Last year Lonely Planet picked KI as one of Australia’s top 20 travel experiences and this year Tourism Australia named Stokes Bay the nation’s best beach. And this year, Lonely Planet has named South Australia’s Kangaroo Island the No 2 must-visit region for 2024.
There’s an unmistakable sanctity about Kangaroo Island. With its raw and rugged coastline, impeccably clear waters, natural wonders and wildlife, Kangaroo Island is known as nature’s playground. As you step off onto the island, it’s impossible not to relax. Follow the road less travelled and discover unique wildlife, mouth-watering food and wine, breathtaking scenery and a laid-back lifestyle.
Kangaroo Island sits off the coast of South Australia and is Australia’s third-largest Island. At 155 kilometers long and up to fifty-five kilometers wide, it covers an area of 4,416 square kilometers, and is separated from the mainland by a fifteen kilometer stretch of ocean. It is home to approximately 4,200 residents with its main industries being agriculture, tourism and fishing.
Over a third of the island is protected in nature reserves, and is home to a menagerie of native wildlife – from kangaroos and wallabies to echidna, goannas, platypus and koalas – just to name a few! Take a guided beach walk amongst Sea Lions on Seal Bay, jump on a nocturnal tour to see penguins parading the beach or take a swim with wild dolphins
Kangaroo Island is home to several local farms and wineries. Many of them allow visitors and have stores for you to visit. Pick up some honey or follow your nose to the lavender fields. Enjoy a glass of locally grown and produced wine. Pair it with a delicious dinner of freshly caught seafood. There’s even a distillery with some of the best gin you’ve ever tasted!
Supporting local businesses are important for the economy of the island. Plus, its a great way to meet locals and learn more about island life. Ask for some tips for the best places to visit and you might even learn about secret local getaways!
There is so much to do on Kangaroo Island that we could never fit it all into one guide! Kangaroo Island is a fantastic place that is waiting for you to visit. Take your opportunity to connect back with nature and enjoy the calmness of island life.
No matter what you do on Kangaroo Island you’re sure to have a truly fabulous time!
Flinders Chase National Park is a must see for anyone heading to Kangaroo Island. Found at the western end of the island, the park is a collection of protected areas of around 32,500 hectares. In 1972 it became the second national park established by South Australia. The park is a retreat for many native animals, many that you can see emerging from the woods around dusk and dawn.
Admirals Arch is a naturally occurring arch in the Flinders Chase National Park. The archway has formed over millions of years as waves crashed against the ocean cliff face. Follow the boardwalk to see it from all angles. Follow further to the viewing platform where you can see the mesmerising arch from above.
You can often find fur seals playing on the rocks below the arch. Look out for young seal pups playing as their mother’s rest on the warm rocks. Large males establish territories here and come back each year to breed. Seal pups are notorious for playing in the rock pools beneath the arch.
The Remarkable Rocks are precariously perched above the sea. This collection of granite boulders seems to impossibly sit on the edge of the cliff face. Erosion from the wind, sea and rain over millions of years have resulted in their shaping. Their golden orange colour lights up at dawn and dusk but looks amazing all day. Visit at different times of the day to watch the colour changing across the rock faces. Interpretation signs in the area will teach you more about their fascinating history.
Continue your wildlife adventure with a trip to Seal Bay. Found along the south coast of the island, Seal Bay is home to the Seal Bay Conservation Park. The seaside park is the perfect place to see the largest colony of Australian fur seals. Watch them as they sunbathe, swim and play on the ocean shores. Get up close by heading down to the beach. Follow the boardwalk through stunning bush land and along the coastline to get to the beach.
While you’re here you must go to the visitor centre. Here you will learn about the history of sealing on the island. The centre also has sheltered areas where you can enjoy a picnic with your friends.
Little Sahara is a set of sand dunes located on the island. Here you can join quad-bike tours. On the tours you’ll speed through the bush and along the coastline, allowing you to see the island in a new way. Tours change to suit those on them, if you’re timider they can slow down, or speed up for those after some speed. Tour last a few hours and are fun for all ages.
If quad-biking isn’t your thing, why not try sandboarding? Hire you board or toboggan and get ready to slide down these mammoth hills. You won’t believe how fast you’ll go! Be warned though, it’s harder than it looks. We recommend starting to slide while sitting down before graduating to standing up. Sand boards and toboggans are available for hire by the hour or by the day.
Pristine beaches and ancient forests bookend the beautiful town of Penneshaw. On the northeast coast of the island, Penneshaw connects the island to the mainland. Most famous for its ferry port (as it is how everyone gets to the island) there is plenty to do in Penneshaw.
Go for a swim at Hog Bay and cool down under the hot Australian sun. In the evening return to the beach to watch as the small local colony of little penguins return. Each night you can watch them walking back up the beach from the sea to their dens on the land. The waters surrounding Penneshaw are rich in fish and the penguins feed well each day.
The Maritime and Folk Museum are also found in Penneshaw. Learn about Kangaroo Island’s history and wander through exhibits showcasing the past. While you’re here you should also visit the Gateway Information Centre. The centre will provide you will all the information you need for your trip on Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo Island is fringed by fertile lands and rich waters, which provides some of Australia’s finest gourmet pleasures.
Islanders have a long tradition of self-sufficiency, and this translates to a fascinating food, Kangaroo Island wines and beverages. Kangaroo Island provides both gastronomic and visual feasts at every beautiful turn. So, prepare to be amazed and delighted with Kangaroo Island’s fresh seafood, freshly caught King George Whiting or oysters harvested right in front of you, our unique ligurian Kangaroo Island honey, and an exciting diverse range of award winning wines, beers, ciders, distilled spirits and liquors.
Kangaroo Island produces food as it was intended; purity, quality and sustainability are the key ingredients.
Yes, you must be madly passionate to be a commercial food and beverage producer here. But the challenges of Kangaroo Island are truly also the opportunities. Isolation from the mainland provides freight and economies-of-scale challenges but it also means less disease, greater biosecurity and unique products borne of ingenuity and reflecting the wild Island landscape.
In all corners of the Island you can savour its delights with private catering, eating in the wild or at Kangaroo Island restaurants, cafes, farm gates and cellar doors… even under a fig tree or the local farmers markets.
Here are some options worth exploring…
Kangaroo Island Brewery is Kangaroo Island’s first cellar door microbrewery.
Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) is South Australia’s first boutique distillery and was established in 2005.
Dudley Wines is a hands-on family business. Established in 1997, Dudley is Kangaroo Island’s Pioneer Winery.
Bay of Shoals Wines is located just north of Kingscote overlooking the Bay of Shoals and Reeves Point, site of the first settlement in South
Amadio’s Vino E Cucuna- With a completely refurbished venue, this Italian restaurant will delight your taste buds from three generations of family.
Millie Mae’s Pantry has been created to celebrate the wonderful food and beverages of Kangaroo Island. Serving delicious breakfast and lunch daily.
Emu Bay Lavender is a farm gate cafe set amongst rows of Lavender. We make and package our extensive range of lavender products on site.
Visit The Oyster Farm Shop at American River, the largest commercial oyster farm on Kangaroo Island, where locally farmed oysters are processed daily and sold.
We recommend giving yourself time to explore the Island.
7 days or more will allow you to truly discover the magic of this natural paradise.
5 days will show you the main sights and highlights.
3 days will give you a small taste of the Island.
If your short of on time, then a Kangaroo Island Day Trip will just be a tease!
We promise it’ll be a holiday you will never forget……