When I was planning my trip I was searching all over the place to find things to do in Kangaroo Island. It took many different articles, blog posts and social media posts to put together this huge list. Rather than keeping it to myself, I’m sharing it here. So here is the ultimate list of what to do on Kangaroo Island.
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TL;DR? Here's the outline
Note: Many of the below attractions were affected by the devastating bushfires of January 2020. While I've tried to give the most up-to-date information, please check with the attractions themselves to confirm the latest opening hours and access information.
What to Do on Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island, a haven of nature and wildlife, is just waiting for you to explore its charms. From stunning beaches to rugged natural landscapes, there’s something here for every adventurer.
Kangaroo Island is perfect for the backpacker, honeymooners, a family holiday, groups tours and everything in between.
Australia’s third-largest island is an easy drive and ferry south of Adelaide. A few days on Kangaroo Island is a must for every one of South Australia’s visitors.
Have only one day to visit Kangaroo Island? It is possible with a day tour from Adelaide. See the details below.
Kangaroo Island Natural Attractions
Much of the appeal of Kangaroo Island is due to its wild, untouched nature. It’s not unusual to see the iconic natural features representing all of South Australia.
Visitors will find dramatic coastlines and wilderness across the whole island. Here are some of the best Kangaroo Island things to do in nature
Flinders Chase National Park
At the western end of Kangaroo Island is the Flinders Chase National Park. It was almost entirely burnt during the 2019/20 bushfires, and even now in 2023, it is still being rebuilt.
Having said that, many of the pathways and boardwalks are now open again, along with campgrounds and some cottages for staying in.
The visitor’s information centre is still a temporary building while the new one is being rebuilt bigger and better than before. It is expected to re-open in 2024.
You will need to pay an entry fee for Flinders Chase National Park. I recommend paying it online before you arrive as phone coverage is almost non-existent once in the park. The is an automated pay station if you haven’t paid in advance, but that also relies on a phone connection so can be unreliable.
Remarkable Rocks
Remarkable Rocks are likely one of the first attractions you would have come across on Kangaroo Island, and with good reason. They are often used as the icon of Kangaroo Island.
Yes, they are just rocks, but they will leave you wondering just how they managed to be balanced on that granite outcrop overlooking the Southern Ocean.
Millions of years have worn the rocks into interesting shapes, and visiting kids will just love climbing over and into all the hidden crevasses.
Admiral’s Arch
Admiral’s Arch is a natural rock bridge situated below the cliffs near the Cape du Couedic lighthouse. Millions of years of waves pounding against the coastline have created an unusual arch fringed with small stalactites.
Follow the boardwalk down below the cliff face to a viewing platform. While great to see anytime, coming near sunset may give spectacular colours as the sun sinks into the ocean.
Little Sahara
Located near the town of Vivonne Bay on the south coast of Kangaroo Island, these pristine sand dunes are the place to visit for some adventure activities or just to admire how white the sand is.
Take your shoes off for a walk in the sand and check out the view from the top over the dunes.
Prospect Hill
Prospect Hill is the highest point on Kangaroo Island and it’s where the explorer Matthew Flinders stood to survey all of the land as far as the eye could see. Follow in his footsteps by climbing up to the platform on top.
This used to be a scramble up the side of this steep sand hill, but in 2019 steps were built, so now it’s instead a walk up the 500+ steps to reach the top.
Cliffs @ Red Banks
It’s a little tricky to get to, but just north of American River are some incredible cliffs with layers of red sand. These are particularly beautiful in the soft light of sunset or sunrise, but still pretty any time of day.
Cape Willoughby Road Drive
For a short, but incredibly scenic drive, take Cape Willoughby Road along the coast from Penneshaw to the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse.
While there are plenty of things to do along the way, even if you don’t stop, the drive is worth it for some of the amazing views across Antechamber Bay to the mainland beyond.
Lashmar Conservation Park
There are dozens of national parks, conservation parks and nature reserves on Kangaroo Island so it’s sometimes difficult to decide which one to visit.
