This full day private tour explores the Island’s key landscape and wildlife icons. No visit would be complete without experiencing Flinders Chase National Park and the sealions at Seal Bay. Your guide will give you a private tour of the key sites, provide informative commentary, and prepare a delicious lunch at a remote bush lunchsite.

Another impressive stone structure had a different architect. The Remarkable Rocks, huge natural granite sculptures, have been carved by relentless winds, rain and salt from the Southern Ocean. The end result looks like a meeting of the minds of Henri Moore and Salvador Dali!

At Cape du Couedic visit a large fur seal colony which numbers over 50,000. These animals can be seen at rest on the rocks or frolicking in the surf under Admirals Arch - a spectacular coastal grotto. On the headland above is a beautiful stone lighthouse where three light keepers and their families lived, maintaining a warning for ships.

Good wines and local produce feature in the lunch prepared by your guide at a private location. If requested at the time of booking, this luncheon can be either grilled King George whiting, haloumi and garden salad, or a picnic of free-range chicken, local cheeses, and garden salad. Please advise any special dietary needs.

Flinders Chase is a wilderness covering nearly 200,000 acres and is home to a wide array of wildlife species such as kangaroos, wallabies, possums, goannas, echidnas, koalas, platypus and many birds including rare Cape Barren Geese. As well as the wildlife habitat the park protects important geological features and cultural heritage sites.

The Australian sea-lion colony at Seal Bay is extremely tolerant of visitors and your guide can take you on a private tour of the colony. Observe pups nursing from their mothers, bulls maintaining a watch over the beach, and sea-lions at rest in between deep ocean fishing expeditions - all happening at close range on a beautiful sandy beach.

Kangaroo Island Icons

This full day private charter explores some of Kangaroo Island’s highlights and lesser known backtracks of Flinders Chase National Park - a wilderness covering nearly 200,000 acres. It is home to a wide array of wildlife species such as kangaroos, wallabies, possums, goannas, echidnas, koalas, platypus and many birds including rare Cape Barren Geese. In addition to the wildlife habitat the park also protects important geological features and cultural heritage

The drive down to Cape du Couedic takes in some dramatic dune country with a complex fire history and an interesting range of vegetation types. The road alignment follows the original horse trail between the ranger station and the lighthouse settlement on the tip of the peninsula.

Another impressive stone structure had a different architect. The Remarkable Rocks, huge natural granite sculptures, have been carved by relentless winds, rain and salt from the Southern Ocean. The end result looks like a meeting of the minds of Henri Moore and Salvador Dali!

At Cape du Couedic visit a fur seal colony which now number over 50,000 after being decimated by hunting in the early 1800’s. These animals can be observed at rest on the rocks or frolicking in the surf under Admirals Arch - a spectacular coastal grotto. On the headland above is a beautiful stone lighthouse where three light keepers and their families lived, maintaining a warning for ships. With no road access until 1940 life was tough - supplies came by sea only every 3 months.

Good wines and local produce features highly in our picnic lunch which we can enjoy out in the bush before exploring more of the Island. Depending upon the season, the afternoon might include a visit to “Grassdale” in the heart of Kelly Hill Conservation Park, the secluded pools of the Rocky River or a rugged South Coast cove.

Exclusively Flinders Chase

Western River CoveThere are 2 well-defined roads into Western River - we know a third and this one gets you way off the beaten track. Western River Cove is a short crescent of white sand wedged tightly between massive headlands plunging into the sea. Take a wander down the river to the sea to explore the cove and some extraordinary geology.

Snellings BeachAt the mouth of the Middle River is Snellings Beach - backed by hills created by the Island’s most significant fault scarp. The deep bay is a popular local swimming and fishing beach. This is an example of the early independent settlements serviced only by sea when produce was hauled out to sea on wagons to load up the coastal ketches. The small cemetery in the orchard is a reminder that isolation and mortality were constant companions.

