Located off the rugged southern coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is surprisingly accessible for an isolated, eco-tourism destination that is generally off the tourist radar. It is home to pristine landscapes, magnificent limestone caves, stunning rock formations and an abundance of indigenous wildlife, with deserted beaches and none of the distractions of city life.

For an up-close and personal encounter with Australian fauna, Kangaroo Island has no equal. Walk among huge colonies of Australia sea lions and fairy penguins, watch the island's namesake kangaroos bound over hills and fields, and even catch sight of koalas as they munch on Eucalyptus leaves in a semi-euphoric state. You are also likely to spot bandicoots, wallabies, possums, frogs, bats, goannas and dozens of species of native birds. Apart from a few modern conveniences and low key accommodation properties, a trip to Kangaroo Island is like stepping back in time to Australia of yester year.

Getting There
By Ferry: Accessible by 45-minute trip on a SeaLink ferry (www.sealink.com.au) four times a day from Cape Jervis, the southern-most tip of the Australian mainland, 60 miles from Adelaide.

By Air: Fly to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide (30 minutes) on Regional Express (tel. +61/8-8553-2938; www.regionalexpress.com.au) or Air South (tel. +61/8-8234-4988; www.airsouth.com.au).

Required Documents: U.S. citizens require an ETA (Visitor) authority to enter Australia. The service fee is $20 and an ETA can be obtained online at www.eta.immi.gov.au or through your airline or travel agent. Apply a minimum of 14-days before travel.

Where to Stay
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat (tel. +61/8-8559-7275; www.kiwr.com) is located at the entrance to the Flinders Chase National Park. Price: Moderate to Expensive.

Southern Ocean Lodge (tel. +61/2-9918-4355; www.southernoceanlodge.com.au) in Hanson Bay is Kangaroo Island's first and only exclusive luxury lodge. Price: Very Expensive.