In Lashmar Conservation Park, not only can you access the stunning beaches of Antechamber Bay, but the tranquil Chapman River flows through here too – perfect for some kayaking.
Fishing and bushwalking are other great things to do here, camping is also allowed. Expect to see plenty of wildlife too – just watch where you are walking in case you also find a goanna digging for dinner right on the path!
Kelly Hill Caves/Conservation Park
Kelly Hill Caves are one of the things I remember the most from my childhood visits to Kangaroo Island.
These caves were the first time I had seen stalagmites and stalactites, and I will always remember the piece of rock that looked just like a rasher of bacon when lit from behind.
Unfortunately, both the caves of Kelly Hill and Kelly Hill Conservation Park were severely damaged by the fires and are currently closed.
They are currently under construction again, and the planned reopening is December 2023. Until then though, the National Parks services are running limited guided tours. Find all the details and book the guided tours here.
Billygoat Falls Hike
This is a moderate 4km hike and is best done after some rainfall when the falls will be at their most spectacular.
The path has reopened after the bushfires, but it is still a rough hike.
Seeing Kangaroo Island Animals
Most visitors to Kangaroo Island are keen to see some of the incredible wildlife here. Many animals can be seen in the wild all over the island, but if you want to guarantee wildlife sightings, here are the places to go and things to do.
Seal Bay Conservation Park
Seal Bay is a Kangaroo Island must-see, the jewel in the crown of Kangaroo Island tourism! It’s located in the Seal Bay Conservation Park on the south coast of the island. Contrary to its name, there are no seals here. What you will see are hundreds of Australian Sea Lions.
Visitors can choose to just admire the sea lions from a boardwalk with views of the beach, or take a guided tour right down to the sand that gets much closer to the sea lions (but not too close)
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
With a visit to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, you will be guaranteed to see all the native animals and unique wildlife that you hoped to see in the wild.
There are plenty of favourites, kangaroos, tammar wallabies, koalas, wombats, echidnas, quokkas, dingos, emus, cassowaries and even some of the local creepy crawlies.
There are dozens of birds, fish and reptiles too, over 150 Australian natives. Time your visit with one of the koala talks where you will have the opportunity to enter the koala enclosure and pat them.
Of course, if you would like to hold a koala, that is one of the private experiences that can be an added extra.
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places on Kangaroo Island to see koalas in the wild. Unfortunately, this is another location that was severely affected by the bushfires.
Currently, access is only by guided tour and there are two options – a general koala walk and ecology tour, and a nocturnal tour to see the wildlife when they are most active.
You will need to book in advance to do the tour. See the details here.
Raptor Domain
Raptor Domain is a rehabilitation centre for all sorts of birds of prey. Birds are brought in either orphaned, injured or sick and are cared for until they can return to the wild.
Sometimes they can’t go back to the wild, and these birds are used to educate visitors on the plight of these incredible birds. Recently some breeding programs have been started for some of the rarer species to help with their numbers.
Twice a day there is a Free Flight show which includes one of our amazing natives, the wedge-tailed eagle. There is a small selection of reptiles in the Raptor Domain too, which also have their own show.
If you want to get closer, there are private experiences and photo opportunities too. This is a great Kangaroo Island activity for all ages.
Penneshaw Penguin Centre
Located right on the foreshore near the ferry terminal is the Penneshaw Penguin Centre. They run tours each evening to see the fairy penguins as they come back to land after a day at sea.
You will learn all about the penguins, their habitat and the conservation efforts. If the penguins are elusive, you will still enjoy a great walk and if the sky is clear have a mini astrology lesson.
Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari Swim with Wild Dolphins
Take advantage of one of the Kangaroo Island Ocean Safaris. You can take a boat ride out into the waters around Kangaroo Island to spot dolphins, seals and other wildlife. You will learn about the coastline and the environmental issues facing the area.
The second tour is similar, but it takes things one step further and you have the opportunity to go snorkelling with the dolphins and seals.
Click here to book Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari
Click here to book the Snorkelling Tour
Will’s Rare Breeds Farm
Located near Stokes Bay, Will’s Rare Breeds Farm is home to dozens of rare breeds of farm animals you likely haven’t heard of before, let alone seen – like the 4 Horned African Sheep! Who knew?
Book a tour with Will and he will take you around the property and tell you many facts about these rare breeds. Make sure you call in advance and chat with Will to make a time to visit when he is available.
Cape du Couedic Seals
At Cape du Couedic, take the boardwalk down to see Admirals Arch. On the way, you can’t help but notice the dozens of Australian and Long-Nosed Fur Seals that are lying around on the rocks.
There is a short detour to a seal-watching lookout, but I think you will see them better on the boardwalk down to Admirals Arch as you get lower, and therefore closer, to the seals.
On the way down there are plenty of information signs so you can learn about the seals, their habits and the surrounding environment.
Pelican Feeding
If you are staying at the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, you can speak to the staff and they will feed the pelicans leftovers from the kitchen for guests to see.
They will only do it every second day, and only when asked, so that the pelicans don’t get too used to it. It usually happens around 9am.
Platypus Waterholes Walk
I seem to be mentioning an awful lot of things that were affected by the bushfires in 2019/20 and the Platypus Waterholes walk is another one of them. It is located in the Flinders Chase National Park and all of the infrastructure was destroyed in the fires.
The infrastructure has now been rebuilt and the walk is open again. It is just under 5km, takes around two hours and is a great opportunity to see the elusive platypus in the wild – the only place in South Australia to do so.
On a budget but still want to experience Kangaroo Island? This 3-day Kangaroo Island tour from Adelaide might be just what you are looking for.
Kangaroo Island Food and Beverages
With such a pristine environment to work in, it’s no surprise to discover that there are some fabulous food and beverage outlets with amazing produce on the island. There is plenty here to keep you busy for a day or two just by themselves.
Gastronomo – The Enchanted Fig Tree
This is the ultimate foodie experience on Kangaroo Island! In the summer months a restaurant is set up amongst the branches of a huge Morton Bay Fig tree near Snellings Beach.
Billed as wilderness dining, the set menu is seasonal and paired with quality local wines. Top-rated guest chefs are brought in to create innovative gourmet meals that suit the season and the magical location.
The Enchanted Fig Tree is one of the food experiences in South Australia worth travelling for.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery
Eucalyptus oil distilling used to be a big deal on Kangaroo Island, but now there is only one place left that does it – and it’s the one place in the world that makes eucalyptus oil from the local Kangaroo Island Narrow Leaf Mallee.
Call into Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery to learn about how the oil is collected and distilled. Browse through the hundreds of products that are made with eucalyptus oil, from cleaning products to shampoos to sweets.
Enjoy a snack in the cafe while you are there, and keep an eye out for the resident emus that live on the property.
Kangaroo Island Ciders
While you are visiting Emu Ridge, venture through to the Kangaroo Islands Ciders tasting area and test out the range of ciders.
Kangaroo Island Ciders grow more than 30 different varieties of apples and they use them to create unique blends. Along with the regular ciders, they produce a sparkling version, and another that is non-alcoholic, so there is something to suit everyone.
Clifford’s Honey Farm
Kangaroo Island is home to a pure strain of Ligurian bees, and the honey produced here is thought to be the only pure strain of honey in the world.
Clifford’s Honey Farm is a great family-run place to learn a little about the bees and the honey-making process. Pick up some of the great products to take home. I recommend trying the Honey Mead and the delicious honeycomb.
Island Beehive
Island Beehive not only have a large shop front right in Kingscote but it’s attached to their factory where they run tours each day. Learn about the production of honey and see some of the products being made.
There is a cafe and a large showroom here with not only their products but products from many other local producers and artisans too. Don’t miss the delicious honey ice cream.
Kangaroo Island Brewery
Located just outside of Kingscote, Kangaroo Island Brewery is worth a stop. The rustic cellar door provides the perfect backdrop for tasting their four different craft beers.
Choose between cozy indoor seating in the winter, or enjoy the outdoors in summer. For a few dollars pick up a tasting paddle and enjoy!
For those who prefer wines, there is a range of Kangaroo Island Brewery wines available too. Seems to be a strange combination, but many people were enjoying both.
The Oyster Farm Shop
The Oyster Farm Shop is located in American River. The shop is located directly across the road from the wharf where the oysters are unloaded and processed.
Stop by to pick up some of the delicious seafood to take home, or spend some time learning about the industry with a tour to see the oyster beds. Enjoy some free tastings of some of the produce or a full platter with wine as you relax in the outdoor seating area.
Emu Bay Lavender Farm
Emu Bay Lavender Farm is the perfect place to stop for lunch, or morning and afternoon tea. Set amongst the lavender fields, the cafe is delightful.
Choose from any number of foods that include lavender – like the huge lavender scones that are more of a meal than a snack or the delicious lavender ice cream.
Before you leave browse through the shop that sells dozens more lavender products as well as plenty of other local products too.
Kangaroo Island Spirits
Centrally located near Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island Spirits is a must-see during your visit. While they do some great-tasting paddles of their gin and vodka, that should not be the only reason you visit, they have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
The gardens here are the perfect place to enjoy a light meal with a group of friends, and the seasonal menu contains a variety of delicious mains and mouthwatering desserts. The coffee here is pretty good too.
Kangaroo Island Wine Tasting
Several wineries across the island offer wine tasting. Call into their cellar doors and try the varieties grown here.
Dudley Wines
Of all the wineries on the island, Dudley Wines can lay claim to the best views. They have an incredible balcony with stunning views over the Backstairs Passage towards the mainland.
The Islander Estate Wines
This winery has an intimate cellar-door experience with some great wines influenced by the Bordeaux region in France. Pay a little extra to do the premium tasting experience.
Bay of Shoals Wine
This winery is the most convenient, located just on the outskirts of Kingscote. The cellar door has a maritime theme that blends nicely with the coastal surroundings.
Springs Road Winery
Springs Road Winery has a wide range of wines to try from their vineyards here on Kangaroo Island and their two sibling wineries in the McLaren Vale region. They have a very nice beer that is worth trying too.
False Cape Wines
These were my personal favourites. The cellar door is in a rustic building made from recycled products overlooking the vineyards. Tastings are done in groups of four, and the wines were all very drinkable.
Come and sit on the outdoor deck and enjoy the food and wine and the surroundings together.
Read more about the Kangaroo Island Wineries here
Kangaroo Island Farmers’ Market
Held from 10 am until 1 pm on the third Sunday of each month, the Kangaroo Island Farmers’ Market is a great opportunity to pick up local produce and artisan products. You will find the markets in Kingscote.
Book a food and wine tour to enjoy Kangaroo Island’s delicious produce
Historical Attractions on Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island was the first place officially settled in South Australia. Those early settlers didn’t like it so much, and within weeks moved on to the more plentiful location of Adelaide.
The island was still significant though, particularly as it sat right in the way of ships getting to Adelaide, so it has an abundance of historical lighthouses and other maritime attractions.
Cape du Couedic Lighthouse
Located in Flinders Chase National Park, the Cape du Couedic lighthouse miraculously escaped the bushfires. It was built in the early 1900s but today is automated.
There is no access to the interior of the lighthouse, but visitors can wander the grounds and take a walk down to Weir Cove where the supplies arrived once every three months and were brought up from the beach by flying fox.
The lighthouse keeper’s cottages also survived the flames and while temporarily closed, they will be open again to accommodate visitors in the future.
Cape Borda Lighthouse
The Cape Borda Lighthouse is incredibly remote. Located in the top, western corner of Flinders Chase National Park, it was the only other site in the park that escaped the fires.
Dozens of people fought to keep the flames at bay, but eventually, it became too dangerous and they had to leave, just hoping they had done enough. They returned to discover all of the historic buildings were unscathed, only a toilet block was destroyed.
