From The Straits Times    |

Photo: SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM COMMISSION

Never heard of Kangaroo Island? This pristine island is located southwest of Adelaide in South Australia, and might just be the country’s best-kept secret. While it is home to a diverse population of wildlife (including – yes, you guessed it – kangaroos), there are plenty of things to see and do as well, making it an excellent getaway for couples and families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Here are three fun activities to add to your itinerary:

Explore the great outdoors
You and hubby can hop on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and ride across 500 acres of bush land trails, open grassland and rocky terrain. Alternatively, you can try sandboarding on toboggans at Little Sahara, a naturally occurring sand dune system on Kangaroo Island. These outdoor activities can be booked via Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action (www.kioutdooraction.com.au).

Embark on a long drive
Take the brood along for a self-drive adventure – there are around 1,600km worth of roads to explore. Drive to the sparkling blue waters of Vivonne Bay, dubbed as one of the best beaches in Australia, or make a pit stop at Koala Avenue, where you’ll be able to observe koalas in their natural habitat. Tip: Download Island Intrigue (AUD$20, www.islandintrigue.com.au), a self-drive audio guide of Kangaroo Island that shares interesting facts about some of the best attractions the island has to offer.

Go scuba diving
The northern coast of Kangaroo Island, which is home to 270 different fish species, is great for scuba diving. You might even get up close and personal with critters like Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals! Kangaroo Island Dive and Adventures (www.kangarooislanddiveandadventures.com.au) offers family-friendly packages – from guided shore dives to guided boat dives and even spear fishing – to suit different budgets and preferences.

How to get to Kangaroo Island: You can take a 45-minute ferry ride to Kangaroo Island from Cape Jervis, a coastal town that’s about a two-hour drive away from Adelaide. Alternatively, you can take a 30-minute plane ride from Adelaide Airport. Find out more at www.tourkangarooisland.com.au.