Kangaroo Island Self-Drive Tour info
 

Wondering if there are any good guidebooks that have thorough K.I. self-drive information. Or, are there any local companies that "sell" a self-drive tour kit. We don't need a car rental, but could use some maps and advice on where to go.

Just got back from KI last month--had a great time. Check out www.tourkangarooisland.com.au. There's plenty of information about the island itself and also, self-touring. You can also request printed info off the site and there's a map too.

What is KI like in August? Is it a must see if in the Adelaide area?

DownUnder- did you drive yourself, or take a tour? Any sites stand out that are "must sees"?

Dave--We booked Adventure Charters for a 2-day one night deal. It was highly recommended and although it was pricey, it was the best experience we had on our whole vacation. If you do the self-drive, make sure that you take in the Remarkable Rocks, Seal Bay and Admiral's Arch. Also, you may want to sign up for a short nocturnal tour with Alkima to see the fairy penguins and other nightlife. You'll love KI--we saw tons of roos, koalas, wallabies,seals and fairy penguins, even a few echidneas and glossy black cockatoos!

We debated for a while about doing a tour (even contacted Adventure Charters for pricing). I was having a hard time justifying the money for the tour, and while I know I'll be missing some of the good stuff, I also know we'll be happier doing our own thing.

We're going to Oz in August and have decided to skip Kangaroo Island. I understand it is a great place, but we simply cannot see everything. Is also seems quite pricey to get to, even if we were to go over for just a day.

My question is, can I see the animals on Kangaroo Island elsewhere in Australia?

Dave-- Be sure to take some binoculars and you'll have a great time! You may want to take a nocturnal tour which is pretty cheap to see the fairy penguins--we used alkima.com.au and saw lots of penguins and wallabies.

DasFX--Sure, you can see some of the same animals elsewhere in Australia. For example, the fairy penguins on Philip Island, outside Melbourne and kangaroos and koalas out in the bush.
A few of the animals like echidneas, glossies and wallabies are more difficult to spot elsewhere other than a wildlife park. I think there's just a larger variety on KI than most places.

Hi there,

Dave, I'm sure there are lots of guidebooks that have self drive info; however, to maximize the best of the area this is one of the places that a guide is really called for. (IMO)

I completely understand the hesitation to spend money for a tour you think you can do on your own, but the bottom line is that you won't have the same experience or see as much.

Adventures Charters are a great company and they have access to private lands, they live on K.I.full time and know the area like the back of their hands. I know the owner and have been to their house; and there's just no way that you're going to have the same experience driving along with a tour book.

Dax, yes, you can see animals in other parts of Australia without going to K.I. Honestly, alot of this is a "regional" thing... I've been to K.I. and people from Kansas were just over the moon about the seals....coming from California, I was sort of "yes, ok, seals, big deal". This is part of what I do with clients is to listen to their past experiences and guide them to what is going to be the WOW factor for them - it's different for everyone.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist