From Wallaby Chaos to Sunset Bliss – Kangaroo Island

At the crack of dawn on a Wednesday morning, my Dad drove us through a scenic two-hour drive through Adelaide hills and dropped us off at Cape Jervis, enroute to Kangaroo Island – our stay for the next three days!

We rented a gorgeous studio in Penneshaw with the most spectacular ocean views. But before heading up there, we hit the road hoping for a for a quick drive, and even a quicker lunch.

Although, as we drove along the winding roads of Kangaroo Island our quick drive turned into a two-hour long drive. Towering trees formed natural arches over the road, creating a tunnel effect, and the rolling hills further added to the charm. However, the best part was when the landscape constantly shifted: from dense, shadowy woods to the roar of waves, mingling with the cries of seabirds.

The winter air was crisp, yet the sun shined so brightly.

Finally, we stopped for lunch at The Penneshaw Pub, which easily became our favorite restaurant on the island. From briny oysters to perfectly grilled burgers, the menu consisted of a perfect harmony of land and sea.

The drive up to our stay was gorgeous, and the short walk we then had to take was part scenic, part survival. Each turn revealed a new view we barely appreciated whilst wrestling with our overpacked trunks, along with the haul of fruits and snacks we grabbed at the local store.

We spent the rest of our day unpacking, resting, eating pizzas and watching Eddie Murphy movies.

The next morning, we were rudely awakened by a couple of wallabies on our porch – thumping, hopping and snorting. I pride myself in being able to sleep through anything, but this was not for the faint-hearted. Groggy but amused, we set out on our drive fueled by a playlist of nostalgic Maldivian songs.

The views on our way to Flinders Chase National Park were too beautiful to resist, so we stopped endlessly – taking walks, snapping photos and making memories as wild and free as the wallabies that woke us.

We took a detour down a path of soft sand and rugged rocks near Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse which towered over us, probably judging our hiking skills. But the views? Absolutely worth the risk.

Next, we started our Admirals Arch Walk, a fairly “easy” 800-meter round trip. As we began our descent, fellow adventurers climbing back up greeted us cheerfully with “you’re in for a treat!” and “the views are absolutely worth it!” However, we also managed to get a “good luck on your way back!”

The broadwalk led us down about 60 to 80 steps. We power-walked, then slowed down, then stopped altogether because we saw seals!!!!!

I made it down to Admirals Arch before Fai as he was occupied with the seals, trying to get the perfect shot of a particularly sassy one. But the second I saw Admirals Arch, my jaw literally dropped – I felt like nature had carved out a masterpiece just for me. The crashing waves, the rugged rock formations, the golden light filtering through – it was breathtaking.

I immediately sprinted back up to grab Fai. I told him to keep his eyes closed as I guided (or rather, dragged) him down the steps. I positioned him on the perfect spot, and when he opened his eyes, they lit up – just like mine had.

At Remarkable Rocks, the wind made every step feel like a battle – but standing there, surrounded by the ancient granite boulders, it was impossible not to be in awe. Sculpted by time, breeze and 500 millions years (!!!), they still stood strong.

At some point, the wind got so strong that we had to hold onto each other, and we could not help but hope that one day, we too will be old, weathered by time but still standing together, just like the rocks.

We stopped at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park for lunch where a majestic peacock took a particular interest in us, trailing behind with curiosity. Even so, we couldn’t help but notice the several snake warnings prepped through the park – a gentle reminder that some residents tend to keep a low profile. Despite the potential for slithery encounters, we were charmed by the cuddly koalas and the endearing wallabies. When we decided to feed the wallabies, we found ourselves at the center of a furry mob!

We were warned about driving at night because kangaroos, apparently, have zero concept of danger and love to leap in front of car headlights. Fortunately, we made it through the three nights unscathed – but the paranoia? 

We ended our first day at Kangaroo Island with more oysters from our favorite restaurant, and another Eddie Murphy movie.

No wallabies woke us up the next day – just Fajr and the promise of a day filled with one of our favorite things: essential oils. At the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, the air was so minty-fresh that it felt like stepping inside a giant cough drop (in the best way). We watched a documentary on how they make eucalyptus oil, from tree to bottle, and stocked up on so many goodies.

Then it was off to Emu Bay Lavender Farm, where we expected an endless purple field but got dry winter shrubs instead. Nevertheless, the place still smelled amazing. We had lunch in their garden café where tiny birds flitted around, actually singing to us! Then came their lavender scones – so fluffy and fragrant. We also raided their shop, leaving with oils and a bunch of other goodies we absolutely, desperately needed.

By this time, I was craving a visit to The Oyster Farm Shop in American River, lured by reviews which claimed that their oysters were the island’s finest. Unfortunately, the shop was closed by the time we arrived – we missed the window by an hour.

So we decided to explore American River, a quaint fishing village nestled on the western shore of Eastern Cove. We were immediately struck by the charm of the place – calm waters with bobbing boats on the marina, boisterous seagulls up to their antics, and the peacefulness of it all. I am not exaggerating when I say that the whole place felt untouched and almost timeless, as if life there moved at its own easy pace, completely unbothered by the rush of the outside world.

While the oysters eluded us, the cozy evening we spent in American River gave us something just as satisfying.

As our last day in Kangaroo Island faded, we spent the evening by a quiet river in Penneshaw, just a short drive from our stay. We took endless pictures – some aesthetic, some questionable, some being just us.

Then came dinner, but we don’t talk about this particular dinner. It was a meal so unforgettable that we have both worked very hard to forget it…

We watched three beautiful sunsets at Kangaroo Island, knowing that no photo could ever capture the way each one felt.

The next morning, we left for Adelaide. Fai braced himself for a ferry ride that could go either way. But by some miracle, the waters were calm – an unexpected but deeply appreciated farewell from Kangaroo Island.