Lines in the Sand: South Australia's ready-to-ride slopes (courtesy, Australia Tourism)
Truly famous for its impressive wildlife protection, South Australia's Kangaroo Island has earned respect in more than just naturalists' eyes. The rugged 1,740-square-mile island is prime for sport and adventure—camping, surfing, sailing, scuba diving, hiking, swimming, and of course, sandboarding. Little Sahara is on the island's southern end, 4.5 miles west of Seal Bay Conservation Park where 500 sea lions romp, and 42 miles west of Kingscote, the island's main hub.
To reach the dunes take Seal Bay Road, turn left on the South Coast Highway, and continue until just before a one-lane bridge. Turn left onto the rough track that leads to Little Sahara. The bleached-white sand dunes form part of the island's largest inland dune system, and climbing among the mallee bush scrub, you'll find just how large that is. The first ridge is a relatively easy scramble, but from here 'boarders face a second, much higher dune where the best sandboarding happens.
Kangaroo Island is off the coast of South Australia: ferries run from Wirrina (47 miles from Adelaide) to Kingscote. Travel time is approximately one hour; adult round-trip fare is $45 U.S. (www.kiferries.com).
For more information on Kangaroo Island, visit www.tourkangarooisland.com.au.
