YARRAMAN RIDGE: Kangaroo Island, South Australia

For retired farmer Ralph Davis and his wife Pam, this little weekender is their piece of paradise. And for Eloise Turner, Vivonne Bay on the south coast of Kangaroo Island offers the perfect setting for those wanting a little more action.

"This is the Harriet River. It gets quite full at times and normally, after the winter, it opens up into the Bay at Vivonne - it's so secluded".

"Yer"

"More often than not, we're the only people riding on the beach".

And so it was the day we saddled up with the crew from Yarraman Ridge to take in a leisurely stroll and canter along one of the island's most spectacular spots - Vivonne Bay. Out in the distance, you can see what the locals call Nobby's Island - behind it one of KI's premier tourist attractions Seal Bay. When you're out here with a placid eight-year-old named Clyde, you've got plenty of time to soak up the power and beauty of the rugged South Coast.

"I love these cliffs in the sunset when there's a glow, a beautiful orange red colour and in the evening, a gold colour".

"Beautiful"

"It's really lovely"

Eloise Turner has always loved the outdoors and this meeting of the tea tree stained waters of the Harriet River and the majestic blue of the southern ocean, provides plenty of variety. And within minutes she'll have you mastering the intricacies of the kayak.

"Where does this river come from?"

"Right up in the middle of the island, like miles and miles away"

"OK"

"And the water runs to the coast, Rue Lagoon I think."

"This is great isn't it. You can go for a ride in the morning and paddle here in the afternoon".

"That's right. And it's a beautiful, tranquil, safe river to do all sorts of activities in. We offer sailboarding as well as kayaking and they have swimming lessons in the summer months for the local children, which is great".

"I guess we cater for everybody in that respect. We also have a lot of couples, uhmm honeymooners and groups of countries - ahh well international people".

Eloise and her husband Richard fell in love with the south coast years ago, so much so that they built their own limestone cottage with views to Vivonne Bay and beyond. It's now a rustic getaway for those with an adventurous spirit. You can book a night at Curlew Cottage by contacting Yarraman Ridge on 8559-4297. They'll also give you details on the extensive package of outdoor activities at the Bay and nearby Harriet River. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au