Visiting Carpe Borda is a little more difficult at the moment because the road through the park is close and access is on the external roads. The cafe was closed during my visit, but I am guessing that as visitor numbers increase it will open again.
Enjoy wandering and reading the information signs in front of each building, then walk the rocky path along the clifftop for great views over the coastline.
Cape Borda Cemetery
As you are driving along Cape Borda Road you will see a sign for a small cemetery. Take a quick look at the sixteen graves here that belong to people who lived at the Cape Borda Lighthouse over the years.
Cape Willoughby Lighthouse
Cape Willoughby Lighthouse was the first built in South Australia. The terrain here on the Dudley Peninsula south coast was so inhospitable that the foundations could not be sunk into the rocks, so the granite walls had to be made almost 1.5m thick at the base to withstand the forces of nature.
Being down the eastern end of Kangaroo Island, this area was not affected by the bushfires.
There are three lighthouse keepers cottages, two of which are available as holiday rentals. The third houses a small museum and gift shop. Tours into the lighthouse are run throughout the day.
While the lighthouse is now automated, the original light is housed in one of the external buildings, and it’s an impressive sight. There’s a short walk to do in the area to enjoy the dramatic coastline.
Hope Cottage Museum
The first solid houses to be built on Kangaroo Island were called Faith, Hope and Charity. The museum is now housed in Hope Cottage, originally built in 1859.
The museum is set up to showcase life from that era, and onwards into this century. There have been several sheds and extra buildings built to house the growing collection, including a complete blacksmith shop.
Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum
After World War II there was a government scheme to provide land to returned soldiers on Kangaroo Island. This effectively doubled the population of the island in a short time and opened up much of the current farming land.
This museum focuses on the personal and historical stories of this project and how it has affected the island. The settlement stories tell of times of hardship and hard work, of mateship and triumph. It’s a small museum but worth a visit.
Kangaroo Island Shipwreck Trail
More than 80 ships have met their end along Kangaroo Island’s coastline. The Kangaroo Island Shipwreck Trail provides information boards at nine locations around the coast where significant wrecks can be found.
There are stories about the ships themselves, their demise and sometimes stories of survival. Look out for the main boards in Kingscote and Penneshaw the give all the details.
Reeves Point & The Mulberry Tree
Reeves Point is the location of the very first official European Settlement in South Australia. Today there is a nice walking path through the area with BBQ facilities, toilets and a playground making it perfect for a picnic.
Visit the Flagstaff Lookout, The Mulberry Tree (the only one left that came over on that first group of boats) and the Reeves Cemetery to learn about the history of the settlement.
Adventurous Things to Do in Kangaroo Island
There are plenty of adventurous outdoor activities to do during your Kangaroo Island trip to get the adrenalin pumping and the worn-out energetic kids. Here are some of them.
Kayaking at Vivonne Bay
Located at Vivonne Bay, the Harriet River provides a calm, sheltered area for kayaking. Hire a single or double kayak and paddle around to your heart’s content enjoying the wildlife, the scenery and the kayaking experience.
Click here to book your kayak now
Quad Biking
Enjoy the opportunity to jump on a quad bike with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action and zip around in the dunes or on the beach at Vivonne Bay. Quad bikes are so much fun and are easy to get used to in no time. Choose from different times of the day and different types of rides.
Click here to box your quad bike ride now
Fat Tyre Bike Tour
Enjoy a unique way to explore the dunes at Little Sahara with this fat tire bike tour. While riding a bike in the sand sounds impossible, these fat tire bikes just glide through the sand.
The guide will teach you about the local bush tucker as well as point out interesting flora and fauna along the way.
Click here to book your fat tyre bike tour
Emu Bay Fishing Charter
Want to do some Kangaroo Island fishing and catch a big one? Emu Bay Fishing Charters run daily with 4, 6 and 8-hour options available. Catch fish such as King George Whiting, Trevally, Flathead and Snook, even Tuna when it’s in season.
They provide the boat, all the equipment and bait, so whether you are a beginner or an expert, you just go along and enjoy.
