We are visiting Australia this winter, and plan to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne. I¹m having difficulty getting a feel for Kangaroo Island and want to know if it's worth the detour? We like wildlife and scenery, preferring the countryside to the cities, but then I expect we will get out fill of that anyway. Phil Ellis, London

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds:

You will, but there's nowhere quite like Kangaroo Island in the whole of Australia. If you can, it¹s definitely worth a two or three day diversion.

It may be just eight miles from the South Australian mainland, but because there are no cats, foxes or rabbits on the island (i.e. predators), added to the very low population density and the fact that a third of the land is protected in parks and conservation areas, it¹s the best in the country to view marsupials in the wild. Look at the maths ­ there are about 4,500 residents, 15,000 kangaroos, 24,000 Koala¹s, and 50,000 wallabies and. There are penguins and sea lions too, and getting up close to the animals is very easy and great fun.

There are sand dunes, forests, beautiful bays and beaches, and at the far western end, 900ft high cliffs, plus it is renowned for great locally produce, like saltbush-fed lamb, sheep's cheeses, yogurt, honey, and wild salmon; and there are several excellent restaurants in which to sample some.

Depending on your tastes, stay at the four-star Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat (00 61 8 8559 7275, doubles from £63), or for luxury B&B, there¹s Seascape Lodge (00 61 8 8553 5199, doubles from £111). Take a tour or hire a guide through Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours (00 61 8 8559 5033, www.wildernesstours.com.au) or Adventure Charters (00 61 8 8553 9119). For further information, visit the excellent www.tourkangarooisland.com.au.

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