Islands and islanders hold a special place in the imaginations of many people. Lighthouses, shipwrecks, hardy fishermen, lonely beaches, wildlife and good food are common to the Bass Strait islands. Kangaroo Island is no different; it has them all and to a very refined degree. It also has an Aboriginal past but, unlike the wine, sheep, cheese, marron and bread, it does nothing to advertise the fact. On the contrary, it hides from that history.
Kangaroo Island’s devastating fires of 2019–2020 destroyed buildings but it also scorched souls. The island will take a long time to revive physically and psychologically. So much tourist infrastructure was destroyed that the island’s economy received a massive hit. Recovery will be slow and painful.
It is easy to celebrate and promote great food, idyllic beaches and the island wildlife, but it will take a while for tourists to return. Don’t be deterred from visiting this place — it really is an exceptional part of the country and a few years back probably
