"KI"-Kangaroo Island

June 16-19

KI is Southern Australia's oldest settlement, established in 1836.  Today almost two-thirds of the island is national park reserve and its 4500 residents are hugely outnumbered by the wildlife.  It has been called "Australia's Galapagos" because of its unique species of flora and fauna and is also known for its thriving food and wine industry. We were very fortunate to be guided by a native islander, Scott, who was very passionate about his part of the country and immensely kind to the boys.  After our three days, Scott's passion was catching & we found KI to be spectacular.


DAY 1:

Nepean Bay in Kingscote, right outside our inn-
On our first morning we crossed the street and happened upon a pod of dolphins playing & a fur seal fishing

Kangaroo Island turkeys-
Matt was wishing for his bow

Our first stop was the Seal Bay Conservation Park for up close observation of the rare Australian Sea Lion.  It was pretty fascinating to be able to walk on the beach just meters away.

This large male weighed about 1 ton-
in the photo above you can see how close he was to our path... we did not try to venture further past him!

We learned that sea lions are not lazy creatures.
They go out to sea  three days at a time, making over 1100 dives for fish and come back to the beach exhausted.

This pup is glad his mom is home!

"Surfing" back in from feeding

These two juvenile males in the foreground are testing out their fighting skills.

We did not have to visit special conservation areas to see wildlife while exploring the island. There was so much roadside vegetation that we saw many (or I could say most) animals as we drove along.

Koala in eucalyptus tree

Rare boy species in tree

Picnic lunch on a sheep farm

Watching the sheep being herded

Ready to trek to Bales Beach

The tide was high so the only way to the view was over the rocks!

Worth the climb!

Kangaroo Island kangaroos-
Shortly after this photo was taken we watched two 'roos boxing!

Tammar Wallabies
(unique to KI)

This little joey could reach to eat without getting out of the pouch

In mid-hop...

The elusive echidna!
Matt patiently waited for him to show his long nosed face but he burrowed right in...