Kangaroo Island - need sanity check and inputs
 

Hi,

I have several questions re the KI part of the trip

We plan to fly to KI, so on the way in we will have to fly from Sydney to Adelaide and then on to KI. Expecting to be there by early afternoon. On the way back if we make it on the 8 am flight out, we should be able to take our international flight out of Adelaide. Is this a good way to plan? I am assuming the Adelatide-KI Rex air filigts are reliabe and travel on time.

Accommodation - extremely confusing with all the choices and the rather inconvenient cancellation policies. It seems one has to get it right the first time!

We prefer self catering places, so, I am now looking at the Aurora Ozone Apts, Hanson Beach Cabins, Wilderness Retreat and possibly the light keepers's cottage in Flinder's Chase as choices. Thinking we will spend the first 2 nights closer to Flinder's Chase and last night at Kingscote so that it would be convenient to take the morning flight out.

While isolated remote places sound very appealing to me, not sure if it is wise to be in places that do not have any Wifi or phones, especially since the party has seniors and child? Please help me narrow down to a couple of good places.

We are looking to get a guided tour for 2 days which excludes the day we arrive in KI. Not sure if should we also get ourselves a rental for the day we arrive in KI or just arrange for a transfer from airport?

Lots of questions - please help!

We split our stay between 2 nights at Hanson Bay cabins and one night in Penneshaw. We found the location of the cabins very convenient for what we wanted to see. We toured on our own and had a car the whole time. You'll need to pick up supplies in Kingscote if you're self catering before heading out to wherever you're staying. I'd personally prefer having a car but if you have two full days of touring lined up, perhaps you won't need one.

Our flights coming and going were on time but I don't know if that is typical. I'd leave plenty of buffer if you're planning to connect to an international flight.

Remote is a relative thing. You can drive the whole length of the island in under two hours. If serious, a helicopter or plane would not be far away - either Adelaide or Victor Harbour.

I would very much doubt any accommodation would not have a phone. Tour operators will have some means of contact with the outside world. You phone should work in some places. It is always hit and miss if you are off the main urban areas and their access highways.

When are you going? We are going the week after Christmas this year if you want us to do any on ground research for you.

I don't know about flights - but in general they seem to go on time in Australia give or take ten minutes.

No idea on accommodation as we have a campervan.

Am I right you are only going for two full days and two part days? That is not much time. We spent 10 days there last time and didn't see it all.

What do you want to see? Why have you chosen KI? A tour will pack a lot in but you may feel rushed if you don't normally travel this way.

Pick your places carefully so you get the best out of your stay. What really interests you? What things do you want to see and do thatare unlike anything else you have been to?

For instance, the Kelly hill caves whilst lovely, are not really different to any other caves except geologically they were formed by a fault rather than by water. The features that were then created by water are the same as any other limestone cave.

The Remarkables are remarkable if you have not been to anywhere equally as remarkable! Wave Rock in WA, Murphy's Haystacks in SA and the other granite peaks on the Eyre Peninsula are as good albeit not on a coast. Likewise, The Devil's Marbles in the NT.

I do not want to put you off. KI is a fantastic place, that is why we are going back in December, but with only 2-4 days make sure you get what you want out of the island NOT what a tour operator wants to show you.

Walking amongst the seals is a must do.
The sheep dairy is well worth a look.
There is a cruise along the coast which is supposed to be brilliant. Perhaps do this on your first day. By the looks of it, it is very similar to the cruises along Bruny Island and Tasman Island in Tasmania.

The coast line of KI is spectacular. We had a joy flight last time. The cliffs were cut by glaciers, as was the backstairs passage between KI and the mainland. This makes them very dramatic.

Enjoy. Where else are you visiting?

I am going with my geologist daughter in May for hopefully 4 days.I was looking at the Wilderness Resort-any other recommendations? We will have a car.