Kangaroo Island: It’s only a hop, skip and jump from the South Aussie mainland

Kangaroo Island was hit hard by the bushfires last summer, with flames rushing through the gorgeous landscape and putting tourism on hold for a short while. It was a devastating time for the Aussies who call the island home, with many losing their properties, businesses, or even both.

Then Covid-19 hit and travel was off the cards once again. Thankfully though, the borders are now slowly reopening and locals are ready and waiting for those who want to holiday near home – particularly the South Aussies who don’t have to travel far for a quick getaway.

Even if you’ve been there before it’s a beautiful place to visit, with so much to see and do. Flinders Chase National Park is perhaps the most popular part of the island to see mainly due to the Remarkable Rocks. The eroded granite rock formations are featured in many postcards and if you travel there yourself you’ll certainly have to snap a photo or two – purely due to their unique appearance.

Meanwhile, Seal Bay is famous for its sea lion colony. There’s a short guided tour which will take you right down to the beach where you can watch the creatures laze around or swim off into the ocean.

Other incredible experiences include a visit to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park and Aquarium where you can get up close to Aussie animals, and Little Sahara where the grandkids can ride down the slopes on a board. But, you really can’t leave the island without visiting one of the honey farms. Kangaroo Island is well-known for its delicious honey – in particular the honey ice cream. It’s simply delicious!

The island is a popular holiday destination for over-60s, with many packing their bags and heading there each year. And Travel at 60 has helped a heap of Baby Boomers along their way, with regular tours and community trips to the beautiful place. Due to coronavirus restrictions not everyone is allowed into South Australia at the moment, but there’s some great deals on offer for next year which could take your fancy.

In March there’s a community tour organised especially for over-60s to Kangaroo Island. During the trip you’ll get to play two social games of lawn bowls with locals, explore the many spectacular sights and taste the delicious cuisine that the island has to offer.

Meanwhile, for a longer holiday you could join a different community holiday starting in Sydney and heading down to Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. The tour is set to depart next March – so plenty of time to get prepared. Along the way you’ll visit the small historic town of Beechworth in Victoria, travel along the Great Ocean Road, stop over in the charming little town of Victor Harbor and then catch the ferry across to Kangaroo Island.

While on the island you’ll visit Remarkable Rocks, Vivonne Bay and Seal Bay. Then you’ll head back across to the mainland and venture through the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley – both of which are known for the incredible wine.