This day explores the remote north west corner of the island where the wilderness of Flinders Chase National Park converges with some of Australia’s tallest cliffs. Explore the lighthouse settlement including a tour through the precinct and the small cemetery, Scott’s cove, Harvey’s Return and the backtracks of Western River cove.

Cape BordaPerched on the tall cliffs at the north west corner of the Island, this lighthouse is still active - both as a lighthouse and a weather station. The timeless tradition of firing a cannon daily to enable passing ships to check their clocks has been maintained here as part of the heritage experience. A walk to the cliff-tops gives a bird’s eye view of a sea-lion haul out on the rocks far below. For those interested in maritime heritage, a tour of the precinct and small museum can be organised on request.

Scott’s Cove LookoutThe lookout is a great vantage point out over Scott’s Cove, a regular anchorage for the Island’s rock lobster fishermen, and the inlet at Harvey’s Return. Harvey’s Return was an integral part of the lighthouse settlement as it was here where the lighthouse stores were landed and hauled to Cape Borda to keep the station operating. Further west is Cape Torrens whose towering cliffs shadow the final resting place of the shipwrecks Portland Maru and the Master Jack.

North West Wilderness

A private tour visiting the pure source of Kangaroo Island’s extraordinary food. Discover the diversity of the produce, the passion of the producers, and experience the “paddock to plate” phenomenon. This full day can incorporate seafood, artisan cheeses, honey, free-range eggs, marron, native spices, yoghurt and excellent wine.

Kangaroo Island Olive OilSue and Dan Pattingale have established Kangaroo Island as an excellent source of olive oil. The herbaceous and peppery wild oil is harvested from ancient, gnarled trees from across the Island. In contrast the plantation grown oil is smooth and mild. Try each of these in a tailgate tasting overlooking the groves.

HoneyKangaroo Island was declared a bee sanctuary to protect the only remaining population of Ligurian bees introduced from Italy in 1886. This traditional cottage industry is emerging as an important part of the Island food scene. Beekeepers have a nomadic programme where the hives are moved in response to flowering patterns and nectar flow. Taste a range of honeys and track down the source of the delicate flavours.

Marron, wine and native spicesHave you ever been to a farm where the stock lay hundreds of eggs, have big claws and live under water? Two Wheeler Creek is an extraordinary farm which produces wine, sheep for wool, native spices (lemon myrtle and native pepper) and marron which is an Australian freshwater crayfish. Here we can learn about the breeding ponds, grow-out dams, harvesting and grading the marron and then get to sample them in the restaurant right on the farm, accompanied by Two Wheeler Creek wines and sauces featuring native spices grown on site.

The Islander Estate VineyardThis vineyard is located on the gentle slopes of Kohinoor Hills. The idea of making wine on Kangaroo Island occurred to Jacques Lurton in 1997, when he visited on his honeymoon with his wife Francoise. They fell in love with its natural beauty, saw few planted vines but recognised its considerable potential. The Island offers near perfect growing conditions with a cool, semi dry climate that allows slow ripening which produces exceptional quality wine. The winery is not open to the public however we have negotiated access.

Epicurean Adventure

Art of Nature

A full day private tour to introduce you to Kangaroo Island’s creative side - the solitude, wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes have inspired many Islanders to express themselves artistically using a variety of media. A range of these artists have studios or galleries where we can gain an insight to their art, and explore their influences. Choose the art or studios you wish to visit - some of these require a prior appointment to ensure access.

Mark CaponMark’s formal training is obvious in the precision of his work. His range covers tall elegant vases, utilitarian platters, teapots and sculptural pieces - much of the work is pierced and features whimsical fish designs. Mark’s attention to detail extends to creating his own pigments and equipment. Given his ceramics are handmade and then carved down before applying colour, there are often a number of pieces on the go in his spacious studio at Bay of Shoals.

Neil SheppardNeil or “Shep” as we know him, cannot be pinned down to a particular style. Some of his acrylics have a great sense of freedom, loose vibrant expressions of colour which contrast strongly with Mark’s precision. Other pieces are more disciplined and illustrative. Shep often pursues a particular theme for a while - beachscapes, fishing boats, rural scenes or vineyards, then might have a series with a Japanese feel. A visit to Shep’s studio is always surprising!

