The Thorough Guide to Australia’s Kangaroo Island

The 14 Best Things to do on Kangaroo Island, how to get there, what to eat, where to stay, interactive map and more!

Time needed: 3-7 days.

When to go: March-April for warmer weather, June-October for the quietest experience, but chances of rain are higher.

Weather: Averages of 7°C-15°C in the Winter and 15°C-25°C in the Summer.

Language: English.

Currency: Australian Dollar.

A bit of history

Kangaroo Island, also known as Karta Pintingga (literally Island of the Dead in the language of the Kaurna people), separated from mainland Australia around 10,000 years ago, due to rising sea level after the Last Glacial Period. It is Australia’s third-largest island, after Tasmania and Melville Island. The native population of Aboriginal Australians that once occupied the island disappeared from the archaeological record when the land became an island. It was subsequently settled intermittently by sealers and whalers in the early 19th century, and from 1836 on a permanent basis during the British colonisation of South Australia.

Now, Kangaroo Island is one of the last remaining, truly unspoiled places on earth. The vast wilderness is full of incredible views, pristine beaches, stunning coasts and so much wildlife. Unfortunately the January 2020 bushfires burned through Kangaroo Island and had a devastating impact on much of the flora, fauna and infrastructure. These were the largest fires in the island’s history and had catastrophic impact for people, homes, nature, tourism and businesses. Thankfully, a lot of the island is now recovering, with plants re-emerging and animal sightings increasing again.

You could easily spend months (or years if we’re being honest) on the island, but that’s not possible for all of us. We recommend 5-7 days to explore the island fully, but it is possible to see the main sights in 3 days.

The best things to do on Kangaroo Island

1) Penguin spot at Penneshaw

Penneshaw is the gateway to Kangaroo Island and the landing port when arriving on the SeaLink Ferry. It is also home to the world’s smallest penguins – fairy penguins. Join the Penneshaw Penguin Centre on an evening guided walk for your chance to see these cuties in the wild. The tour guide will take you on a walk of Penneshaw’s foreshore and, using wildlife-friendly red light torches, illuminate the fairy penguins so you can see them. You’ll learn a lot about penguins, as well as other wildlife you might encounter and even the star constellations that may be visible.

Visit Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre to help plan your time on the island, or stop by the small but informative Maritime and Folk Museum. If you like the outdoors, Hog Bay is a great place for picnics and Hog Bay Jetty is a popular spot for anglers to cast a line.

2) Climb Cape Willoughby Lightstation

Cape Willoughby Lightstation, originally known as the Sturt Light after Captain Charles Sturt, was one of the last manned lighthouses in Australia and was officially automated (unmanned) in 1992. It stands 27 metres high with 102 steps leading up to the lookout tower.

You can take a tour up the lighthouse for a spectacular view of Cape Willoughby and Backstairs Passage. You’ll also learn more about the impressive maritime history of the lighthouse. Tours last 20 minutes and run daily at 11:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 15:00.

The Cape Willoughby Conservation Park Visitor Centre is open daily from 10:00-16:00 and features a small museum. Hikers can enjoy the Cape Willoughby Light station Heritage Hike, a 1.9-kilometre loop walk.

You can also stay in one of two self-catered Lighthouse Cottages. Choose between Seymour Cottage and Thomas Cottage for a secluded getaway, both of which offer five bedrooms and can accommodate up to eight guests. Bookings can be made through SeaLink, who often run offers too – if you stay for 5 nights or more you receive a complimentary KI tour pass!

3) Take it all in at Prospect Hill Lookout

You will probably pass Prospect Hill if attempting to reach any part of the island from Penneshaw. It is the highest point on Kangaroo Island. Historically, Matthew Flinders climbed Prospect Hill when navigating the North Coast of Kangaroo Island to determine his bearings in 1802. Now you can climb the 500 steps to the top for incredible panoramic views of the island.

4) Chill out at American River

This sleepy fishing village and holiday resort lies a 30 minute drive from Kingscote. American River is supposedly named after a group of American sealers who camped here in the summer of 1803-4 and, during their stay, built a 30 ton vessel, which they named Independence. There are two bays: Eastern Cove, an outer bay where locals and visitors love to fish and sail, and the inner bay of Pelican Lagoon. Pelican Lagoon is great for spotting birdlife, including black swans and pelicans, and is an important breeding habitat. American River is also home to the island’s oyster industry, and you can purchase some of these delicacies while you’re here.

