For twenty years Kangaroo Islanders Craig and Janet Wickham have been running Exceptional Kangaroo Island. Their team of guides and holiday planners offer experiential holidays combining small group or private four wheel drive touring with a choice of accommodation, travel from the mainland, and experiences such as fishing, ocean rafting or bushwalking.
Craig is a former wildlife ranger with a long history in quality natural history experiences and Janet an intensive care nurse. The combination of their skills means this operation provides nature tours with extraordinary attention to detail in both hospitality and tour preparation, and all done with a focus on sustainability.
Their approach has been recognised with Exceptional Kangaroo Island twice winning Australia’s best tour operator award from the Australian Tourism Export Council and from an international perspective, Australia’s Best Experience. For two years running they were short-listed as Australia’s best tour operator in The Australian Travel and Tourism Awards alongside of Abercrombie & Kent, Bill Peach Journeys Aircruising Australia, Captain Cook Cruises, Orion Expedition Cruises and Outback Encounter. It comes as little surprise that Exceptional Kangaroo Island actually provides the on-ground experiences for every one of these operators whose programmes include Kangaroo Island.
The philosophy of the business has been absolutely customer focused but with a constant eye on local community and environmental benefit. The team of sharp-eyed local guides provide clear outlines of what to expect when you step onto the beach surrounded by sea-lions, or how close you can safely approach a small group of endangered wallabies resting in the bush without disturbance. Craig’s explanation is this: “If you simply take the view that you want to be able to share these experiences with guests next week or next generation then our approach is clear.”
Just as the wildlife interactions are straight-forward it seems that the same applies to guest interactions. As a guest of the Exceptional KI team you feel like you are travelling with friends who really know their patch - the constant daily patter is conversation rather than commentary and guests are encouraged to participate by sharing their experiences and observations.
Come lunchtime the guide who found all sorts of animals where you swear there were none has changed hats. In the middle of nowhere a white canopy with gas barbeque and long table has appeared. In a matter of minutes, out of a picnic basket and esky they have produced an amazing spread - King George whiting, local haloumi, hot bread rolls, fresh salads - and all on good crockery with linen napkins! Most of the produce on the plate is local Kangaroo Island fare - as is the wine poured into elegant stemware.
A majority of guests to date have been international guests wanting to learn about this fascinating place which typifies much of what they seek in an Australian holiday. Recently this large Island has taken the attention of travelling Australians who increasingly seek Exceptional Kangaroo Islands’ services to design a holiday staying in a local pub, boutique bed and breakfast, historic homestead, private beachside villa or at the new and very luxurious Southern Ocean Lodge.
It is not hard to enjoy yourself when someone has taken the time to distill the best the destination has to offer and is prepared to tailor a package to suit your needs - almost like having your own holiday concierge service!