Rustic BlueCombine the talents of a oil and gas field safety specialist and a paramedic and you probably would not expect a tranquil gallery featuring superb photographs and some unique acrylics situated just off the south coast road. Smilie and Coralie have also gathered a range of quality Australian jewellery, clothing, stationery and even organic chocolate - all sourced from artisan designers and producers from around the country.

Fine Art GalleryThis new venture, housed in a Victorian-style 2 storey limestone building, combines a picture framer and retail outlet for the best of Island art. Featured media includes: bronze, cast glass, ceramics, found object sculpture, pastels, oils, acrylics, and original photographs. This gallery, located in Kingscote, is a good reference point to identify artists with whom you may wish to meet or view more work.

Hanson Bay

Art of NatureRoo Lagoon Woodwork ShopLocated in the centre of the Island on a farm this workshop is close to the source of rich, heavy deep red seasoned timber. Artisan Jon Gloyne turns up beautiful art and utility pieces from red gum and cup gum - often tempered by nature in bushfires prior to Jon getting it onto his lathe. Select something from his range in the studio or ask for something to be created for you and forwarded home.

KI Artworks - Artists Collective Kangaroo IslandThe Artists Collective now has over 60 members and the array of work displayed is vast: photography; oils; slumped glass; cast bronze, aluminium and pewter; sculpture; hand-made papers - much of which reflect Island themes. A quite extraordinary number of the member artists have been chosen to participate in the Waterhouse natural history art prize - billed as “Australia’s richest reward for natural history art” and their work is on display.

This full day private tour blends a range of wildlife experiences with an elegant barbeque at a private lunchsite out in the bush. Get an introduction to Island life - where things take time. Where drivers wave as they go by - or even stop for a chat.

At Lathami Conservation Park walk quietly through the bush with your guide - what makes that noise, who’s tracks are those, and who left THAT little pile there? Look for wallabies which are almost extinct on the mainland, and a kangaroo found only on Kangaroo Island.

Break for lunch and enjoy a delicious meal featuring King George whiting (local sea fish), fresh salads and fine South Australian wines at a private bush location.

At Seal Bay Conservation Park walk with your guide among Australian sealions on a beautiful sandy beach. Watch pups nursing, or playing in the surf, see old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about their unique breeding biology. The remainder of the afternoon is spent exploring more of the south east region of the Island with destinations and experiences chosen to reflect seasonal opportunities.

Travel through some of the Island’s best farming country to the north coast.

Have a cuppa with some home-made cakes before taking a walk down a country track through tall Eucalyptus trees where koalas snooze overhead, or perhaps wake briefly for a feed.

Private Island Life

Get your final KI fix on the protected North Coast where large headlands bracket sweeping beaches and pastured hills slope down to the sea. Explore sheltered coves, protected valleys and open farmland. Enjoy some last wildlife encounters or maybe visit the town of Kingscote before ending up at the Airport to connect with departure flights.

Western River CoveSay farewell to the Southern Ocean Lodge and head inland, climbing up the plateau to the highest point of the Island and on to the North Coast. Western River Cove is a short crescent of white sand wedged tightly between massive headlands plunging into the sea. Take a wander down the river to the sea to explore the cove and some extraordinary geology.

Snellings BeachAt the mouth of the Middle River is Snellings Beach - backed by hills created by the Island’s most significant fault scarp. The deep bay is a popular local swimming and fishing beach. This is an example of the early independent settlements serviced only by sea when produce was hauled out to sea on wagons to load up the coastal ketches. The small cemetery in the orchard is a reminder that isolation and mortality were constant companions.

Stokes BayThe rocky exposed shoreline at the carpark belies the true beauty of this destination. Only minutes away through an adventurous tunnel is perhaps one of the Island’s best-kept secrets. Stokes Bay has a natural rockpool with clear waters full of marine life and outside the pool the sea often provides good conditions for body surfing. Careful observation on a beachwalk is often rewarded by seeing endangered hooded dotterels or pied oystercatchers.

Lathami Conservation ParkThis park was set aside to protect the feeding and breeding habitat of the critically endangered glossy black cockatoo. The park is also home to tammar wallabies, Kangaroo Island kangaroos, echidnas, koalas and goannas and a quiet walk through the bush often allows good photo opportunities should you have missed some close up encounters earlier in your travels around the Island.

North Coast Departure

What better way to become acquainted with Kangaroo Island than via a journey through the central valleys and along the South Coast - Cygnet Valley, Kohinoor Range, Seal Bay Conservation Park, Little Sahara and Vivonne Bay. Get an introduction to the landscape, wildlife habitat and local lifestyle before arriving at the spectacular Southern Ocean Lodge.

Have a cuppa with some home-made cakes before taking a walk down a country track through tall Eucalyptus trees where koalas snooze overhead, or perhaps wake briefly for a feed. Learn about the dependence of redgums on flooding and their importance in providing homes in the form of hollows for a diverse range of wildlife including kookaburras, cockatoos, possums and bats.

At Seal Bay Conservation Park walk with your guide among Australian sealions on a beautiful sandy beach. Watch pups nursing, or playing in the surf, see old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about their unique breeding biology. Regular guided tours are provided however your guide is accredited to take you on a private tour on arrival at the sea-lion colony.

Break for lunch and enjoy a delicious meal featuring King George whiting (local sea fish), fresh salads and fine South Australian wines at a private bush location. Your wildlife guide suddenly becomes head chef and wine steward!

After lunch continue west exploring Little Sahara dunefields, Point Ellen and Vivonne Bay, the summer home of the rock lobster fleet, before arriving at the remote and beautiful Hanson Bay and your luxe retreat at Southern Ocean Lodge.

Southern Ocean Welcome

Kangaroo Island Marine AdventuresA half day Kangaroo Island marine tour - explore the coast and marine environment, while ocean rafting and swimming with wild dolphins. • Half a day required • Subject to weather conditions • Wetsuits, masks and snorkels provided • Maximum 12 passengers A$1088.00 per group private basis A$210.00 per adult and A$122.00 per child (up to 13yrs) on a share basis (min 2 adults) departs 09.00 am from Emu Bay or Kingscote

A Day in the Life of a Wildlife ResearcherJoin Peggy, the world expert on Echidnas, for an hour or two over lunch in the bush and chat about her discoveries with Australia’s amazing egg-laying mammals or a live bearing reptile. For over 20 years independently-funded Pelican Lagoon Research Centre has been conducting long term field based wildlife research on echidnas, goannas, little penguins, tiger snakes and their place in the Island’s ecology. A$534.00 per group

KI Outdoor Action Quad BikingExplore private bushland tracks by quad bike with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action. • Clients over 12 years of age can ride by themselves • Clients over 5 years old, can ride with your guide (maximum 5 passengers) • Instruction of safe operation of quad bikes given; first time riders welcome •Long pants and closed in shoes must be worn for safety The All Terrain Quad Adventure tour is A$142.00 per individual rider and A$90.00 per passenger. Upgrade to a private experience for an additional cost of A$214.00 per group. Please contact our staff for details of all experiences available.

The following options are available combined with a full day of private touring

Rates are Retail in AUD and valid to 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016

Private Touring Additional Activities

Islander Estate Wine TastingThis vineyard is located on the gentle slopes of Kohinoor Hills. The idea of making wine on Kangaroo Island occurred to Jacques Lurton in 1997, when he visited on his honeymoon with his wife Francoise. They fell in love with its natural beauty, saw few planted vines but recognised its considerable potential. The winery is not open to the public however we have negotiated access. Standard Tasting 1-4 pax A$84.00 5-8 pax A$166 Premium Investigator Tasting 1-4 pax A$138 5-8 pax A$276

Larger groups also welcome, please contact us for pricing