Kangaroo Island adventure: Part 1 - a zoo and a bush garden

It's been 20 years since we visited Kangaroo Island, so, two weeks ago, Steve and I set off with high expectations with sister Lyn and husband Col.  

After leaving at 7.30 am for the hour or so drive from home to the ferry terminal at Cape Jervis, the 45-minute ferry trip, plus an hour or so driving, we settled into our basic but comfortable cottage (Roo Lagoon Homestead) near Parndana, the almost-centre of the island.  

The owner is a wood turner so there was plenty for fellow turner Col to talk to him about. Some of his wares are shown here.

Then it was off to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to see some native animals up close - great for overseas tourists. Even we were a bit excited to see a rather plump joey snuggling into its mother's pouch.

 There was a most peculiar frog...

 ... a regal-looking lizard

... a ubiquitous kookaburra

brightly coloured parrots...

cute turtles...

 .. and unblinking owls.

Then, it was on to the Stokes Bay Bush Garden, a wonderful display of over 150 island species as well as other Australian plants. It was great to wander around. I love the intricacy and detail of Australian natives in flower.

 Here are some of the plants that caught my eye (and my camera).

A Kangaroo Island lamb roll smothered in gravy was our dinner tonight. One drawback of island living is the paucity of places to go for dinner, especially if, like us, you have chosen accommodation for its isolation and peace. It was a 60km-round trip to the bakery from our cottage which, while technically in Parndana, was actually a long way from the town. If we had known we would have brought our own food.

After such a long day we were ready for bed and for more adventures on the morrow.