"Kangaroo Island is packed full of animals that don't know the rules of the road! We can't chase them for the insurance money, so we need you to sign a waiver." The words of the guy at the car hire company were replaying in my consciousness as the ferry approached the dark mass of Australia's Kangaroo Island, or KI as it is commonly called.
As it turned out, I didn't even have to wait to set foot on land to make my first wildlife sighting. It was the end of the migration season for southern rights and humpbacks, and I was having little luck scanning the water for whales. Then, just as I was getting ready for disembarkation, a small pod of dolphins appeared by the ferry, cavorting just metres away. I couldn't have asked for a better welcome to a destination I'd been wanting to visit for years.
My excitement was only tempered by the knowledge of the island's recent history. In the early part of 2020, KI had been afflicted by horrific bushfires, the largest in its history, which had burned for several weeks. I didn't know what to expect and arrived curious as to how much of the island and its wildlife had recovered from this devastation.
Driving rather tentatively off the ferry, I was on full alert for rule-breaking critters but only spotted the odd bit of roadkill. By the time I pulled into Oceanview Eco Villas, my base for the next few days, I was desperate for a sighting of a live kangaroo. Owned by Tamsin and Tim Wendt, this proved to be one of the best places I have ever stayed. Run as a sustainable retreat, its beautiful clifftop location and top-notch food and service were a delight. But the icing on the cake came as I was being shown my villa. Tamsin pointed out of my window and declared: "There's a kangaroo out there right now, and it's very much alive."
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens