SouthWelcome to Australia Where radiant beaches meet an ochre-coloured outback outh Australia’s oceanfront S capital of Adelaide is a gateway Coopers to both the ochre-glazed Creek NORTHERN outback and the clear, invigorating water TERRITORY WESTERN NEW SOUTH of the Southern Ocean, but that doesn’t AUSTRALIA WALES mean it’s remote: the southern central Lake Australian state shares more borders with Eyre its counterparts than any other, making SOUTH AUSTRALIA it easy to access from all directions. With more than 3500km of mainland coastline courtesy of three diverse yet equally stunning peninsulas (Fleurieu, Lake Yorke and Eyre), it’s easy to be seduced by Torrens the surging waves of the Indian Ocean, Lake Gairdner especially during the height of summer. It’s Ceduna, p76 here you’ll savour some of the world’s best VICTORIA seafood, particularly on the Eyre Peninsula Streaky Bay, p76 (p76) where it’s impossible not to salivate Whyalla, p76 as premium tuna, oysters and abalone are Eyre Peninsula taken direct from ocean to plate. Darling Indulgence levels at local favourite River Kangaroo Island (p71) are likewise world- Port Lincoln, p76 class for its kangaroos and koalas in a ADELAIDE, p80 Fleurieu rustic agricultural backdrop, striking Peninsula Kingscote, p72 ROAD TRIP: Goolwa, p79 ADELAIDE TO seaside rock formations crafted by GOOLWA, pXX Penneshaw, p70 centuries of wind and waves, and the Kangaroo Island luxurious lifestyle of one of the world’s top four hotels. City dwellers are equally rewarded. It Visit for the charm of a boutique modern doesn’t take much exploration to reveal city full of contrasts. Relaxed but vibrant, Adelaide as a cosmopolitan centre, with surrounded by rolling hills and world-class over 100 rooftop and small laneway bars, beaches, extraordinary wildlife and luxury a handful of globally-lauded festivals and hotels, Adelaide is a warm and welcoming the chance to swim with dolphins just 20 place where you can wander without haste. minutes away (p80). southaustralia.com GETTING THERE EATING THERE STAYING THERE WHEN TO GO n Fly into Adelaide (p80) direct from n A cluster of international chefs n Kangaroo Island’s n March to May and August most Australian capitals and many have settled here for the exceptional Southern Ocean Lodge (p71) to October are the best times major international hubs. Driving in produce accessed directly from the amplifies the spectacular for enjoying the great outdoors South Australia is simple; very few source. Seafood is harvested on the scenery by bringing the here, as rainfall is minimal and traffic jams, and regional roads will Eyre Peninsula daily (p76), while the outdoors in and vice versa. the weather is sublime. June provide great viewing for kangaroo- Fleurieu Peninsula (p78) is bountiful Many regional towns cater and July are cooler and spotting and coastline admiration. with wine, cheese and more. for all tastes and budgets, therefore best for outback trips. The Fleurieu Peninsula (p78) is a Adelaide’s reputation for adventurous from boutique accommodation Adelaide also hosts the comfortable one-hour drive, where at gastronomic experiences has to fuss-free hotels. Consider internationally renowned the tip (Cape Jervis) you can catch exploded in recent years, camping for a night to experience Fringe Festival and Adelaide the SeaLink Ferry to Penneshaw showcasing seasonal, regional the true meaning of peace Festival in March, a definite MAP BY LUKE TEMBY on Kangaroo Island (p70). dishes with a point of difference. and quiet. for the calendar. australia.com 69 p69-80_TA Aquatic_SA.indd 69 10/11/2015 11:46 AM Indulge on Australia’s most tasteful island Kangaroo Island offers a plethora of native wildlife, including kangaroos and sea lions, but there’s also a selection of magnificent rock formations, secluded beaches, surfing breaks, wonderful local produce and lavish lodges to be found. ravellers have been taking the short 16km There are three SeaLink (sealink.com.au) ferry T ferry-ride from mainland South Australia to departures to KI each day from Cape Jervis (1.5 hours “KI” for decades to immerse themselves in south of Adelaide) and the trip across the dividing stretch this indulgent place, where every inch – from the of water, known as Backstairs Passage, takes 45 minutes. shimmering kaleidoscope of oceanic colours to the Otherwise you can fly from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island’s bushland – reinforces why Kangaroo Island is regularly main town, Kingscote, in 30 minutes on Regional typecast as an untouched sanctuary. Express (rex.com.au). tourkangarooisland.com.au Southern Ocean Lodge boasts a magnificent coastal outlook, just 12km from Flinders Chase National Park SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE xxxxx xxxxx 70 australia.com p69-80_TA Aquatic_SA.indd 70 10/11/2015 11:46 AM KANGAROOCOLES BAYISLAND TASSA Indulge on Australia’s most tasteful island “Southern Ocean Lodge was custom-built to draw in the