5) Visit the capital – Kingscote

The capital of Kangaroo Island, Kingscote is the commercial centre and principal port. The peaceful harbour is dotted with boats and resident pelicans, and fur seals can often be found here too. Kingscote is where European settlers established their first base at historic Reeve’s Point. Now, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés, galleries, and shops, and the jetty is a popular fishing spot. Make sure to visit the popular honey, lavender, and dairy farms in the surrounding areas – check out the What to Eat section later for more!

6) Wine taste at the Bay of Shoals

Just around the corner from Kingscote you’ll find the Bay of Shoals. This circular-shaped bay is consists of a northern and southern shoreline, separated by a small tidal creek. There’s not much to do here, although we would highly recommend popping into Bay of Shoals Wines. The bay also happens to be the one of the meeting places for the BEST activity on the island – Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures.

Wine lovers should consider joining a 4 Wheel Drive Wine Tasting Tour which visits 5 of Kangaroo Island’s best vineyards, including guided commentary on the winemaking process and tastings of local wines and nibbles.

7) Swim with Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins is a once in a lifetime opportunity but it’s rare that engaging with dolphins in the wild is an ethical experience. There are two tour operators on Kangaroo Island who run responsible boat trips that allow you to swim with dolphins. KI Marine Adventures offer a 3 hour boat tour of Kangaroo Island, which takes in wildlife, the rugged coast and snorkelling with dolphins, while Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari offer a 2 hour dolphin snorkelling tour. On your trip you’ll see wildlife up close, including fur seals, sea eagles, ospreys and even Australian sea lions and whales if you’re lucky! A knowledgeable guide and captain will take you to the best spots on the island, before heading for shallow and protected waters. Here you have the chance to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins, a once in a lifetime opportunity. And don’t worry, this is a completely ethical experience. The dolphins are not chased or stressed out by the boat company or human presence and they receive no incentive to interact with visitors. The dolphins often swim very close to you but they interact on their own terms. If you’d rather not swim, you can join a wildlife watching tour on a 75-Minute Ocean Safari.

8) Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area

Flinders Chase National Park is a protected area at the west end of Kangaroo Island, about 110 kilometres from Kingscote. It is home to some of Kangaroo Islands most iconic sites, including the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

It also encompasses the Ravine des Casoars (literally Ravine of the Cassowaries) is a steep sided valley of 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) length and with a depth of 100 metres (330 feet).

The park is open 24/7 with the Visitor Centre open 09:00–17:00 daily. There is a fee to enter the park.

This vast wilderness is the perfect place to go for wildlife lovers! There are so many animals to see, including a large colony of long-nosed New Zealand fur seals.

Read next: The Thorough Guide to Kangaroo Island’s Flinders Chase National Park

9) Cape Du Couedic

This headland sits inside Flinders Chase National Park on the southwest tip of Kangaroo Island. It was named after a French naval officer, Charles Louis du Couëdic de Kergoualer, by the Baudin expedition to Australia during January 1803. Commissioned in 1902 after a number of shipwrecks nearby that caused many deaths, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is one of two lighthouses in Flinders Chase National Park. It isn’t open to the public but you can around the lighthouse and learn more about it from the interpretive information boards nearby.

10) Relax on a beach

Emu Bay

A short drive from Kingscote, Emu Bay is the other meeting place for KI Marine Tours. A 4 km sheltered beach with crystal blue waters and white sands, this is a popular, safe swimming beach.

Stokes Bay

Another popular swimming location is Stokes Bay, which features a secluded beach protected from the pounding surf by a giant pool surrounded by rocks.

Don’t miss Stokes Bay Bush Garden, where more than 150 different flowers and plants native to Kangaroo Island grow alongside 750 more plant species. This three hectare garden is filled with banksias, grevilleas, hakeas, orchids, and more, as well as abundant bird life.