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail claims to be one of Australia’s great walks. It’s a five-day trail covering 61km. The trail starts in the Flinders Chase National Park and runs along the south coast of Kangaroo Island.
The trail is currently only open to a few licensed tour operators that offer various levels of support, from simply dropping off and picking up each day or all-inclusive tours including food, accommodation, guides etc
Kangaroo Island Beaches
There is no way I can cover all of the beaches on Kangaroo Island – there are so many little coves and bays just waiting for visitors to come and explore them. Here is a selection of the most well-known Kangaroo Island beaches to visit.
Vivonne Bay
Located on the south coast of Kangaroo Island, Vivonne Bay is one of those places with calm vivid blue water, white sand and not a crowd in sight.
Spend a day here, relaxing on the beach, enjoying the occasional swim, strolling along the beach, and perhaps even snorkelling around the rocks near the Vivonne Bay jetty.
Stokes Bay
Stokes Bay is on the north coast of Kangaroo Island and has one of the most interesting beaches. On parking in the car park, you will probably be disappointed by the rocky shoreline in front of you.
Make your way to the eastern end of the beach and look for the sign.
Follow it through a narrow passageway in the rocks, ducking your head and squeezing through the tight sections, and you will be rewarded on the other side with a beautiful hidden sandy beach.
Swim here in the protected rock pool, as further down the beach there are dangerous rips.
Western River Cove
Like Stoke’s Bay, a little effort is required to get to the beach at Western River. You will walk across a bridge (over Western River) and then through the dunes to find a delightful white sand beach in a protected cove, just perfect for swimming and fishing.
Antechamber Bay
There are some great beaches in South Australia, but I think this one is pretty special. It’s a little bit off the main road down a dirt track to a more than likely empty car park.
Follow the narrow path down to the beach and you will find endless white sand (the beach is over 4km long), crystal clear water and you will probably have it all to yourself.
Snelling Beach
Snelling Beach is one of the easier beaches to get to as it is right next to the North Coast Road. The road provides visitors with stunning views over the beach.
The beach is great for swimming and snorkelling and is a favourite for surf fishing. Middle River flows into the sea at the northern end of the beach
Emu Bay
Emu Bay has a long, white sand beach, so white that it was almost painful to my eyes as I walked along it. This 4km long beach is one of the few on Kangaroo Island where you can drive directly onto the sand.
The water is clear and calm, and Emu Bay is a popular location for holidaymakers who are looking for a beach holiday.
Kangaroo Island Art and Culture
There’s no shortage of art and culture on Kangaroo Island. There are multiple small galleries all over the island. Keep an eye out as you drive around.
Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail
Located in Penneshaw, the Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail opened late in 2019. The trail is a 1.5km meander through a bushland area right in the middle of Penneshaw.
Along with the sculptures, the trail is dotted with haiku poems. It runs around both sides of a ravine which is crossed by an impressive swing bridge.
Visitors can walk the whole trail or just a section of it if time is limited. It is an evolving attraction as new sculptures are added from time to time, so it’s worth visiting even if you have been before.
Pete the Pelican Tourist Drive
Here’s a fun one to add to your road trips. As you drive into American River you can’t help but notice the signs for Pete the Pelican’s Tourist Drive. Follow the signs around the town to see the points of interest and enjoy the scenery.
Fine Art Kangaroo Island Gallery
The Fine Art Kangaroo Island Gallery is located in Kingscote and features all sorts of artistic work, from paintings to jewellery to sculptures.
Many of the artists are residents of Kangaroo Island, but others choose to exhibit here too. Temporary exhibitions also visit from time to time.
Kangaroo Island Gallery
This gallery is also in Kingscote, but rather than fine art, here you will find all sorts of bits and pieces made solely by Kangaroo Island artisans and craftspeople.
From abstract art to video, sculpture, clothing, mosaics and pottery, there’s something here for everyone.
George’s Castle
I wasn’t sure where to include this one – I don’t have a category for quirky hobbies. George’s Castle is located at Wisanger, not too far from Emu Bay.
