Don't drive at night on kangaroo Island!!!!!!!!!!

[Liz and Kris UK]

Hi everyone

 

We went to kangaroo island for easter and it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Anyway knowbody told me not to drive at dusk/night and I was driving along and a roo hopped out right under my wheel and split my bumper and ripped off my exhaust (the poor roo died on impact). We got the car going and we continued on our journey atleast another ten roos jumped out in front of us on the way back to our accomm but I managed to stop. NEVER DRIVE AT NIGHT ON KANGAROO ISLAND. A lot of the roads are dirt roads so a 4x4 is a good idea also. I think everyone should see the Island though as it is absolutely enchanting.

 

 

Kris

[Guest marty]

Not only on KI, you can meet a roo anywhere out of the CBD

[Rachiegarlo]

The dirt roads are usually graded and are fine in all weathers so you don't necessarily need a 4 wheel drive. If the roads aren't graded they usually have a sign saying fine weather road only. There are quite a few of those in the Mid North usually between properties and away from main roads. Dirt roads require a different driving style though, slower and slower braking depending on the condition of the road.

 

I usually drive at night with High Beam on hoping to stun the roos so they stay still, but yep sometimes you get unlucky and one breaks across the rod at the wrong time. At least you are both ok. KI is a beautiful spot and so close it is well worth a visit.

[Guest sarahsmartiepants]

Its not called Kangaroo Island for nothing:biglaugh:

[Guest soggy]

Not only on KI, you can meet a roo anywhere out of the CBD

 

I don't believe in them, been here over a year not seen anything other than birds that I did not see in the UK, not spiders, snakes, roos, koalars, sharks, dolphins nothing, it's all made up:).

 

Simon

[Rachiegarlo]

That's because you live in a city apartment, you just wait til the huntsmen come into your new house, lizards drown in your pool and one day you might wake up and see a shark in your pool You are moving to the wilds now.....Laura lives not too far from your new house and she found a lamb in her garden.

[Skittle]

KI is absolutely stunning - feels like you've stepped back in time, away from any commercialism. Just lovely honest people and the fantastic scenery is to die for. But, it is far bigger than you realise and you need to visit for more than a day to see it properly. For example Penneshaw (where the ferry docks) to Kingscote (the main town) is 45 minutes.

 

I recommend anyone to go and look. The temps are usually a few degrees cooler than Adelaide though.

 

Karen

[Guest motlyman]

Hi,

Glad you are ok.

We were there for 4 days couple of weeks back

Its a beautifull place and i love it. Scenery is stunning.

Sad but true fact is you do see more roadkill about than live animals stuff.

With some speed limits 110kph it would be difficult to avoid it with trees right up to the roadside.

But drive slow and you get coaches flying past at 110kph.

Damned if you do damned if you dont.

 

Colin

[Moosh]

Did you not see the signs when you get off the ferry or read the brochures before you arrived on KI? Glad you are ok though but you should not drive at night on KI unless absolutely necessary. What were you doing driving at night anyway? There's nowhere to go and nothing to do at night time, especially over Easter.

 

We were there at Easter too. I have loaded my pics on my profile. Loved it!

[Guest The Pottertons]

Gosh- how frightening! glad you are both o.k Thanx for the write up on K.I though- sounds amazing- cant wait to visit- when we eventually arrive!!!! Yvonne x

[Anne B]

You should never drive anywhere too far out in the bush after dark if you can help it.

 

Kangaroos seem to get mesmerised by the car lights then jump out in front of you at the last minute. I learnt my lesson when first in Australia backpacking, my friend and I hired a car out of Alice Springs and left it too late to drive back to Alice. We had to cope with not only kangaroos but the biggest cattle you have ever seen just casually walking along the road. If the road is bitumen the animals are attracted to it at night when the temperature drops as the road stays nice and warm.

 

My husband used to drive coaches up to Alice Springs and Broken Hill (often night services) and kangaroos are a frequent problem. Even a coach can get badly damaged. Once his coach door was so badly damaged it wouldn't open!! If you ever do a lot of travelling round Australia by coach at night and you are trying to sleep you keep getting woken up as the driver has to brake sharply to avoid another roo (that's if the potholes don't keep you awake!!). Happy travels!

[Guest graandjac]

Its not called Kangaroo Island for nothing:biglaugh:

 

Took the words right out of my mouth....lol;)

[Guest Beverley]

Kangaroo Island surely is a beautiful island and we always advise our customers to watch out at dusk and dawn because fo the wildlife!!!!