Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Julie Fletcher
Chris Hemsworth's wildlife adventure on Kangaroo Island
Follow in Chris’s footsteps and journey across Kangaroo Island to explore its unparalleled beauty and unique inhabitants.
By Amy Bryant
From natural attractions and foodie experiences to world-class accommodation and incredible native wildlife, there is so much to discover on Kangaroo Island. With the abundance of animals that call this paradise home, it’s easy to see how it has earned the nickname of Australia’s ‘natural zoo’. Head to the coastlines to spot whales and dolphins in the water and sea lions on the beach. Stroll through the bush and wetlands where you can spot koalas snoozing in the trees and kangaroos jumping through the scrub. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the elusive platypus. This spectacular island truly is one of Australia’s most incredible wildlife destinations.
Get up close with dolphins
Did you know?
Australian waters are swarming with magnificent marine life, with plenty of up-close underwater encounters available across the country.
The waters surrounding Kangaroo Island are teeming with marine life and are a popular playground for pods of wild bottlenose dolphins. Join an adventure tour, and swim, snorkel or marvel from the boat at these playful creatures. Safaris depart from Emu Bay and Kingscote, where you will travel along the remote stretch of stunning coastlines in search of friendly dolphins who can appear in pods from a few to in the hundreds.
Bask beside the sea lions at Seal Bay
Be sure to spend a day at Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you can encounter the island’s most laidback residents and Australia's third-largest colony of sea lions. Learn about this species from experienced guides on a guided tour, where you’ll be taken down on to the beach for a close-up encounter. You can also take a self-guided stroll along the boardwalk to the lookout, where you can watch the sea lions and their pups bask and frolic along the bay.
Cast a line and get fishy
Kangaroo Island is an incredible fishing destination for chasing tuna and King George whiting. Chris joined a charter with Kangaroo Island Fishing Adventures and got the full fishing experience, heading out at dawn to the southern seas and enjoying a day of casting and hooking with expert guidance. The waters are rich in species including pink snapper, tuna, queen snapper, Samson fish, yellowtail kingfish and the prized King George whiting.
Encounter wild kangaroos
It wouldn’t be a visit to Kangaroo Island without spotting a few kangaroos and tammar wallabies. Kangaroo Island kangaroos are distinct to mainland species with their longer, darker fur. You can find wild ones hopping across the island’s scenic conservation parks. Some of the best spots for spotting kangaroos include Black Swamp in Flinders Chase National Park and Grassdale in Kelly Hill Conservation Park. For an authentic adventure experience, join a wilderness trail and get up close to the island’s kangaroos and other epic wildlife while exploring the beautiful bushland and coastal scenery alongside expert guides.
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Where to spot kangaroos in the wild
Cuddle a koala
Koalas are arguably Australia’s cutest native marsupials. They spend most of the day resting and eating high up in eucalyptus trees. If you fancy giving a koala a cuddle just like Chris, then the best way to encounter them is with a visit to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park near the centre of the island.
