"There really aren't enough adjectives to accurately describe the beauty of Kangaroo Island. In fact, words can almost spoil the moment. Even photos don't do this wildly gorgeous destination justice". Isaac Bober, Symmetry, Australia.
We did not waste any time our first day. Our first stop was a winery with an incredible view of the ocean and parts of KI. Anelle did not enjoy the wine much, but the food we got along with our tasting was great and all locally produced. The view was really what made us leave happy. After checking into the hotel, we went to go check out Stokes Bay. Oz has so many beautiful beaches. Some that don’t even make the list of the best in Oz, are still heaps better than most of what I have seen or experienced in Europe, Mexico or South East Asia. Stokes Bay and Hanson Bay were both great examples. The drive into the parking lot is a dirt road with kangaroos and cockatoos relaxing and eating on the land to your right and left before parking. When we first arrived, it was not impressive at all. It looked more like an area to enjoy if you wanted to see tide pools. But then you see a sign that says “Beach” and an arrow directing you through huge boulders. This is part of the beauty of Stokes Bay. We walked, ducked and squeezed our way through the huge boulders. At the end, we came out to white sand, clear blue water and not a soul present (at first). The only crummy part of our trip, was not having much beach weather. That did not stop Anelle from changing into her bathing suit and taking a dip. I on the other hand, went waist deep because I was too cold.
I have yet to look over the footage on my GoPro but let me just say that I have never concentrated so much in my life. I did not want to hit a single animal and I sure as hell did not want any damage to the car. Oh, and obviously I did not want Anelle nor I to sustain any injuries. It is a two way road with no street lights. From the moment we left Flinders to the moment we arrived in Kingscote (the main town in KI and the location of our hotel), we saw maybe 4 cars. What we did see were dozens upon dozens of animals that were trying to commit suicide in front of my car. Even the birds would fly from one side of the road to the other at bumper car level! It was shocking how many wallabies and kangaroos jumped out in front of my car while we drove back to our hotel. An easy hour and a half drive turned into an almost three hour drive filled with dodging animals. I am proud to report that not only did we make it safe, I managed to save the lives of dozens of wallabies, three to four kangaroos, a few possums and one koala by driving safely and alertly. Ya reckon I deserve some type of Aussie conservationist award? I think it is definitely deserving.
On our last day, we made a few last stops before making the journey home to Adelaide just in time to watch fireworks in celebration of Australia Day... To sum up KI, we crossed the most expensive body of water and only saw one dolphin. We were in awe of some of the beaches. Thoroughly enjoyed all of the animal sightings. Survived driving on the opposite side of the road (Anelle only had to remind me twice that I was on the wrong side of the road). Successfully changed a flat tire while in the bush. Saved countless animals. KI gave us picturesque cliffs, green forest, towering sand dunes, wetlands filled with black swans and heaps of white sand beaches. KI is beautiful. If we ever make it back, camping will be the way to go!