Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 10 . ADELAIDE & SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Tips An Island Bargain
I’d advise buying an NP&WSA Island Pass if you’ll be exploring the island
on your own for 3 days or more and visiting the National Park and attractions
more than once. It costs A$32 (US$21) for adults, A$23 (US$15) for
children, and A$84 (US$55) for families and includes guided tours of Seal
Bay, Kelly Hill Caves, Cape Borda, and Cape Willoughby; also included is
access to Flinders Chase National Park. The pass doesn’t cover penguin
tours or camping fees.
flights to Kangaroo Island and will take passengers to Kingscote, Emu Bay, and
American River. Return transfers from your accommodation to the airport need
to be booked. Kingscote shuttle costs A$10 (US$6.50) for adults and A$5
(US$3.25) for children one-way. Emu Bay shuttle costs A$17 (US$11) for
adults and A$8 (US$5.20) for children one-way. American River shuttle costs
A$33 (US$21) for adults and A$15 (US$9.75) for children one-way. The shuttle
drops off to Kingscote first (approx. 15 min. from airport), then Emu Bay,
then American River.
Major roads between Penneshaw, American River, Kingscote, and Parndana
are paved, as is the road to Seal Bay and all major roads within Flinders Chase
National Park. Most other roads are made of ironstone gravel, and can be very
slippery if corners are approached too quickly. All roads are accessible by twowheel-drive
vehicles, but if you’re bringing over a rental car from the mainland
make sure your policy allows you to drive on Kangaroo Island’s roads. Avoid
driving at night—animals rarely fare best in a car collision.
Car-rental agencies on the island include Budget (& 08/8553 3133 or 08/
8553 1034; fax 08/8553 2888), Hertz & Kangaroo Island Rental Cars
(& 1800/088 296 in Australia, or 08/8553 2390; fax 08/8553 2878), and
Wheels over Kangaroo Island (& 1800/750 850 in Australia, or 08/8553 3030;
woki@ozemail.com.au). You can pick up cars at the airport or ferry terminals.
ORGANIZED TOURS If you want to keep expenses down, you can’t go
wrong with one of the tours organized by Penneshaw Youth Hostel, 43 North
Terrace, Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, SA 5222 (& 08/8553 1284; fax 08/8553
1295; www.ki-ferryconnections.com/yha_hostel/yha_hostel.). The most popular
includes an afternoon pickup from the main bus station in Adelaide, coach
and ferry to the island, a penguin tour that evening, and dorm accommodation
(you can pay a little extra to upgrade to a double room, but book ahead). The
next day involves 10 hours of touring, taking in most of the main attractions.
That evening you return to Adelaide. The tour costs A$220 (US$143).
Another option is with Wayward Bus & 08/8410 8833; www.waywardbus.
com.au) from Adelaide. Two-day trips depart Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
and cost A$365 (US$237) in hostel accommodation (you can upgrade for extra).
EXPLORING THE ISLAND
The island is bigger than you might think, and you can spend a fair bit of time
getting from one place of interest to the next. Of the many places to see on the
island, Flinders Chase National Park is one of the most important. First
port of call should be the Flinders Chase Visitors Centre, at the entrance to the
park (open daily 9am–5pm), where you can purchase park entry, view the interpretive
display, dine at the licensed cafe, purchase souvenirs, and obtain Parks