Kangaroo Island is Australia's third largest island, and is situated only 20 kilometers off of Cape Jervis at the end of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The island is accessible via vehicle on the passenger ferry which travels between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw multiple times daily. Kangaroo Island was first discovered by Matthew Flinders and later became Australia's first free settlement, home to escaped convicts, runaway sailors and sealers. Kingscote on Kangaroo Island was originally recommended as the capital of South Australia, however the resources of the island couldn't sustain a capital so Adelaide was chosen instead. The community on Kangaroo Island is mostly comprised of primary producers and prides itself on its sense of independence from the mainland. Scattered throughout Kangaroo Island are cafes and stylish restaurants, serving very fine fresh food, such as the superior seafood at Penneshaw. Try a drop at the cellar door of the island's first and largest winery at Cape Willoughby.Kangaroo Island offers the traveler deserted white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and outstanding surf. Nearly half of the island is made up of bush land or national park, and is home to extensive concentration of wildlife including penguins, fur seals, sea lions, koalas, platypus, kangaroos, bird life and more than 500,000 Tammar wallabies. Tourism is a major industry for Kangaroo Island, with very good accommodation options including excellent bed and breakfast properties.
