Fact Sheets & Video - Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island off the South Australian coast is home to a small patch of paradise known as Vivonne Bay, Australias official number one beach.

What is it that makes Vivonne Bay worthy of this title? According to the panel of selectors, a great beach has all six of the essential elements.

The first requirement is that the beach is accessible while still being remote, making it easy to get to but free from overcrowding. The second check point is that theres no beachfront development. It has to be at least a few kilometres long to accommodate a basic number of people comfortably and feature a headland or bay. The final element of a great beach is a good surf.

Summertime on Kangaroo Island means the water is warm and inviting. The beach is perfect for water sports, but if you cant bring all the gear with you, surfing, paddle skiing, wind surfing and fishing equipment are available for hire. However, Vivonne Bay's beauty isnt the only attraction at Kangaroo Island. The surrounding bush is equally as beautiful.

Meals in the bush dont have to come from a can. Wilderness Gourmet is a local service for travellers who like to dine in style. They'll bring the barbeque to your campsite and cook a feast of lobster, marron and King George whiting.

Another great Kangaroo Island attraction is Flinders Chase National Park. Walking through the park's beautiful wilderness is a great way to forget the stress of the city and get back to nature.

The facts:

Emu Airways fly to Kangaroo Island daily from Adelaide for $187 per person.

Emu Airways

Tel: 1800 182 353

Accomodation at Island Beach House costs from $155 per couple per night.

Island Beach House

Tel: 08 8357 7555

The full Wilderness Gourmet treatment costs from $45 for two people.

Wilderness Gourmet

Tel: 08 8553 1211

Skis and windsurfers can be hired for $35 a day from KI Outdoor Action.

KI Outdoor Action

Tel: 08 8559 4296

Tourism Kangaroo Island

Tel: 08 8553 1185

South Australian Tourism Commission

Tel: 1300 655 276