Any thoughts on Kangaroo Island?

[Biscuit]

I read an article on Kangaroo Island and am thinking about making a visit while in Oz. Is it a tourist trap or worth the trip? If so, how long? It sounds great, but I would appreciate any opinions from you guys.

[MAGNA]

I must admit I have never been there. Most Islands around Australia aren't really what you would call tourist traps if they have any wildlife on them, mainly for conseravation reasons. Some are resort islands which are specifically getaway locations.

It depends on what you want to see.

[Geek44]

I know you've been here before Biscuit and I know very little about Kangaroo Island despite its being just out the back door as it were. For somebody from Colorado, I'd say the weather will be mild, it will only be accessible by boat or light plane...I guess it will be quite like other South Pacific islands...lots of grass, not many trees and tons of bird crap. I CAN tell you that nobody I know has ever been there. I'd be interested to know what you've read about it though. Now if it were King Island or Phillip Island I'd understand. Kangaroo is probably a lot of farms.

[Biscuit]

I heard there was alot of wildlife that has been unaffected by animals introduced to the mainland (rabbits, dingoes, ferral cats). I also read that there is wildlife everywhere and being that it isn't a real tourist hotspot that you can get some good deals on lodging, food, and excursions. It sounds wonderful, but I consider myself a fairly seasoned traveled in Oz (9 weeks total) and noone has suggested it before. Anything a little further off the beaten path ranks highly, but there needs to be more of a draw. It may be time for some internet research.

Thanks for the input guys!

[Geek44]

All of that is true Biscuit...in fact I've never met anyone who's been there. The feral animals things is probably true to an extent but I'm sure that the residents have cats...they're very hard to keep enclosed. We gave two away when we moved up here...they started to bring us protected birds despite the fencing and enclosing we tried. As far as wildlife goes...it dpends what you want to see. We have kangaroos down south and wallabies (smaller 'roo species) but they're different to the ones further north. I often see wallabies, echidnas and some of the more obscure species around my home on the mountain. Wildlife is easy to find in Oz.

[Biscuit]

I don't think it will wreck my trip if I don't go, but I still think it might be a nice, relaxing couple of days. No decision as of yet. I haven't spent any time in South Australia and was looking for something to do. I was thinking an Island/Winery combo.

[MAGNA]

Quote - Wildlife is easy to find in Oz -

Yep. Just go into any pub.

Speaking of ferals, up around the Dandenongs (Melbourne) one council has banned cats completely. The have Lyre birds and want them preserved. The cats were causing trouble so they were banned. Maybe a good thing, especially if you want to see a Lyre bird.

In my part of Australia we probably take wildlife (flora and fauna) for granted. There is so much of it. So many varieties of plant and animal life from the coast about 100 miles inland. The list is bewildering. Most are unique to this area. The plant types number in the thousands. The animal types include prehistoric skinks with two rows of shark like teeth - they are quite happy to see a cat as they will eat anything. Not all are dangerous, in fact most are not.

I would be looking more at nine years to see what is worth seeing in Australia. Not bragging or anything, there just is that much if you are interested in nature.

[Geek44]

I live in the Dandenongs MAGNA. Don't know about the cat ban mate...but we gave away two before we came up here four years ago. It's a small cluster of 'ye olde' tourist villages up here mate...lots of middle-aged couples and people staying in expensive bed and breakfasts over weekends and public holidays...old guys in their MGs and Morgans. Every holiday and weekend, the CFA sirens go off (twice today) because some wannabe Schumacher drove off the road. They're very winding. There are a few cats in my area...dunno about the others though. I hope you're right. This place is bird paradise and smaller marsupials. The roof is very busy at night.
There's a track in the bush we know where we never fail to see Lyrebirds. We have a 100% success rate in four years. Nature produced no better mimic than the Superb Lyrebird. Rosellas, Cockatoos white, black and Gang-Gang, any sound. I've heard them do cameras, lawn mowers and blowers...even a baby crying. It's just amazing. Until you hear it, you'll think I'm exaggerating.
MAGNA is quite right when he suggests nine years. Australia is the size of the continental US but has only a small fraction of the population. There's a lot of 'nowhere' out there and much of it is pristine. The nature of Western Oz where MAGNA is, is quite special in terms of wildlife...so much variety.

[MAGNA]

I can't remember the name of the council who banned cats but I'll find out and let you know. We are going to be there for a wedding in early April so I will keep an eye out for Lyrebirds and Geeks.

[Biscuit]

Originally Posted by MAGNA

Quote - Wildlife is easy to find in Oz -

Yep. Just go into any pub.

Speaking of ferals, up around the Dandenongs (Melbourne) one council has banned cats completely. The have Lyre birds and want them preserved. The cats were causing trouble so they were banned. Maybe a good thing, especially if you want to see a Lyre bird.

In my part of Australia we probably take wildlife (flora and fauna) for granted. There is so much of it. So many varieties of plant and animal life from the coast about 100 miles inland. The list is bewildering. Most are unique to this area. The plant types number in the thousands. The animal types include prehistoric skinks with two rows of shark like teeth - they are quite happy to see a cat as they will eat anything. Not all are dangerous, in fact most are not.

I would be looking more at nine years to see what is worth seeing in Australia. Not bragging or anything, there just is that much if you are interested in nature.

Don't worry about time. This won't be my last trip to Oz! I enjoy my time in the land of VB and kebabs!