beautifully weathered surrounds of KI’s southwestern coast” Float above the Southern Ocean in five star luxury Voted fourth best hotel in the world by windows and outdoor terraces that will Add to that a selection of fully inclusive Time magazine’s Travel + Leisure title, take your breath away at this regal perch personalised tour packages, premium the 21-suite Southern Ocean Lodge was atop the sea. It’s the attention to detail – meals, wine and spirits and return custom-built to draw in the beautifully opulent limestone floors, private plunge transfers and there’s no doubt this sojourn weathered surrounds of KI’s southwestern pools, recycled spotted gum walls – that will be an unforgettable trip highlight. SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE coast. It’s not simply the floor-to-ceiling creates a one-of-a-kind sense of place. southernoceanlodge.com.au xxxxx xxxxx australia.com 71 p69-80_TA Aquatic_SA.indd 71 10/11/2015 11:46 AM Kangaroo Beach Lodges, set atop a secluded cliff in KI’s north …or retreat to one Longer stays are welcomed at Kangaroo Beach Lodges of these stylish stays Kangaroo Beach Lodges: Seclusion is key at these Snug Cove lodges in KI’s north coast. Near-private beaches, outdoor showers, glimpses of native wildlife and the optimum layout for entertaining make this property perfect for longer, more relaxed visits. kangaroobeachlodges.com.au Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat: The only accommodation right at the threshold of Flinders Chase National Park, this estate is a well-balanced mix of boutique style and comfort. Courtyard suites and self- contained units that back onto an open terrace allow guests to interact with visiting native bush creatures (and other travellers) as much or as little as they please. kiwr.com Lifetime Private Retreats: These private north-coast escapes all have individual character, from the rammed-earth finish of Sky House, which reflects the colours of the sun, to Cliff House’s outdoor hot tub that’s poised so perfectly on the cliff-edge it could be floating on Snelling’s Beach.life-time.com.au LEFT: PAUL TORCELLO TOP: PETER FISHER TORCELLO TOP: PETER FISHER PAUL LEFT: MAIN IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK INSET FROM TOP: MAXIME COQUARD, JULIE FLETCHER, SA TOURISM COMMISSION X2 72 australia.com p69-80_TA Aquatic_SA.indd 72 10/11/2015 11:47 AM KANGAROO ISLAND SA Marvel at nature’s wonders instructors will bag any crayfish or abalone Fascinating shipwrecks they come across for a seafood feast. l Hypothesise about the demise of KI’s immaculate surrounds provide the kangarooislanddiveandadventures.com.au more than 80 ships that have met a perfect backdrop for incredible natural regrettable end right round KI. Today the wonders. Here are seven of our favourites: Immensely beautiful dunes wrecks inspire great wonder and curiosity l Sun-kissed golden dunes roll as far from divers and historians alike, such Flinders Chase National Park as the eye can see, setting the perfect as the legend of Loch Sloy that allegedly l Snap your own postcard at Remarkable scene for some stunning photography, resulted in the drowning of 31 people Rocks – a group of granite boulders perched a day of sandboarding or tobogganing near the Casuarina Inlets off Flinders precariously atop a southern cliff that has (kiadventuretours.com.au), or a sunset safari Chase National Park in 1899. been artistically eroded by wind, sea and tour on quad bikes (kioutdooraction.com. sand over millions of years. The park itself is au). The latter is our favourite, not just for Friendly pelicans 62km southwest of KI’s capital, Kingscote, the breathtaking dune views but because it l Did you know pelicans can weigh up to with ample walking trails to showcase the comes with a money-back guarantee if you 7kg? Every day at 5pm, John the Pelican native wildlife. environment.sa.gov.au/parks don’t spot a kangaroo while there. Man shares this and other interesting insights about this gregarious bird before Flawless snorkelling A secluded sandy cove causing a ruckus on Kingscote Wharf by l Below the crystal turquoise surface of l Some 40km northwest of Kingscote you’ll feeding them. kipenguincentre.com.au Kingscote’s beaches, you’ll find one of find Stokes Bay, a beach famous for its pure the world’s largest colonies of Leafy Sea sands, tranquil rock pool and a coastal Historical lighthouses Dragons, which are incredibly beautiful, hamlet that attracts families because of its l Lighthouses became an important addition delicate creatures similar to sea horses, delightful, shady picnic and campground to KI when sailors realised how treacherous it found nowhere else in the world other than facilities. But the highlight is traipsing was to navigate the stretch of water between Australia’s southern waters. There are also through a rock corridor to reach the isolated here and the mainland. As a result there are sea lions, multi-colored coral and more retreat of the shoreline.