Family Adventure to Kangaroo Island: Nature and Wildlife

Nature's Masterpieces: Flinders Chase National Park and Admirals Arch

Today was nothing short of spectacular. Kangaroo Island continues to amaze Elena, Miguel, and me with its raw beauty and unique wildlife. Our adventure focused on the western side of the island, in Flinders Chase National Park, and it was a day filled with unforgettable sights. It's moments like these that make me appreciate our decision to travel as a family, creating memories that will last a lifetime.


Discover the enchanting landscapes and diverse wildlife of Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, a true Australian treasure.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at The Deck cafe on the wharf in American River. The cafe had a lovely atmosphere, and the food was delicious. It was the perfect way to fuel up before heading to Flinders Chase National Park, about a 90-minute drive from Kingscote. The drive itself was scenic, with glimpses of the island's diverse landscapes. It was a smooth drive, and we even managed to spot a kangaroo grazing by the roadside – a promising start to our wildlife adventure!


Discover delightful flavors and stunning views at The Deck Cafe on the Wharf in American River.

Flinders Chase National Park is truly a sanctuary. Covering a vast area, the park boasts dense bushland, soaring cliffs, and pristine rivers. It's a haven for native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and various bird species. The park is also home to some of Kangaroo Island's most iconic natural attractions, including Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

Our first stop within the park was, of course, Admirals Arch. The drive to Cape Couedic, where the Arch is located, was stunning. As we approached the coast, the landscape transformed into rugged cliffs battered by the Southern Ocean. The air was fresh and invigorating, carrying the scent of the sea. We parked the car and made our way towards the boardwalk that leads to the arch.


Explore the stunning Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park, a natural wonder with breathtaking views and abundant wildlife on Kangaroo Island.

The boardwalk itself is an experience. It winds along the cliff face, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. As we walked, we kept an eye out for the long-nosed fur seals that frequent the area. These playful creatures often bask in the sun on the rocks below, and we were lucky enough to spot a few lounging around. Miguel was particularly excited, snapping photos and pointing out the seals to Elena and me.

As we rounded a bend in the boardwalk, Admirals Arch came into view. It's a magnificent natural rock arch carved by the relentless forces of nature over thousands of years. The arch is perched on the edge of the cliff, overlooking the turbulent waters of the Southern Ocean. The sight was truly awe-inspiring, a testament to the power and beauty of nature.

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.

We descended the stairs leading to the viewing platform beneath the arch. From here, we had an even better view of the arch and the surrounding coastline. The waves crashed against the rocks, sending plumes of spray into the air. The sound was deafening, a symphony of nature's power. We spent a long time simply taking in the view, marveling at the beauty of this natural wonder.

The highlight of our visit to Admirals Arch was undoubtedly the New Zealand fur seal colony. These adorable creatures have made the rocks beneath the arch their home, and they were out in full force today. We watched as they frolicked in the water, hauled themselves onto the rocks, and barked at each other. The pups were especially entertaining, playing in the rock pools and chasing each other around. It was a truly heartwarming sight, and we felt privileged to witness these animals in their natural habitat.

After spending a few hours at Admirals Arch, we decided to explore more of Flinders Chase National Park. We drove along the park's main road, stopping at various lookouts to admire the scenery. The park is recovering from the devastating bushfires of 2019-2020, but the landscape is slowly regenerating. We saw new growth emerging from the blackened earth, a sign of resilience and hope. It was a poignant reminder of the power of nature to heal and renew.

For lunch, we stopped at Fire and Smoke Ki. The food was hearty and satisfying. It was the perfect way to refuel after a morning of exploring. The restaurant had a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and we enjoyed chatting with the friendly staff.


Discover exquisite flavors at Fire and Smoke Ki in Penneshaw - A must-visit restaurant showcasing local South Australian cuisine.

After lunch, we continued our exploration of Flinders Chase National Park. We visited Remarkable Rocks, another of Kangaroo Island's iconic natural attractions. These giant granite boulders have been sculpted by the wind and rain over millions of years, creating bizarre and beautiful formations. We clambered over the rocks, taking photos and marveling at their unique shapes. The views from Remarkable Rocks were stunning, stretching out over the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back towards Kingscote. We decided to stop at the Aurora Ozone Hotel - Kangaroo Island for a drink before dinner. The hotel bar had a lively atmosphere, and we enjoyed chatting with the locals and fellow travelers. It was a great way to unwind after a long day of exploring.


Experience the beauty of Kangaroo Island at Aurora Ozone Hotel, where comfort meets adventure in a stunning coastal setting.

For dinner, we chose Zone Restaurant & Bar, located within the Aurora Ozone Hotel. The restaurant boasts stunning views over Nepean Bay, and the menu features fresh seafood and local Kangaroo Island produce. We enjoyed a delicious meal of grilled fish and roasted vegetables, accompanied by a bottle of local wine. The service was excellent, and we felt well taken care of.


Experience exquisite dining at Zone Restaurant & Bar in Kingscote—where local flavors meet stunning coastal views.

As we sat at the table, enjoying our dinner, we talked about our plans for tomorrow. We're planning to visit Seal Bay Conservation Park, where we hope to see the Australian sea lions. We are also hoping to spend some time at Vivonne Bay Beach, known for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. And, if time permits, a stop at Island Beehive to sample some local honey sounds delightful. It's these simple pleasures that make traveling with family so rewarding.

Today was a day of natural wonders, a day of exploration and discovery. Flinders Chase National Park and Admirals Arch are truly special places, and we feel grateful to have experienced their beauty. Kangaroo Island continues to surprise and delight us, and we can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. As I reflect on the day, I am reminded of a Filipino saying my Lola (grandmother) often said:

Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan. (He who does not look back to where he came from will not reach his destination.)

This trip, like life, is about appreciating where we've come from and where we're going, cherishing every moment along the way. Goodnight from Kangaroo Island!