bush camping on kangaroo island

Submitted: Sunday, Nov 20, 2011 at 22:29

ThreadID: 90213 Views:6477 Replies:1 FollowUps:2

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Member - BarryL2

good evening folks, i am planning a trip to kangaroo island over the Christmas break and having never been there before dont have any idea of bush camping over there. i know the places i want see but dont want it to be an expensive accomodation trip, i would be appreciate any information
cheers Barry

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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Sunday, Nov 20, 2011 at 22:59

Sunday, Nov 20, 2011 at 22:59

Hi Barry

Keep an eye out over the next week or 2 for my latest Blog on KI. Firstly I hope you have allowed lots of time for the Island, there is so much to see and do. We have been twice this year, 10 days in March and 2 weeks in October, it is such a magic place.

There are only limited bush camping site, all in National Parks. There are 3 caravan parks, plus a number of Council camping area on the Island. American River Council Park is a top spot, right on the water and $5 per night or $10 per night with power.

The Western KI Park is our pick, very quiet and such a special little spot. The only problem we had there was Dot the Kangaroo. It knew how to up zip tents and would make herself at home if we were not around.

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There are many great walks on the Island and make sure that you have Prospect Hill on the list as well.

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The Birds of Prey is a must see and make sure that you purchase the Parks Pass. It might sound dear at $64 per adult, but is valid for 12 months and gives you unlimited access to all the National Parks attractions and will very and truly pay in just 1 visit to the Island.

I could go on and on, but will keep it for the Blog.

I can assure you that if you loves nature at its best, no busy crowds and some unreal scenery, then you will plan your return visit sooner than you think.

Cheers

Stephen

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Follow Up By: Member - Alastair D (NSW) - Monday, Nov 21, 2011 at 08:19

Monday, Nov 21, 2011 at 08:19

Stephen,
Your blog is impressive.

I am contemplating a trip to KI and your words have spurred me on.

What are the costs for vehicle to the island? How much for a camper trailer?

I am assuming you took your own vehicle.

cheers

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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Monday, Nov 21, 2011 at 14:43

Monday, Nov 21, 2011 at 14:43

Hi Barry and Alistair

I should have stated this above, but one of the best bush camping locations for us was at Antechamber Bay, on the Chapman River. There are 2 sides, Western and Eastern. As we wanted water access for the Kayak, the Eastern side was better suited for us.

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As for the pricing, you will get the best deals if you book direct with Sealink, but must book at least 1 nights stay on the Island with them, including caravan parks.

These are the standard prices until April 2012.

Return Adult fare $92 per person

Return fare for cars under 5m (Which our Prado was) $180

Powered sites at Penneshaw Caravan Park $33 per night.

I booked direct with Sealink, the first 2 nights at Penneshaw and it only cost $308.00, so you can see there are big savings to be had with a savings of $122.00.

I like to leave no stone unturned and even after both times on the Island, there are still roads that I have not travelled on (mind you not many) as there are over 1600 kilometres of roads on the Island.

Most people think it is only small (actually Australia's third largest Island) and think they can drive the whole Island in a day....WRONG!!

You know what you like and if it is, beaches that you will be the only person on, Australian Wildlife at its very Best, the most friendlies people anywhere in Australia, sorry to offend other great locations in Australia, unreal scenery, the list goes on, then give yourself plenty of time.

The only complaints that I heard from a couple from Queensland was that they were told not to waist their time going there, but wanted to see the Island for themselves, and only booked to stay for 3 nights. Having worked a holiday timetable around the 3 days there, they felt like cancelling the rest of their holidays and stay the rest of there 2 weeks on Kangaroo Island, as they were so disappointed to leave and had only seen the major attractions at a very quite rush.

It is one place that we will be returning to again and again.

Cheers

Stephen

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