Centurion IDC Spring 2023

|Places| Isle of Wonders

|Places| Isle of Wonders Three years since bushfires ravaged this natural paradise, Kangaroo Island is once again blossoming. Now, an intriguing collection of eco-cabins invites travellers to witness its miraculous renaissance. By Chloe Sachdev A small tingle occupies my body when we disembark our ferry on to Kangaroo Island. Three years on from 2020’s “Black Summer”, when devastating bushfires consumed half of this island and wiped out thousands of its animals, Kangaroo Island has taken on a deeper significance in the Australian psyche. Sparsely populated by only 5,000 or so residents, it is often described as Australia’s Galápagos for the diversity of native wildlife that outnumbers people and as the place to spot the waddle of animals straight out of a Dr Seuss book – platypuses, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and sea lions – in their natural habitat. But now, it’s PHOTO 20 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM

also a paradise with a purpose, one that tells a story of rejuvenation and renewal. Separated from the mainland since the last ice age, it dangles like a pendant below Australia’s southern coast, southwest of Adelaide. Measuring 150 kilometres from east to west, with over a third of the island being protected in nature reserves, it’s an expansive, epic landscape. Now, rising from the ashes, this pristine island of raw and rugged sugarywhite coastline, towering cliffs, secluded coves and bushland is on the mend. Its land and plant species are regenerating, and the animals are slowly returning thanks to the commitment of its environmentally minded, hands-on community. Light-touch tourism is very much part of the renewed focus of the island, Clockwise from left: sunrise on Kangaroo Island; an encounter with a joey with Wander; the tranquil terrace of a WanderPod PHOTOS PHOTOS FROM REMY LEFT: BRAND © CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 21