Just a year after much of South Australia’s stunning Kangaroo Island was devastated by huge bushfires, the local flora and fauna is bouncing back … and so is the tourism industry.
With Covid travel restrictions now eased across the country, grey nomads and other travellers are choosing to self-drive on an ‘overseas’ trip to the island in their droves.
The operators of the Western KI Caravan Park, which sits on the edge of Flinders Chase National Park, are among those delighted to see grey nomads venturing back in big numbers.
Mark and Fiona Jago’s van park had to undergo a major rebuilding job after fire ripped through in January last year. But they say a positive attitude combined with the incredible resilience of nature has made a dramatic difference in a relatively short period of time.
Grey nomad Gwynne Cahill has a home base on the island, and she agrees wholeheartedly. She says watching the countryside regenerate itself after becoming little more than a charred wasteland has been amazing.
But Gwynne says the islanders themselves deserve huge credit for the revival in fortunes.
“Over the generations Kangaroo Island has weathered many changes and faced various adversities,” she said. “And it continues to be the strong community spirit which makes this island such a unique place.”
Although the days may now be getting cooler, the recent influx of grey nomads is likely to continue, thanks to a special reduced rate for caravans crossing to the island.
Visitors can save up to $196, with SeaLink offering free return passenger ferry transfers for two people who book their car and caravan quoting the code: CARAVAN21. Bookings can be made until September 14, for travel between May 15 and September 15.
SeaLink’s South Australian marketing manager, JulieAnne Briscoe, says it’s a great time to go. “Kangaroo Island is lovely and green, there is so much wildlife around – seal pups, joey kangaroos and wallabies,” she said. “And the island has a Mediterranean climate, so winter is mild and with minimal frosts.”
