The platypus that rose from the ashes

 

Karta Pintingga

Kangaroo island or known as Karta Pintingga in the local Kaurna people's language means Island of the Dead. The island was originally inhabited by People of the Ramindjeri, Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Barngalla nations approximately 16,000 years ago. The original inhabitants of the island are also sometimes referred to as Kartan people. The rising sea levels lead to the island becoming separated from the mainland of South Australia.  Kangaroo Island is Australia's third largest Island after Tasmania and Melville Island. The island can be accessed by ferry and shuttle buses that leave Adelaide daily to the Cape Jervis Ferry Terminal. Here is a link to more information on transport to Kangaroo island.  Read more about the history of Kangaroo Island here.

 

Platypus Haven

Kangaroo island was sadly devastated by the 2019-2020 Australian Bush fires. Luckily I was glad to see that the island and wildlife are recovering. A recent survey (2021) by the University of New South Wales found that platypus populations on the island are recovering after the bush fires.  Kangaroo island has always been a haven for platypuses since they were introduced on the island between 1928- 1946 for conservation, after their numbers started to decline on the South Australian mainland.  A good place to spot a platypus is along the platypus waterholes trail walk. The walk is about a 4.7 Km return trip taking about 2 hours.  My reason for visiting Kangaroo island was to see the lovely platypus sculptures placed along the platypus waterholes trail.  These sculptures were created by Silvio Apponyi. I didn't spot a platypus but platypus have been seen recently within the Rocky River area.  A map of the trail can be found here.  I found the walk lovely and as it is mostly flat most of the way and was relatively easy.  Below are some highlights of my walk.

Sandstone carved sign indicating the start of the platypus waterholes walk

Map of the Platypus Waterholes trail

 

Platypus sculpture by Silvio Apponyi.

Exocarpos viewing platform along platypus waterholes trail

Callitris viewing platform 

Platypus sculpture by Silvio Apponyi.

Bridge platform view of Rocky River

Seal Bay

Seal Bay is a stunning location that is a protected marine park and offers views of the the bay and the protected Australian seal lion.  The Australian seal lion was previously hunted for it's fur and oil until 1954 were they were protected under the Animals and Birds Protection Act 1946 on 28 October 1954.  Today Seal Bay is a major tourist destination. Below are some photos I took.

Whale skeleton

Seal pup nursing from Mother

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

There are a few lighthouses on Kangaroo island including the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse (1852), Cape Borda Lightstation (1859) and the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse (1909).  Read more about the history of the lighthouses here.  Due to time restraints I only visited one the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. 

 

 

Admiral's Arch 

Admirals Arch is a natural rock arch created by weathering and erosion from the sea over thousands of years. It's a beautiful formation and looks a bit like a natural cathedral.  Australian fur seals can be viewed around the rocks too.

Australian fur seal pup

 Remarkable Rocks

A must see when you are at Kangaroo Island are the remarkable rocks. These are a natural masterpiece of Ordovician granite sculptures formed from 500 million years of wind and wave erosion. 

Final Thoughts

Kangaroo Island is an amazing place and I think a day trip is definitely not enough time to take in all the surroundings.  The natural beauty and wildlife were a highlight for me, I will definitely return.

Vivonne Bay

Video Extras

Check out my video below for more extras from my visit.