About Australia

Australia comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and many smaller islands. Covering a total area of 2.97 million square miles, mainland Australia is the world’s largest island. In distance, the continent stretches about 2290 miles from north to south and 2500 miles from east to west, making it the sixth-largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States and Brazil. Australia is divided into six states and two territories. Canberra is the national capital and the centre of government and is located approximately 180 miles south of Sydney in the Australian Capital Territory. New South Wales is Australia’s oldest and most populated state, Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states in size but the second most populated, Queensland is Australia’s second-largest state in size, South Australia is a state in the southern central part of the country which covers some of the most arid parts of the continent, Western Australia is Australia’s largest state by area and Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by Bass Strait and is the smallest state in Australia. Australia currently has a population of almost 23 million people.

About Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island can be found in the state of South Australia, around a 70 miles from Adelaide and about nine miles from the mainland at its closest point. After Melville and Tasmania, Kangaroo Island is the third largest island in Australia and covers an area of more than 1,500 square miles. Attracting over a hundred thousand visitors annually, the Island is one of South Australia's most popular tourist attractions for both domestic and international visitors. The Island is made of six unique regions. The biggest town and commercial hub is Kingscote where you’ll find a number of shops and a range of accommodation options as well as nearly half of the Island’s population. Penneshaw and Dudley Peninsula in the east is where the ferries dock and therefore the entry point for most of the islands visitors. American River in the north east is known as an interesting little town, Parndana runs across the centre and is commonly referred to as the heartland of Kangaroo Island while the West End is the place to go for wild, rugged and natural beauty. The North Coast is a contrast of sandy coves and stunning views while the South Coast is one of the most popular destinations on the island, not least due to the fact it houses one of Australia’s finest beaches. Getting to the island is relatively simple by ferry with daily crossings on offer from the ferry company Kangaroo Island Sealink. Their two large catamarans sail across Backstairs Passage between Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Penneshaw on the east side of Kangaroo Island. The trip takes just forty five minutes running four times daily in each direction with additional services put in during busy periods.