13 things you didn’t know about Kangaroo Island

Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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If you haven’t heard much about this little slice of South Australian paradise by now, check out these fun facts.

It’s only 150 kilometres long, yet Kangaroo Island is home to arguably the densest and most varied menagerie of wildlife in Australia. Its landscape is so diverse you won’t believe that all of this can be crammed onto one island. And it’s also crammed full of some weird and wonderful facts.

1. Kangaroo Island is bigger than some countries

KI is seven times the size of Singapore at 4400km2. At its narrowest point, it’s just 900m wide.

Kangaroo hopping at Middle River on Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo Island is bigger than Singapore. (Image: Ben Goode)

2. One of its parks was founded to combat “brain fag"

Flinders Chase National Park was established in 1919, “as a bit of a sanctuary for those suffering from ‘brain fag’", according to the park’s founding father Samuel Dixon. Brain fag is a type of mental fatigue, in case you were wondering.

Looking out at the ocean through Remarkable Rocks.
Remarkable Rocks are in Flinders Chase National Park. (Image: Elliot Grafton)

3. Kangaroo Island roos aren’t quite the same

The kangaroos on KI are slightly different from the mainland ones. They have longer fur and are darker in colour, having been separated from their mainland family for approximately 10,000 years.

Child pats Kangaroo Island kangaroos.
The kangaroos here have longer, darker fur. (Image: Alana Jayne Elgazzar)

4. Descriptions here are remarkably to the point

The Remarkable Rocks sit on Kirkpatrick Point, named after an 1899 shipwreck survivor. The term is from an original chart that described some “remarkable rocks". Today we know that they are around 500 million years old and shaped by rain, wind and waves.

Child sits on Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island
Remarkable Rocks are around 500 million years old. (Image: Kristy Billing @gypsyandherwild)

5. It’s seen plenty of shipwrecks

There have been more than 80 shipwrecks off KI since records began in 1847. The last of its three lighthouses (Cape Borda, Cape du Couedic and Cape Willoughby) was built in 1909 but at least 19 ships have been wrecked since, the latest in 2008.

Sunset at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse
Cape du Couedic has seen a number of shipwrecks. (Image: Sana Thakore)

6. Plants here have an explosive good time

Tate’s grass trees, known as yaccas in SA, grow 0.5 to 2.5mm a year. Until 1997 their red resin was harvested to make a gum that is used in fireworks, explosives and munitions.

Sunrise silhouette of grass trees in Kalbarri National Park
Yaccas’ red resin was harvested to make explosives.

7. There is an abundance of produce created here

Whether it’s because of the homegrown wineries or the restaurants with kitchens stacked with Kangaroo Island goods, trust us when we say that eating well on KI is not going to be a problem.

The open sigh at Millie Mae's Pantry in Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo Island is full of fresh produce. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

8. The stalactites might not be what they seem

What looks like stalactites at Admirals Arch are in fact fossilised roots.

Admirals Arch
Admirals Arch stalactites are fossilised roots. (Image: Lauren Bath Services)

9. Seals have been here for thousands of years

The third-largest seal lion colony in the country has been here for a long time, and spotting the Australian sea lions is one of the best things to do on the island.

Two seals kissing at Seal Bay.
Seal Bay is a must-see. (Image: Ben Goode)

10. The bees here are unlike none other on earth

The Ligurian bees on KI are the world’s last pure population. KI was the world’s first bee sanctuary, established in 1885.

Bees at Clifford's Honey Farm.
KI bees are the world’s last pure population. (Image: Josie Withers)

11. It’s a camper’s dream

If you’ve ever fantasised about waking up at dawn to watch the sunrise over a picture-perfect Australian beach, you really can’t do better than at one of Kangaroo Island’s campsites.

Kombi Van is parked at Pennington Bay on Kangaroo Island.
Camping out on Kangaroo Island is dreamy. (Image: Jordan McArthur Mattea Carson)

12. KI also has a French name

KI could also be known as I’Île Decrès, as French explorer Boudin published the first map of the island in 1811 – three years before Flinders. For the mainland Indigenous residents, Kangaroo Island is known as Karta Pintingga – or island of the dead.

Woman at Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island Odysseys tour.
I’Île Decrès is Kangaroo Island’s French name. (Image: Tourism Australia)

13. Names here can be a tad confusing

American River is on a bay, not a river. And quite clearly, not American.

Looking over American River on Kangaroo Island.
American River is not a river. (Image: Julie Fletcher)
Start planning your trip to Kangaroo Island with our travel guide now.
Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.