Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a unique place of natural values, simple authenticity and personal connections. Famed for its natural environment, wildlife experiences, food and beverages, agricultural industry and artistic community, it was recently ranked second in the world on Lonely Planets must visit regions for 2024.
Almost half of Kangaroo Island is covered in natural habitat. Much of this is conserved in National Parks, Conservation Parks and Wilderness Protection Areas, or is protected by local landholders. This environment supports a prosperous agricultural industry that includes sheep, cattle, poultry, pasture, vineyards, fishing and aquaculture, honey production and more.
Although heavily impacted by the Black Summer bush fires in 2019/2020, the recovery process is a testament to the strength and resilience of the local community and the Island environment.
Come to Kangaroo Island and re-connect with nature and each other, slow down, and rediscover the things that really matter in life.
Follow the road less travelled and discover unique wildlife, mouth-watering food and wine, breathtaking scenery, outdoor action and adventure.
What to see and do
Images: Kangaroo Island short-beaked echidna, Kangaroo Island Brand Alliance; Seal Bay Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island National Parks and Wildlife Service; Lashmar Lagoon, Quentin Chester Photography.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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Kangaroo Island sits off the coast of South Australia and is separated from the mainland by a fifteen kilometre stretch of ocean. There are two options for travelling here:
• BY AIR
Qantas currently operates scheduled commercial flights from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island (Kingscote airport). Please note: Passengers travelling by air are encouraged to arrive at Adelaide Airport for check-in at least 60 minutes prior to departure.
• BY FERRY
Sealink operate a consistent passenger/vehicle ferry service between Cape Jervis on mainland Australia to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Cape Jervis is approximately 90 mins drive from Adelaide. Please note: Passengers travelling by ferry are encouraged to arrive at the ferry terminal for check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
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The Island has many accommodation options for all budgets and interests, however when choosing somewhere to stay please consider how you will be getting to and from the symposium each day and access to options for eating breakfast and dinner. The Symposium is being held in Kingscote, which is the largest town on Kangaroo Island.
The Aurora Ozone Hotel is our accommodation partner for the Symposium and they are offering discounted accommodation and buffet breakfast rates for attendees. Located on the Kingscote seafront it is a short 12 minute walk to the Symposium venue. To access these rates book directly with the Hotel by calling 08 8553 2011 and request a room being held for the Island Ark Symposium. Please have available contact and credit card details at time of booking. Standard booking terms apply, this offer is available until 30 days prior to the conference start.
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At 155 kilometres long and up to fifty-five kilometres wide, Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest Island, covering an area of 4,416 square kilometres. Visitors often underestimate its size, there are also no public transport, taxi or uber options. Options for getting around Kangaroo Island include:
• Bring your own car across on the Sealink ferry service.
• Hire a car from the airport or Penneshaw ferry terminal.
• The following companies offer transfers to and from the airport and ferry terminal to Kingscote where the Symposium is being held:
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Although our Island is well set up for tourism, we are still isolated and recommend that you book all of your travel and accommodation prior to registering. The conference fee includes morning and afternoon tea and lunch each day, as well as the conference dinner on Wednesday the 28th of August. If you are planning on eating out for breakfast or dinner on other nights we recommend booking in advance.
