Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Australia & the Pacific (https://www.fodors.com/community/australia-and-the-pacific/)
-   -   Car Hire on Kangaroo Island? (https://www.fodors.com/community/australia-and-the-pacific/car-hire-on-kangaroo-island-303284/)

swensley Apr 2nd, 2003 03:39 PM

Car Hire on Kangaroo Island?
 
I am seeking advice on whether rental of a car is advisable on Kangaroo Island or should my husband and I rely solely on tours? We will be staying at Kangaroo Island Lodge in American River for 3 nights in September. We are independent travelers who usually don't go on tours. However, we don't want to miss locating wildlife. If we do decide to rent a car, is it advisable to rent one prior to our arrival or is it easy and as inexpensive to rent one once we arrive? Much thanks for any help you can give!

alliegator Apr 2nd, 2003 03:54 PM

Do not rent a car!! We rented a car and it was very expensive and we only used it to drive from the airport&gt;hotel&gt;airport. When we turned in our car at the airport, the attendent wasn't there. So we were told to drop the keys in the drop box. When we got back to the States &amp; the bill came, they had charged us $75 dollars more then the agreed price. In addition to the expense, it is very dangerous to drive it at night because of the wildlife. <BR><BR>Take a tour..it is worth the money &amp; they know exactly where to go to see the wildlife. The island is fairly big and will take a whole day to drive it. You will miss soo much if you try to sight see on your own.<BR><BR>My hubby &amp; I loved KI, it was our favorite part of our Oz trip! Have fun!!!

wlzmatilida Apr 3rd, 2003 04:58 PM

Swensley,<BR><BR>I'm all for independent travel (my favorite way to go)but I agree with Alliegator on this one. The tour operators are all locals who live in the area and not only know where to go, they have access to areas you wouldn't. I was just there in November and took a 2 day tour; on both days the tour guide had a large ring of keys they used to open gates to private land where we hiked to see a variety of wildlife that I would have zoomed right by in my rental car and wouldn't have had access to in the first place.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>Melodie<BR>Certified Aussie Specialist

swensley Apr 8th, 2003 02:31 PM

Thanks for your answers. Based on the information I received, I definitely will not rent a car on Kangaroo Island. Can anyone recommend a favorite tour company to use? Thanks much!

OneWanderingJew Apr 8th, 2003 03:00 PM

Hello Swensley,<BR>I used Adventure Charters of Kangaroo Island and wholeheartedly recommend them. AC provides a very personal experience and you get to see loads without feeling like you're on a tour. When I went last July, the 'group' consisted of myself, a honeymoon couple and the guide who drove us around in a nice Holden SUV (hmm, what do the Australian's call that kind of vehicle. I've forgotten.)<BR><BR>I took the 2 day/1 night package and stayed at Wanderer's Rest B&amp;B. I liked Wanderer's Rest but the honeymooners raved about the place they stayed, Stranraer's Homestead. Stranraer's is a beautifully restored Victorian style old home and the wife is a trained chef. From what I understand, she is the best cook on the island. Next time, I would stay there.<BR><BR>Adventure Charters also offers a 1 day tour if you're short on time but obviously you won't be able to see it all.<BR><BR>Their website is www.adventurecharters.com.au<BR><BR>Debbie

alliegator Apr 8th, 2003 03:23 PM

We took the Sealink bus tour and had a great time. Although a much larger group of people, we still got to see sooo much. If I could do it again though I would probably take a smaller tour. Either way you will see more then touring on your own.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:43 PM.