13 Outdoor Adventures In The Southern Hemisphere
When to Go: Summer is prime time on Kangaroo Island, when wildflowers bloom in the pastureland and the local wildlife gives birth.
Why Go: With a name like "Kangaroo Island," Australia's third largest island delivers when it comes to wildlife viewing. On a visit to this island off the coast of Adelaide in South Australia, you're bound to see kangaroos, tammar wallabies, cuddly koalas, and Little Penguins in their natural habitats. Flinders Chase National Park takes up 17% of the island, with hiking trails and campsites along rivers, beaches, and stands of eucalyptus trees. A colony of 500 sea lions lives along the beaches of Seal Bay Conservation Park. Boardwalks and lookout points offer the perfect vantage point for watching the sea lions loll about in the sun and frolic in the ocean.
On a night tour from Kangaroo Island Marine Centre at Kingscote Wharf or of the Penneshaw Penguin Centre, you'll spot native pint-size penguins in tuxedos padding among the rocks. Driving the island's country roads, you'll pass signs pointing off the beaten path to farmers' fresh produce stands, artisan cheese makers, honey makers selling jugs of honey from local bees, and wineries.
How Much: To get to Kangaroo Island, you can fly from Adelaide or take a ferry (A$92 round-trip) from Cape Jervis. Flinders Chase National Park entry is A$10. Car camping is between A$12 and A$25 per vehicle per night; hiker walk-in campsites are A$6 and A$8 per person. Vacation cottages across the island are A$70 to A$250 per night.