Seal Bay

The most famous bay on Kangaroo Island, Seal Bay is home to a colony of Australian sea lions. A 900-metre boardwalk lines the beach, with viewing platforms and interpretative signs along the way, so you can learn all about these endangered animals. Guided tours are available with experienced guides, which venture into the heart of the colony, as well as twilight beach tours in the Summer. Don’t forget to stop by the environmentally friendly Seal Bay Visitor Centre for more information on the sea lions and their marine habitat.

Bales Beach

A short drive from Seal Bay, Bales Beach is a secluded white-sand beach popular for surfing, swimming, picnicking and walking.

Vivonne Bay

Once voted Australia’s best beach, Vivonne Bay is a pristine beach on Kangaroo Island’s south coast. Sunbathing and fishing off the jetty are popular here, however swimming is not recommended as the undertow can be strong and the water is chilly, even in summer. Emu Bay and Stokes Bay are both safer for swimming.

From Vivonne Bay, you can join a 2-Hour Koala Walking Tour, where your guide will take you past the Little Sahara dunes to the bushland, walking through gum forests that are over 500 years old. You are guaranteed to see a koala on this two hour, small group walking tour and you’ll learn a lot about Kangaroo Island’s flora and fauna too. Alternatively, you can join a Guided Kayak Tour on Harriet River, allowing you to paddle in the peace and serenity of Kangaroo Island.

11) Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park

Cape Gantheaume is a haven for nature lovers. Named after Vice admiral Honoré Joseph Antoine Ganteaume (1755–1818) by the Baudin expedition to Australia during 1803, this conservation park features the largest freshwater lake on the island. The Murray Lagoon, a wetland habitat which houses an impressive number of birds, including swans, ducks, and wading birds. Experienced hikers can take on the Cape Gantheaume Coastal Trek, a 33 km one way route, or enjoy one of the shorter marked trails around the lagoon. Here you’ll also find D’Estrees Bay – once a whaling spot, it is now a great spot for fishing and camping.

12) Adventure Little Sahara

Little Sahara is a system of naturally occurring coastal dunes. Formed over the last 7000 years as a result of storms and erosion, the sand dunes of Little Sahara cover approximately two square kilometres and vary in size from approximately 70 metres above sea level. The site has been heritage listed since the 1970s. Various activities are available, including dune buggying, quad biking and sand boarding.

 13) Go caving at Kelly Hill Conservation Park

Kelly Hill Conservation Park is known for its beautiful limestone cave system, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and stunning crystallised columns. Take a guided tour to learn more about how these intricate caves are formed or don a headlamp and helmet and clamber through the underground maze of caverns on an Adventure Caving Tour. Above ground hikers can enjoy walking trails, including the Hanson Bay Hike.

14) Spot local Aussie wildlife

As you probably know, Australia is famous for some really iconic wildlife. Well, Kangaroo Island is no exception. In fact, over a third of the island is protected in nature reserves. You can expect to encounter kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, platypuses, possums, goannas, pelicans, ospreys, eagles, long-nosed New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions, dolphins, whales and much more!

Read next: 18 Animals you can see on Kangaroo Island and Where to Find Them

Sometimes, however, luck just isn’t on your side – wrong place, wrong time may mean you have a hard time finding any of these creatures in the wild. But don’t worry, we have a few suggestions for you to guarantee you see something!

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

This is the BEST place on Kangaroo Island to see koalas. Nestled between Flinders Chase National Park and Kelly Hill Conservation Park, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers self-guided and 90 minute guided tours of the Koala Walk in this 5000-acre site. You are guaranteed to spot at least a few fuzzy koala bears, as well as the chance to see kangaroos, echidnas, possums, goannas, and birds such as crimson-breasted rosellas, honeyeaters, and black cockatoos. Guided tours are also offered during the evening too.

This wildlife-rich sanctuary connects to the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, with access on foot to the Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park. You can also stay in one of two self-contained beachfront cabins, which are located 100 metres from a safe swimming beach. Bookings can be made via email or through Airbnb: Stormy Petrel and Cygnet.  

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

This wildlife park contains more than 150 species of native Australian wildlife, including wombats, quolls, birds, penguins, echidnas, snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is a great way to observe wildlife up close and even interact with some of the animals and feed them. Koala cuddles are available for an extra fee.

