The eastern grey kangaroo stands at 2 metres (7 feet) tall and numbers several million down under. They roam the forests of eastern and southern Australia, including the island of Tasmania. Kangaroos hop on their powerful hind legs and can leap 8 metres (25 feet) in one bound. Males use their hind legs to ‘box’ each other over mates, leaning on their tails and kicking. They also pound the ground if sensing danger. Females have pouches in which they carry their young. Newborn joeys are just 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) tall and first emerge from their mother’s pouch at four months. They live in mobs of 50 and eat mainly leaves. Kangaroos are hunted for their meat, which is increasingly popular in Australian restaurants.
Crib Notes:
- The highest ever recorded speed of any kangaroo was 64 kilometres per hour (40 mph) set by a large female eastern grey kangaroo.
- Although the red kangaroo is better known, the eastern grey is the kangaroo most often encountered in Australia, due to its adaptability.
- The first glimpse of a kangaroo for many 18th-century Britons was a painting by George Stubbs, best known for his paintings of horses.
Time of year: In general, the best time to visit the south is during the Australian summer from December to March, while in the centre, the best months are from October to November and from March to May.
Where to Stay: Seascape Lodge is set on 5 tranquil acres in a spectacular coastal location on the sheltered north coast of Kangaroo Island. KI (as it is affectionately known by the locals) is just a ½ hour flight, south of Adelaide, in South Australia. The Lodge is ideal for everyone looking for luxury, peace and privacy. Your hosts provide a personalised experience that starts the moment you step foot on our unique island. Elegant home style cooking and Kangaroo Island wines enjoyed with warm, friendly hospitality are all part of the package. Combine this with private 4WD wildlife touring and you have an experience that will make the most of all that Kangaroo Island has to offer.
Price Guide: $372 – $502 per night.
Tour Option: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours provide a unique nature and wildlife experience that is recognised worldwide. The company was established in 1992 and continues to provide a quality soft adventure product. Their local guides (most of whom have lived on ‘KI’ all their lives) will take you on a journey of discovery of Australia’s leading wildlife destination. They will surprise you with their knowledge and do it all with a sense of fun and enjoyment. As a company they are committed to providing a personalised, fully hosted experience whilst preserving the unique Kangaroo Island environment. They do all of this in comfort and style, using only award winning small passenger, luxury 4WD vehicles. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours is owned and operated by Paul and Mandy Brown, who have lived and worked on Kangaroo Island for over 35 years. They are very child-friendly.
