An Interview From Kangaroo Island HQ

This month, we speak with Kangaroo Island’s Amy Martin-Smith to get the inside scoop on the best things to see and do whilst on a Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour…

Name: Amy Martin-Smith
position: Business Development Executive – Youth and Adventure

What are the top 3 things to do on a Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour?
One of the best things to do on the 2 day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer tour is enjoy the free activities at Vivonne Bay Lodge, which is our accommodation for the night. You have about 2 hours of free time to kayak on the Harriet River, walk or cycle the 10km of paths, spot wildlife, play pool or table tennis or simply relax on the deck with a bevvy or two. My other top things to do on tour are the sandboarding and spotting as much local wildlife as possible, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, possums and wedge-tailed eagles.

What’s your favourite time of year to be on the island?
My favourite time of year on Kangaroo Island is now. September to December is spring time here and it is when the rolling hills are lush green, the weather is great and it’s the best time for wildlife spotting. The days are getting longer so there’s more time to explore all that this amazing Island has to offer.

What essentials should visitors pack when visiting KI?
The obvious things to pack are your camera, spending money for souvenirs, good walking shoes and a warm jacket for night time. But remember to bring your sense of adventure and willingness to learn all about Kangaroo Island. Our guides are knowledgeable and passionate about this Island so you’ll come away with lots of stories and information about what makes Kangaroo Island great.

What’s your personal highlight on the island?
My personal highlight on Kangaroo Island is Admirals Arch. Not only do you see an impressive hole that has been naturally carved out of the cliff through millions of years of being buffeted by the wind and sea, but you get to watch the Long-Nosed Fur Seals frolicking in the shallows.

What kind of temperatures/ weather can people expect if visiting in spring?
The average temperature in spring is 21C during the day. Most days are sunny and bright with very little rainfall. The rugged south coast can be windy but with a good weatherproof jacket you wont feel it.

What’s the most exhilarating activity to do on KI?
I love a bit of adventure, so sandboarding down the Little Sahara sand dunes would have to be one of the most exhilarating things to do on Kangaroo Island. I wont tell you how many times I have stacked it!

What’s a highlight for animal lovers?
The highlight for animal lovers would be the Australian Sea Lions at Seal Bay. We are very fortunate to have 5% of the world’s population in this breeding colony. You get to walk amongst these amazing creatures, basically in their own backyard, with a National Parks guide. Did you know the Australian Sea Lions go out to sea for three days to fish and then come back to sleep for three days? That’s just one of the facts you’ll learn about at Seal Bay.

Any tips for wine tasting on KI?
Kangaroo Island produces some fantastic wines. I personally love a good Sauvignon Blanc from the Sunset Winery and luckily you have the opportunity to purchase a white or red “souvenir” on tour. Or better yet, get a bottle to have with your Aussie BBQ dinner at Vivonne Bay Lodge whilst on a Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour.

How long would you recommend visiting KI for if time isn’t an issue?
I would recommend staying on Kangaroo Island for at least a week. You can extend on the 2 day tour we have by staying a night before and after the tour which will give you a 4 day experience on Kangaroo Island. Alternatively bringing your own car over on the ferry or hiring a car on Kangaroo Island will allow you to roam free and see as much or as little as you like.

Any secret/ less well known beaches or locations visitors should seek out whilst visiting?
I personally love Stokes Bay. You have to walk through a rocky tunnel to get to the beach which is pristine, white sand, clear water, fish swimming in rock pools, it’s simply stunning. There is even a surf beach there. There are a number of fantastic walks on KI that start from the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre. Pick up a map here and explore the beautiful national park.

How many people do you generally take out on your tours?
Our 2 day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Explorer tour can take a maximum of 20 passengers, however our average number is less. The smaller the group, the more time you have at each stop.

What social aspect can visitors expect from KI Adventure Tours? (How do you get everyone bonded)
Our guides are fantastic in getting everyone involved. At night time we stoke up the fire to toast marshmallows and tell ghost stories. By the end of the 2 days of touring the group feels like a family.

Book the 2 Day Wilderness Explorer tour with Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours to get your fill of Kangaroo Island at kiadventuretours.com.au

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