Here are some suggested activities on Kangaroo Island tour, encompassing wildlife observation and navigating its magnificent shoreline.
Australia is recognised for its distinctive fauna.
Positioned south of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island presents a chance to experience many of Australia’s treasures in a focused space, establishing it as a leading spot to discover in South Australia.
Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest island, extending close to 160km.
Kangaroo Island should be on your list for those mapping out an Australian journey, given its array of national parks, plentiful wildlife, and terrain predominantly unmarred by tourism.
If you’re pondering things to do on Kangaroo Island, these are our prime suggestions.
Discover the Animals
Its rich biodiversity is a leading motivation to travel to this South Australian treasure.
Spotting wildlife is commonplace in this region, with various fantastic animals, including kangaroos, penguins, possums, sea lions, fur seals, wallabies, birds, echidnas and goannas, often seen.
Visiting the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers a chance to witness wild Koalas in their authentic environment, frequently found lounging and resting in eucalyptus trees.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is a suitable venue for families seeking diverse encounters in a singular place.
Travellers can view animals at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and across the picturesque vistas of the island.
We suggest itineraries for road trips around the island
If you’re not flying into Kingscote, the standard route to access Kangaroo Island is via the SeaLink ferry departing from Cape Jervis and arriving in Penneshaw.
The quaint town boasts a range of lodging choices, from boutique inns to larger resorts. For those mindful of their budget, a camping site is also available.
Considering Kangaroo Island’s vastness and its plethora of activities, allocating several days for a visit is practical.
We invite you to peruse our suggested Kangaroo Island excursions for an optimal journey.
Explore the national parks and conservation parks
Kangaroo Island is celebrated for its pristine terrains, boasting seven national parks. Among these, Flinders Chase National Park stands out as the most renowned.
Other parks and conservation zones encompass Cape Borda Lightstation, Lashmar Conservation Park, Kelly Hill Conservation Park, Seal Bay Conservation Park, Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and Cape Willoughby Conservation Park.
One of the premier activities in Kangaroo Island is to venture into the national parks, given South Australia’s reputation for its conserved wilds.
Make sure to participate in the water activities
With its sprawling coastal line, many sea-based activities are available for recreation.
Embarking on a sailing adventure provides avenues for angling and spotting dolphins, and those keen on surfing can ride the breakers at Vivonne Bay.
Canoeists can delve into multiple calm inlets along the shoreline.
Moreover, ponder taking a snorkelling expedition on Kangaroo Island to witness underwater fauna.
Kangaroo Island offers myriad options for aquatic adventures and exhilarating pursuits, prompting individuals to immerse and relish.
Get your adrenaline pumping with adventure activities
The rugged and unaltered landscapes of South Australia serve as an ideal spot for those on the lookout for adventure sports and activities.
Travel enthusiasts can plunge into activities such as ATV excursions or rides on horseback, dune sliding and cave diving in the Kelly Hills.
Kangaroo Island introduces a spectrum of extraordinary outdoor adventures for the enthusiastic.
Dive deep and explore beneath the waves
Given the vibrant aquatic life around Kangaroo Island, you’ll likely encounter Truncate coralfish, Blue Devil, Boarfish and Harlequin. You might even have the chance to see a Leafy Sea Dragon.
For an experience diving alongside seals or sea lions, head to Western River Cove. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to investigate one of the 50 known shipwrecks.
Take note that rip currents and undertows can present challenges to diving and are usually suggested for those with advanced diving skills.
Discover Kangaroo Island's best sights in South Australia
Kangaroo Island provides an assortment of outdoor pursuits, chances to observe Australian wildlife, local gourmet treats and opportunities to sample wines for those searching for leisure.
We’ve assembled a catalogue of pursuits on Kangaroo Island, encompassing engagement with the native wildlife and involvement in diverse adventures.
Gastronomy & Vine Sampling
While South Australia takes pride in its food palette, it remains less traversed by tourists.
Kangaroo Island lays out a spread of native delicacies and ocean-fresh seafood to enchant its guests. On top of that, one can relish wine samples from the region’s vineyards.
A delightful avenue to acquaint oneself with Kangaroo Island lies in its rich gastronomic spread.
Discover Kangaroo Island with our guide
Enjoy the sights
Kangaroo Island beckons with stunning white sand shores to wander, such as Emu Bay, Vivonne Bay and Kingscote.
Beyond its abundant fauna and captivating sceneries, Kangaroo Island extends an assortment of fascinating locales to traverse.
Noteworthy sites like the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery and the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse are celebrated landmarks on Kangaroo Island, narrating its past.
North Shore
For those journeying north from the Penneshaw ferry terminal, a visit to the American River on Kangaroo Island is highly recommended. Though the town is petite, it has deep ties to the oyster-farming trade.