Raptor Domain

This wildlife park features educational shows which revolve around raptors – various birds of prey, including eagles & falcons, and reptiles. Raptor Domain rescues injured birds of prey as well as snakes and lizards and puts on fun and informative presentations. Don’t miss the Venom Pit, with venomous snakes and spiders, Fang-Tastic, a reptile show and the In-Flight show, where you can learn about and watch birds of prey such as owls and wedge-tailed eagles fly.

Interactive Kangaroo Island Map

Food and drink

Kangaroo Island is infamous for having great food. Here are some of the best food spots on Kangaroo Island:

You might not know this, but Kangaroo Island is actually a bee sanctuary, housing the last genetically pure population of the Ligurian honeybees. Stop off at Clifford’s Honey Farm to learn more about these gentle creatures and pick up a treat or two in the gift shop. Pop into Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery while you’re in the area, and explore their range of natural products.

Kangaroo Island is also renowned for its oysters. Drop into The Oyster Farm Shop in American River, a working oyster farm, to pick up some fresh KI seafood and oysters.

Emu Bay Lavender Farm and Café, a family-owned, working lavender farm, offers a delicious menu and a range of wonderful lavender products. While Frogs and Roses near Kingscote makes for a great lunch spot.

Foodies should consider joining a Kangaroo Island Food Tour, which stops at many of the places mentioned above and offers opportunity to sample local produces and buy unique and tasty souvenirs. The Kangaroo Island Food and Wine Hop-on Hop-off Tour also visits a great variety of local food and wine businesses, but allows you the flexibility to choose where to get off, where to spend more time, and where to skip.

If you’re a fan of a tipple, don’t miss Kangaroo Island Spirits, which offers a range of gins and liqueurs, as well as a cocktail masterclass and a Premium Gin Tasting of 5 signature gins.

While wine lovers have 6 local vineyards to choose from:

• False Cape Wines
• Bay of Shoals Wines
• Islander Estate Wines
• Amadio Wines
• Springs Road Wines
• Dudley Wines

Consider joining a 4 Wheel Drive Wine Tasting Tour, which visits 5 of Kangaroo Island’s best vineyards and will teach you all about the winemaking process and how to taste wine as you sample glasses of locally-made wines.

And finally, if wine isn’t your thing, check out Kangaroo Island Brewery, KI’s first and only brewery!

How to get to Kangaroo Island

There are two ways onto the island – by air and sea. Regional Express is currently the only airline that offers flights to Kangaroo Island. Flights depart from Adelaide twice daily (in the morning and in the evening) and arrive at the island’s only airport: Kingscote Airport.

If bringing a car (which is recommended), you’ll probably arrive on the SeaLink Ferry, which ports in Penneshaw.

Pro-tip: Look out for dolphins on the ferry crossing as they can often be spotted from the boat!

Day trips can be joined in Adelaide and include transportation, a knowledgeable guide and lunch, as well as stops at all of Kangaroo Island’s main sights and attractions.

Read next: Camping in a Compact Camper-Car in Australia

Getting around Kangaroo Island

As mentioned, the best way to get around is by car – we highly recommend hiring a campervan and camping your way around the island. A 4WD is advisable but not necessary. Quite a few attractions are off the beaten track and can be up to 20km of gravel roads. There are car hire services available when you arrive at Penneshaw or you can book this as a package with your ferry.

Alternatively, you can book onto a Kangaroo Island Tour, either with an organised group tour or on a private tour. SeaLink offers a variety of day tours, as well as multi-day tours and short break packages. Specialist day trips are also available, including a Scenic Trail and Wildlife Tour or a Food and Wine Tour.

If you’re looking to combine transport and accommodation but don’t have the budget to hire a campervan, check out Spaceship’s compact camper-cars. Spaceships offer a range of converted cars for every budget and they’re kitted out with all the bedding and cooking equipment you’ll need. You can read more about our experience with Spaceships here and find deals and discounts here!

Kangaroo Island Accommodation

There’s a variety of accommodation on the island, from budget to luxury, camping to eco retreats and everything in between. Check out our Kangaroo Island Accommodation and Camping Guide for more!

Read next:

The Thorough Guide to Kangaroo Island’s Flinders Chase National Park

Where to stay on Australia’s Kangaroo Island

Where to see Wildlife on Australia’s Kangaroo Island

The 23 Best Things to do in Tasmania

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