A magnificent environment like this necessitates the joint effort of a community to look after it. Amongst the rows of vines at False Cape Wines on Kangaroo Island’s far-eastern edge, there are free-roaming wild turkeys.
The brush turkeys found in the scrub on the mainland are different from these rare American-style turkeys. At this South Australian vineyard, they serve a dual purpose – not only do they captivate visitors but also help to control pests by foraging and thus minimize pesticide usage.
During the winter season, False Cape Wines implements two environmentally friendly practices. The initial step involves utilizing sheep to consume weeds and enhance soil fertility before relocating them in preparation for future vine growth. Additionally, their label as Kangaroo Island’s largest vineyard enhances this eco-friendly strategy.
One of my favorite aspects is that the farm utilizes dry farming methods for their red grapes. Additionally, they operate entirely off-grid and have constructed a cellar door and cafe using exclusively reclaimed materials. Co-owner Julie Helyar states that it took four years to build the unique space which features old jetty timbers, kangaroo-printed bricks from an old brickworks in Penneshaw (where SeaLink ferries dock), and tables crafted from timber salvaged from a demolished house.
Bellevista, a family-owned farm located near Kingscote on Kangaroo Island, is another illustration of mindful farming practices. The farmers at this establishment practice crop rotation with legumes to augment soil nitrogen levels and organic matter for optimal earth health. In addition to raising sheep for wool and lamb production, Bellevista cultivates wheat, canola and broad beans as well.
Stewards of the sea
Seal Bay Conservation Park, one of Kangaroo Island’s top attractions, has adopted sustainable practices alongside vineyards and farms. The park employees exceed expectations as rangers guide visitors along a raised timber pathway during work hours to observe dune-hillocked Australian sea lions sleeping on the beach while others come ashore for rejuvenation purposes. For safety reasons (both human and animal), small groups maintain a safe distance as they gain knowledge about the species’ habits and their unfortunate endangerment due to overhunting in the 19th century.
After finishing work, the staff search for marine debris like micro plastics that have drifted to Seal Bay and other coastal areas. On a monthly basis, these volunteers sort through this waste by differentiating between various materials such as wetsuit fabric or foam buoys; they also carefully document food packaging and broken glass.
For instance, around 1380 microplastics, fishing line and other debris were gathered in June 2023. While on my Seal Bay excursion, I collected several bits of litter which I stored in my pockets until reaching the visitor centre where I was provided with a labeled “marine pollution” bucket. Additionally, educational exhibits concerning marine waste are accessible at the center including information about how fishing nets pose a threat to sea lions.
Regeneration of islands
Kangaroo Island draws in tourists with its stunning beaches and rich variety of wildlife, encompassing sea lions, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas as well as predatory birds. To protect the native species like dunnarts and bandicoots from feral cats that pose a significant danger here an eradication initiative is in place on the entire island.
According to Michael Caspar, a guide at Exceptional Kangaroo Island, the diversity of species is exceedingly significant.
Exceptional Kangaroo Island has established itself as a leading sustainable tourism organization in South Australia for the past 25 years, earning an advanced Eco Certification from Ecotourism Australia. The business prioritizes minimal waste generation and repurposes all food scraps generated during tours by feeding them to the owner’s chickens or utilizing it as compost for their orchards. With various tour offerings available, one of which is Conservation Connection lasting three days that involves interactions with wildlife specialists while exploring island management strategies.
Michael is my guide on a personalized day tour that takes me to both well-known and obscure locations. One of the highlights was an old warehouse once used by light keepers, which piqued my interest. We also visited Flinders Chase National Park, ravaged by fires in 2019-2020 but now bouncing back tremendously four years later. According to Michael, these were some of the worst bushfires ever witnessed here during his lifetime. However, it surprises him how fast nature has recovered after such devastation and reaffirms our faith in Australia’s robust ecosystem capable of handling significant calamities with ease.”
Living in an eco-friendly manner
During my stroll through Stokes Bay, I encountered a delightful surprise amidst the seaweed: compostable dog waste bags conveniently available for walkers. Highlighting the significance, it is imperative to implement these eco-friendly substitutes across various councils in NSW. While there was little plastic waste found with seaweed on my route, I used a similar bag to gather any litter encountered enroute. Kangaroo Island residents’ connection with their environment really hit home for me when they organized marine debris collection days at Seal Bay alongside thoughtful initiatives such as providing compostable dog poo bags – it’s simply part and parcel of their lifestyle!
Emu Bay Lavender Farm, owned by fifth-generation islanders, is located near Stokes Bay. Approximately 800 plants are manually gathered in this location, and the cafe as well as boutique operate all year round. Although my visit was not during lavender season, I tasted a blend of lavender and lemon myrtle in tea while hearing about their recent investment in solar energy as well as future plans to move off-grid. The farm currently leases part of its 20-hectare property for merino sheep; however, they plan to eventually relocate them elsewhere with intentions of regenerating land areas for more lavender crops along with adding hiking trails.
The transformation of an island that was once overrun by sealers and sheep graziers into a community of farmers and producers who prioritize environmental consciousness is evidence of our capacity to adjust and coexist with the natural world that supports us.
