Nick Rains / Explore Australia Publishing
In the early days of Australia’s European settlement, Kangaroo Island was a haven for some of the country’s most rugged characters – escaped convicts and deserters from English and American whaleboats. These men formed gangs, hunted more than their fair share of whales, seals, kangaroos, wallabies and possums, and went on raids to the mainland to kidnap Aboriginal women. It was an island truly without law. Two centuries on, the only ruggedness to speak of is found along the island’s southern coast, where the surf is Southern Ocean-style and the seals are now left in peace. The north shore is a rippling line of bays and coves, with grass-covered hills sweeping down into Investigator Strait. Situated on the shores of the resplendent Nepean Bay is Kingscote, the island’s capital and SA’s first official settlement (est. 1836). Amidst the beautiful scenery and wildlife, Kinsgscote is also the main commercial and business hub for the island.
Visitor Information
Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre, Howard Dr, Penneshaw; (08) 8553 1185
