Kangaroo Island Part II

Back to the island.

Know that there are often long drives on unsealed roads between attractions. In hindsight, moving accommodation as you progress around the island is probably a better option that our plonking in the one spot.

Various friends and family had given us the hot tips but pretty sure we covered it all.

• Pelican feeding at Kingscote - very funny and informative

     

• Cape Willoughby Light House - again, an informative, friendly worth while tour - and bonus, not far from Dudley Wines!
• Clifford's Honey Farm - long way to go but the honey ice cream was delicious
• Stoke's Beach - where you walk through what feels like a secret passage through the rocks to get it - quite magical (Also where you get the great food at the Rockpool Cafe)
• Seals at Seal Bay - the tour is expensive but it also supports conservation so fair enough

                    

• Flinders Chase National Park (below) - windy as all get out, but with rock formations like we'd never seen 
• Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary was one of those rural parks run by people who are dedicated to animal conservation and welfare - friendly and happy to have a chat - a great stop

            

• Island Pure Sheep Dairy, We arrived just before closing time at 4pm and didn't we know it! In spite of buying 3 cheeses and a gorgeous wooden tray, the staff grumbled that it has been such a long day (they opened at 10...) and weren't that welcoming which was a bit off putting
• Admiral's Arch (below) was spectacular. Watching the seals in the incredibly rough water and over the rocks was mesmerising. The surf is huge - and they just love bouncing around in what we mere mortals would find terrifying. This may have been the highlight of the trip. It's so good.

• KIS - Kangaroo Island Spirits, a small distillery where you can taste their gins, vodkas and other offerings. We had trouble getting their attention because it was one of the staff's birthday and they were more interested in presenting a specially labelled bottle of something to her than serving us... We did persist and they had some great products, buying a bottle of their SLAP vodka with Samphire (a salty succulent that's prevalent on the island), Lime and Pepper

So all in all, lots to do and see, some great food (and sadly, some not so great) and a successful trip.

When we got back to Robe, we discovered I had a cracked wheel rim so had to travel back to Melbourne on the space-saver wheel at 80km... seems my car is cursed here!! You might recall the drama when the keys got locked in it - also at Robe.

Kangaroo Island - Part 1

After Christmas in Robe, we took the opportunity while in South Australia to pop over to Kangaroo Island for a few days.

Now I'm not sure about you, but I think I've read far too much in Gourmet Traveller about this place so in truth, it didn't quite live up to expectation.

Most of the magazine hype is focused on Southern Ocean Lodge - but as accommodation there starts at $1200 a night per person, with a minimum 2 night stay, even though we only had Sass, that wasn't happening! (Yes - that's a starting price for 3 in the cheapest room of $7,200!!)

Southern Ocean Lodge

We did try for lunch. We pulled up at the fancy locked gates on the gravel road and Geoff pressed the intercom. Here's how that brief conversation went:

Welcome to Southern Ocean Lodge, you're speaking with Jess.

Hello Jess, my name's Geoff and I was just wondering if you're serving lunch today?

Yes we are, but only to in-house guests. Thank you. (Clunk)

Okay....

That aside, I was still expecting a Tasmania/New Zealand-esque food experience - where you pretty much can't go wrong where ever you go. Not the case. Here's my TripAdvisor review of breakfast on day one.

Because we'd booked late, choices were limited and we ended up in a very dated but totally adequate 2 bedroom cabin. The highlight was the managers; a gorgeous middle-aged, heavily tattooed  and pieced hippy couple who'd recently moved down from Queensland to take over. They were lovely! Friendly and chatty and knowledgeable about the local bird life. I commented to one that I couldn't get a decent coffee anywhere. so there was a real business opportunity.

There are lots of business opportunities around here, she responded sagely.

Now that I've got that all off my chest, there are many great things on KI. The Oyster Bar at American River is fabulous - the oysters are some of the best I've ever eaten. Avoid the crush in the tiny shop and buy them take away, then sneak over to the cafe across the road and buy a glass of something chilled to go with, sit on the habour and enjoy- an absolute highlight. (Just know it's only open from 11am-3pm which isn't that convenient... like a lot of things on KI).

I'm holding the wine - and Sass the oyster (my nails aren't that chipped!!)

Dudley Wine is also brilliant. Their Porky Flat Shiraz has become a fav. The gourmet pizza was very tasty and the views stunning.

The mixed platter at  the Rockpool Cafe, Stokes Bay was expensive at about $30 (most of KI is - we figured they have a limited season to earn a living so didn't begrudge the prices) but delivered - fresh, crisp and although all fried, not at all greasy or heavy. Included prawns, scallops, calamari and local white fish.

And finally, the platter we threw together ourselves on the balcony of our cabin.

Food done, next time - the sights!