Getting Around Kangaroo Island

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The North coast of the Island has its own unique character - from the rugged, isolated North-West through to the expansive white, sandy beach of Emu Bay. If you choose to traverse the Ravine des Casoars, this tour should be split, to allow time to enjoy all the splendour of the North Coast.

The tour starts by travelling the Playford Highway from the Kingscote Airport intersection. Travellers from American River and Penneshaw should travel past the Kingscote Airport, turn left, and then immediately, turn right. Travel 25 km along the Playford Highway to Penneshaw.

The unusually shaped lighthouse at Cape Borda is located 155 metres above sea level. Built in 1858, the light was manually maintained until conversion to automatic operation in 1989. Guided tours of the lighthouse and heritage museum are conducted by National Parks and Wildlife staff. There is a small coffee shop where light refreshments can be obtained.

To get there, travel 35 km along Playford Highway from Pardana, continuing West until the road becomes a graded surface. Continue, with care, for the remaining 30 km to Cape Borda.

Hervey's Return was The resting place for a number of early Cape Borda light keepers and their families, it serves as a testament to the hardships of life at a remote outpost.A little further on, is Harveys Return camp ground, set back from the road. Permits for camping should be obtained from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The small cove below the camp ground was first used as a landing site by seal hunters in the early 1800's. When the Cape Borda lighthouse became operational in 1858, the cove became the lifeline for landing supplies. A crane was erected at the side of the cove, to enable supplies to be off loaded from a boat without the (more) hazardous journey through the breaking waves. Goods were then winched up the steep track on narrow rails by horses pulling from the flatter ground at the top of the hill. Remains of this machinery can be found, and the crane pedestal is still located on top of a rock in the cove.

From the magnificent vantage point of Scotts Cove, you can see the spectacular North coast cliffs of Cape Torrens and Cape Forbin. At 263 metres, these are the highest coastal cliffs in South Australia. Western River Cove further along has Toilet facilities, BBQ and shelter are adjacent to the foot bridge. Proceed over the footbridge, along river bank to a hidden sandy cove. This picturesque area is ideal for swimming, rock and surf fishing.

At the mouth of Middle River lies Snellings Beach, At the mouth of Middle River, this beach is excellent for swimming and surf fishing, and at either end of the beach, excellent rock fishing. Care should be used when swimming in the river, due to hidden logs and weeds. Toilets are located near the beach.

The last stop on the journey is Stokes Bay, To the east of the rocky cove is an unusual walk through a headland of boulders bringing you to a fine, white sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. A large rock-enclosed pool provides protection from the surf, making this a safe swimming spot for all the family. Island residents and visitors frequent this great location, particularly on days when other, more open beaches, are windblown from the South.

The Rock Pool Cafe provides delightful alfresco dining. There is a camping area, toilets, and a boat ramp.

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