It’s one man’s lifelong hobby, building what looks like a castle. It’s more like a shell of a castle, but it’s decorated with all sorts of quirky odds and ends. It’s also covered in more than sixty thousand fairy lights, which George will turn on if requested.
Kangaroo Island Map of Attractions
Click on the interactive map below to find each of the Kangaroo Island attractions I have listed above
Kangaroo Island FAQs
Kangaroo Island is a top destination in Australia that’s worth visiting. If you’re planning a trip there, you’ve made an excellent choice. Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you make the most of your adventure:
- How do I get to Kangaroo Island?
Kangaroo Island is accessible by a short ferry ride or a quick flight from Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. You can take a Kangaroo Island ferry ride from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw, which is a fantastic experience in itself. Alternatively, you can catch a quick flight from Adelaide Airport to Kingscote Airport. Both options are convenient and will get you to the island with ease. - What’s the best time to visit Kangaroo Island?
Kangaroo Island is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Summer (December to February) offers warm weather, perfect for beach activities and wildlife spotting. Spring (September to November) is great for blooming wildflowers and baby wildlife. Autumn (March to May) provides milder temperatures and fewer crowds, while winter (June to August) offers unique opportunities for cozy experiences and storm-watching. - What are the must-see attractions on Kangaroo Island?
Kangaroo Island is a paradise for nature lovers! Don’t miss out on visiting iconic spots like Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Seal Bay Conservation Park (to see adorable sea lions), Flinders Chase National Park, and Little Sahara for some exhilarating sandboarding. Wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park and the chance to spot kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas in their natural habitat. - What’s the food scene like on Kangaroo Island?
Kangaroo Island is renowned for its delicious local produce and fresh seafood. Be sure to try oysters, artisan cheeses, Ligurian honey, and the island’s own gin, beer and wines. There are plenty of farm-to-table restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the island’s culinary delights. The Kangaroo Island Farmers’ Market is also a must-visit for foodies. - How long should I stay on Kangaroo Island?
To truly soak in the beauty and experiences KI offers, it’s recommended to stay for at least 3-4 days. This will allow you to explore the main attractions, relax on the pristine beaches, and immerse yourself in the island’s unique culture. However, if you have more time, extending your stay is a great idea as there’s always something new to discover.
Remember, Kangaroo Island is a place of the natural environment and adventure, so prepare to be amazed and captivated by its beauty and wildlife.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just seeking a tranquil escape, iconic Kangaroo Island has something special in store for you! Enjoy your journey to this Australian gem!
Looking for more to help plan your Kangaroo Island travel? Try these
Visiting Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island
Best Kangaroo Island Wineries
How to Get to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide
Kangaroo Island Tours
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I’ve heard of Kangaroo Island, but had no idea how much there is to see and do there! What an amazing destination.
Thanks Wendy. South Australia is a quite unknown to international, and even some local, visitors so I am glad you have had this opportunity to learn about it!
Wow, what a place! I had no idea. Now I’d really like to spend some time there. One day. I’m an Aussie and have been to every state and two territories, but sadly I’ve never been to SA. I think I’ll have to fix that! Great post Josie. So thorough!
Thank you Alison! You definitely need to come to SA – we really are Australia’s most underrated state. There is so much to do and see here that you can’t see anywhere else.
Such a comprehensive list with so much to do! I never realized how big Kangaroo Island is. Definitely one for my bucket list!
Thanks Alma. I think it’s a common misconception that Kangaroo Island is small. In reality it’s not, and there is a lot of great stuff to keep you busy for days.
Hey Josie, what an amazing place! And such a well done article, many thanks for sharing all this info! It makes me want to hop on a plane instantly. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for the kind words Elisa. I’d love for you to come and visit Kangaroo Island – I am sure you would love it, it’s such a great place.
Thanks for this Josie. We have just organised a week on KI in March without really knowing what to do so this will really help. Keep up the great work. You are an amazing resource. Janine
Thanks Janine. I have a whole pile of posts on KI – I think there’s seven at the moment – so check them out too if they interest you 🙂