My husband and I are traveling to Melbourne in Jan. 2011. We are thinking of going to Kangaroo Island? It seems to be expensive to go there and I'm not sure it's worth it. What do you think?

I think the combination of the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians and Phillip Island, all easily accessible from Melbourne, would be preferable to KI. You would see more Kangaroos, spectacular scenery and save a lot of cash.

Not a big fan myself - expensive, and there isn't much to see when you get there. The ferry in particular is unusually pricey. Kangaroos are boring.

If you are into nature and hiking, seeing penguins and seals in the wild and some amazing scenery, geology and caves, then it is a fantastic place. If not, then it is not worth it, as the roads are mostly gravel and travel times are longer as a result. We spent about ten days on the island and didn't see everything.

Phillip Island is THE place for penguins and a very sizable seal colony all in the wild. The GOR has some of the best scenery in OZ and you can also walk the GOR.
http://www.visitvictoria.com/display...C88F3C040AFAD/

Anyone going to KI should make sure that they go out at night. Most of Australia's mammals are nocturnal or at least crepuscular.

ON KI you can see penguins by yourself without thousands of other tourists. Likewise with the seals they are on a beach and you can get to within a few metres of them with a Park ranger tour.

Not worth going just for that, but certainly highlights.

Thanks for all your replies. May decide to pass and go for the GOR.

Good choice. Fantastic scenery.

There is a tree top walk in the Otway ranges and the Cape Otway Lighthouse is worth a look if you have the time.

Melba Gully is well worth a night visit if you are in the area as the sides of the gullies are covered with glow worms. Stay in nearby Port Campbell near the 12 Apostles. The bay of islands is well worth the visit as well.

http://www.otwayfly.com/

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=47

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_...y.cfm?park=175

Be prepared for wind. Hot or cold.