It's got it all - fabulous food, exciting scenery, pristine location, superb beaches, unique tastes, local wine - there's only thing you won't find on Kangaroo Island and that's the rat race.
I've walked much of Kangaroo Island with Park Trek and managed to slip in food spotting along the way but I would be back in a heart beat for the second Kangaroo Island FEASTival from April 25-30 2013.
The six day program of culinary and wine adventures features 15 extraordinary gourmet events inspired by Kangaroo Island's stories, locations and the people behind its enviable food and wine with George Calombaris and Maggie Beer taking time out of their rock-star schedules to host key events.
George will launch the festival with an exotic dinner of abalone, goose and sheep's cheese in a marquee at the water's edge in sleepy Kingscote. South Australian food icon Maggie Beer (The Cook and the Chef) will showcase the island's pig on a spit and Marron (freshwater crayfish) at a Roman Banquet.
Among the usual food festival master classes and themed dinners the FEASTival program includes unique Pop-Up Dining events and FEASTival's own FilmFood evening, in partnership with the Adelaide Film Festival.
Australia's leading native food chef Andrew Fielke will create a progressive film and food dinner where each course is inspired by a short film that reflects the island's natural wilderness and native foods.
Joining the celebrity chefs, local Kangaroo Island food identities - like Southrock Lamb's Andy and Kate Gilfillan - are opening up their own homes to throw Table Surfing lunch and dinner parties for FEASTival visitors.
The island's legendary seafood features in several novel events. Join a casual 'oyster and fizz' lunch where the oysters are served from little fishing boats floating by. Take a mystery fishing charter for a two part progressive lunch. Or enjoy fish and chips at the Utes and Boots Picnic in a location that's only revealed on the day.
Kangaroo Island's own distillery owners Jon and Sarah Lark will reveal the secrets of gin making over a casual dinner, Dudley Wines hosts an interactive dinner with local producers and Islander Estate wines will feature as part of a gourmet meal aboard beautiful luxury yacht Lady Eugenie.
Sunday 28 April will be FEASTival's big day out, featuring the hostly contested Kangaroo Island Signature Dish Competition, judged by Maggie Beer and Andrew Fielke, food stalls from the Penneshaw Farmers Markets, fishing and squid catching competitions, fish smoking demonstrations and a junior chef master class for adults - taught by local school children.
FEASTival producer Nick Hannaford, whose own career includes co-founding Queensland's award winning rainforest dining experience Flames of the Forest where he catered a private dinner for Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, says: "Growing up on the island I respect its natural beauty and emerging food and wine industry, so it's crucial that each event is sensitively designed to balance the location, food, wine, and personalities. I just then add that little touch of theatre!"
Tickets on sale now at www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/kifeastival
Here's more on Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island Farm Gate Trail
Kangaroo Island highlights
Disclaimer: Just spreading food love.