A particular stretch of the American River offers beautiful beaches ideal for a swim or some sun-soaking, with unparalleled vistas of the mainland.
A mere 10 minutes from Kingscote or about an hour’s drive from the American River on a smooth road will bring you to Emu Bay.
This expansive locale has only a few homes dotted along its shoreline.
There aren’t any commercial spots or eateries here; it’s just the pristine white sand beach for your exclusive enjoyment.
Among Kangaroo Island’s hotspots for swimming is Emu Bay, renowned for its shallow waters and extensive, powdery white shoreline.
A drive from Emu Bay to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is roughly 30 minutes.
The primary road ventures south on the island, while the North Coast Road offers an immersion into the quintessential Australian landscape.
Flinders Chase National Park
Allocating time to venture into Flinders Chase National Park is a top suggestion when you’re on Kangaroo Island.
Kick off your day at dawn with a stroll around the Platypus Waterholes, enhancing your odds of catching a glimpse of the shy platypus.
The Admiral’s Arch stands as one of the pinnacle attractions of Kangaroo Island, boasting breathtaking views, thus making it an essential stopover.
Stay vigilant for the New Zealand fur seals and be on the lookout for whales that journey along the shoreline between May and October.
Another renowned sight on Kangaroo Island is the nearby Remarkable Rocks.
Nature’s forces have sculpted these granite formations over 500 million years.
The panoramas from the Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island are awe-inspiring and worth visiting.
Wildlife enthusiasts would find a trip to Hanson Bay Sanctuary rewarding. Here, koalas can be seen during daylight hours, and there’s plenty to explore.
For those intrigued by underground wonders, the Kelly Hill caves or Admiral Arch offer avenues for underground adventures.
Conclude your day at Vivonne Bay, celebrated as one of South Australia’s premier beaches.
Renowned as a surfing hotspot on Kangaroo Island, surfers are advised to exercise caution due to the potent riptides and towering waves.
Vivonne Bay also stands out as a popular spot for observing wildlife on Kangaroo Island, especially its community of Australian sea lions. Moreover, its expansive dunes make it a leading choice for sandboarding and guided tours on Kangaroo Island.
Other nearby attractions include the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Kelly Hill Conservation Park and the Kelly Hill Caves.
The Southern Shore and Seal Bay
The next destination on Kangaroo Island is Seal Bay, where you can visit a colony of animals with the same name. Accessible by a long boardwalk.
The Australian sea lions can be observed at Seal Bay Conservation Park as they move between the dunes and the sea.
Discover the beauty of Cape Gantheaume National Park with its stunning Vivonne Bay and Seal Bay.
From the park, visitors can explore various Kangaroo Island hikes around Seal Bay, including Murray Lagoon and the Coastal Trek.
The drive along the Estrees Bay Road offers a distinct landscape compared to the Flanders Chase National Park.
Make your final stop at Prospect Hill, also known as Mount Thisby.
Visitors can hike up the 512 steps to reach a 360-degree view of the island.
As a historical fact, Captain Matthew Flinders explored the island in 1802, including the trail without the steps.
Accommodation recommendations on Kangaroo Island
Upon disembarking from the Kangaroo Island Ferry, you’ll find an array of lodging choices suitable for various financial plans, ranging from campgrounds to upscale resorts.
The diversity in lodging options might vary based on the location, so it’s prudent to research where you’d like to lodge beforehand and what options are present.
Booking your stay in advance is suggested, especially during the balmy seasons.
Instructions for reaching Kangaroo Island in South Australia
There are two methods to reach Kangaroo Island: by air to Kingscote or via the Kangaroo Island Ferry departing from Cape Jervis.
One can discover Kangaroo Island by hiring a vehicle for self-navigation or joining an organised tour from Adelaide.
While day tours are an option, spending two to three days for a complete experience of the island is advised.
Keeping the fuel tank full is wise for those driving since gas stations might be spread out and involve lengthy drives.
For the protection of the native fauna, driving on Kangaroo Island during nighttime is discouraged.
Remember that the island stretches out quite a bit; hence, allowing ample commutes between points of interest is crucial.
A guide to food and drinks on Kangaroo Island
Due to its extensive coastline, seafood is abundantly available and fresh in the area, including the local freshwater crayfish known as marron.
Local farms, like Island Pure Sheep Dairy, produce dairy products.
Local honey ice cream from the Kangaroo Island Ligurian honey is famous for those who enjoy sweet treats.
Kangaroo Island is also home to approximately 30 wine growers and 12 wineries.
You can enjoy locally-produced Gin at Kangaroo Island Spirits, South Australia’s first distillery, taste wine at the Snow Dragon Wines cellar, or indulge in fresh oysters at the Oyster Farm Shop.
