Island produce. At Baudin Beach, an eclectic mix of local art is on display and constantly changing at KI Artworks. Climb the steps towards lofty views at Prospect Hill, nearby Pennington Bay is breathtaking with stunning cliffs and rolling surf. At American River, glossy black cockatoo spotting on the Fish Cannery walk and watching waterbirds settle on Pelican Lagoon is popular. At sunset see wallabies emerge to enjoy the locals' green gardens.
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Drive 8 'Kingscote and District'
A morning walk through historic Reeves Point is spectacular. Nearby Hope Cottage Museum tells much of the history of the area. Stop by Dauncey Street, the Island's cappuccino strip before exploring KI Gallery. On the way out of town Ferguson Australia sells fresh lobster products seasonally and all things sweet can be found at nearby Island Beehive. Watch the milking at Island Pure Sheep Dairy. Twenty minutes away is Emu Bay's long, white sandy beach and nearby Lavender Farm. Marine aquarium and penguin tours are hosted in the evening in Kingscote. Extra option – Enjoy a 1 hour, ½ day or full day cruise with KI Marine Tours – explore the marine environment of Kangaroo Island or, better still, swim with the dolphins.
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