Local Attractions near Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
You will find plenty of sightseeing opportunities and interesting places to visit within easy reach of Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Although much of the western end of Kangaroo Island was severely impacted by the January 2020 bushfires, the uniquely Australian story of rebirth and regeneration after fire is compelling. Witnessing the native flora and fauna rebound in the aftermath of the fire will be a fantastic opportunity. We look forward to welcoming you to our end of the island!
Much of the western end of Kangaroo Island is covered in parks and reserves and it is often referred to as the natural end of the Island. You will find large areas of pristine natural bushland, numerous native wildlife, spectacular, rugged coastal cliffs and beautiful seascapes and beaches. Throughout the wilderness areas you will also discover old buildings and ruins which have been preserved because of their historical role in the development of the island. And if that is not enough to hold your interest, you can swim in the bay, fish from a sandy beach, dive some ship wrecks, surf some big waves, go sand boarding or go bush walking, Whatever your interest, you will find plenty of things to do on your next holiday at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Winter is the time of life on the island, not only do the whales nurse their calves but the Tammar Wallabies, Koalas and Western Grey Kangaroos carry their joeys through the winter months. Cape Barren Geese are also seen in abundance with their young during winter. September and October is also a fantastic time to view the Island's wildflowers.
FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK
The Flinders Chase National Park covers much of the western end of Kangaroo Island. The park has a diverse range of wildlife including Platypus, Kangaroos, Koalas and Cape Barren Geese. Flinders Chase offers stunning coastal landscapes, vast areas of wilderness and a variety of recreational opportunities. The Flinders Chase Visitor Centre incorporates an interesting and innovative interpretive centre and a welcoming café.
There is a network of walking trails throughout the park providing you with numerous bushwalking opportunities. You can also take a guided tour of the Cape Borda Lighthouse, visit the nearby historic light-keepers cemetery, or see the original landing site for lighthouse provisions at Harvey's Return. There is also a daily firing of the restored signal cannon on the 12.30 pm tour!
Remarkable Rocks, beautiful Weirs Cove, Admirals Arch and Cape de Couedic lighthouse are all within the park boundaries
REMARKABLE ROCKS
Remarkable Rocks is an impressive cluster of sculpted granite boulders perched on a huge rounded granite dome that drops steeply away to the surging seas some 70 metres below.
ADMIRALS ARCH
Admirals Arch is a spectacular archway formed by the relentless waves pounding the cliffs and cutting a path through the cliffs. There is also a colony of New Zealand Fur seals that bask on the rocks below Admirals Arch.
CAPE BORDA LIGHTHOUSE
The Cape Borda lighthouse, built in 1858, is the only square stone lighthouse in South Australia. It was built to guide ships sailing to Adelaide via Investigator Strait. In the early days supplies from the lighthouse were landed by boat and hauled up long steel railway at nearby Harvey's Return.
CAPE DE COUEDIC LIGHTHOUSE AND WEIRS COVE
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and three cottages for the lighthouse staff were built of local stone around 1906. A jetty was built and supplies for the lighthouse were landed at nearby Weirs Cove, 1.5 kilometres north of the lighthouse. The provisions were originally laboriously carried up a steep zigzag path but later a horse powered flying fox was used.
KELLY HILL CAVES AND KELLY HILLS CONSERVATION PARK
The Kelly Hill Caves are a system of unique limestone caves set in pretty natural bush surroundings. The main Show Caves are open daily for guided tours and adventure caving tours are available by prior arrangement. There is a pleasant area set amongst tall eucalyptus trees for you to enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch. If bushwalking is more your style there are a number of interesting short walks around the area. You can take a 9 kilometre bushwalk from the Kelly Hill Caves, through natural mallee bush and wetlands, to the coast. The Kelly Hill Caves are located in the Kelly Hill Conservation Park which is located about 8 kilometres east of the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
VIVONNE BAY
Beautiful Vivonne Bay is located just 30 kilometres east of the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and it is the home of the Kangaroo Island crayfish and game fishing fleet. There is a small jetty to fish from and a boat ramp. There is also a picnic area with a BBQ and toilet facilities at Vivonne Bay. The long sandy beach is an ideal place for a picnic or a spot of beach fishing. If you are an experienced surfer you will find some exciting surfing out in the bay, but take care as there is an undertow that must be respected. The jetty and boat ramp are considered to be the safest areas for swimming.
LITTLE SAHARA
Little Sahara is only 38 kilometres east of Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and features incredible sand dunes that rise majestically out of the surrounding bush. You can climb to the top of the sparkling white dunes and take and exhilarating sand board down to the bottom – Vivonne Bay Store and Outdoor Action Hire Boards!
SEAL BAY
Seal Bay is located about 55 kilometres east of the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. You can take a 45 minute guided beach tour and walk amongst the colony of Australian sea-lions (often referred to as seals) while they rest between fishing trips. You can hear about the biology, breeding characteristics and behaviour of the sea-lions. A boardwalk also enables less mobile visitors to experience the Australian sea lion habitat up close. There is a Visitor Centre at Seal Bay with information on the history of sealing, life at sea, the evolution of sea lions, sea lion research, and marine pollution. The Visitor Centre also has an extensive selection of souvenirs to buy and take home with you.
For more information on these and other great attractions please visit the South Australia Tourist Commission.
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is within close proximity to all the major attractions at the Western End of the Island.