Wildlife enthusiasts can lose themselves for weeks on the island,but most visitors confine themselves to five must-see animals. Australian sea lions take refuge in the stunning sands of Seal Bay,the place where you can do guided ranger walks among this threatened species. Koalas hang out at the entrance to Flinders Chase National Park,the vast forested refuge that covers a full third of the island. Endemic island kangaroos can be seen at dusk and dawn across the island's rolling farmland (a landscape as lovely as any). Within the island's labyrinth of quiet dirt roads,echidnas can be spotted on the verges. And don't miss the nightly 5pm feeding time of pelicans at the small capital,Kingscote,one of the most joyous affairs on the island.
EAT
Last year,the Enchanted Fig Tree (hannafordandsachs.com.au) at Middle River rightly found fame as a piece of ephemeral magic,and is now rated as one of South Australia's Top 10 experiences. The"restaurant"is a string of private dining rooms carved out of a 150-year-old fig tree and first class local fare is served as light streams through the roof and walls. Once the leaves begin to fall in April the restaurant closes until the following December.
Seal Bay Conservation Park,Kangaroo Island.
The Rockpool Cafe does fish and chips for delightful Stokes Bay beach. Zest and Thyme (zestandthyme.com.au) near Willoughby offers good value food with priceless views. And the Oyster Farm Shop in American River sells a fresh-off-the-rack dozen for $12.