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Explore Kangaroo Island in South Australia | Highlights, visitor’s guide & more

What is Kangaroo Island?

Kangaroo Island is a rugged, wildlife-rich island off South Australia’s coast, known for its sweeping beaches, sea cliffs, and quiet country towns. It’s home to natural highlights like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, along with thriving colonies of sea lions, kangaroos, and wallabies.

Plan your visit to Kangaroo Island

SeaLink ferry traveling from Kangaroo Island with coastal town in the background.
  • Kangaroo Island is open year-round with no fixed entry hours.
  • Tours, ferry services, and attractions operate on set schedules; check timings before travel.
  • Summer offers longer daylight for sightseeing; winter days are shorter.
  • Some facilities may close on public holidays or during severe weather conditions.
Couple walking along the shoreline at Kangaroo Island beach, Australia.
  • March–May and September–November offer the best conditions, with mild weather, calmer seas for ferry travel, and active wildlife without peak-season congestion.
  • Weekdays are ideal since day-trippers from Adelaide mostly visit on weekends, making major sights quieter and easier to explore.
  • Early mornings give you the softest light for coastal lookouts and better chances of spotting wildlife before they retreat in the heat.
Cape Jervis Lighthouse on a hill with two vehicles, Kangaroo Island, Australia.
  • Location on maps
  • Kangaroo Island sits off South Australia’s southern coast, accessible by SeaLink ferry from Cape Jervis or regional flights into Kingscote Airport.
  • Penneshaw, Kingscote, and American River serve as hubs for tours, dining, and accommodation.
  • Driving times between towns and major attractions range from 15–45 minutes.

What to do at Kangaroo Island?

See iconic landmarks

  • Stroll along boardwalks at Admirals Arch and navigate granite formations at Remarkable Rocks.
  • Enjoy incredible cliffside views and natural coastal sculptures.
  • Easy walks suitable for most visitors; wear comfortable shoes.
  • Ideal for first-time visitors and photography enthusiasts.

Wildlife & raptor shows

  • Walk along Seal Bay’s sandy shore to observe sea lions in their natural habitat.
  • Interact with kangaroos, koalas, and penguins at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.
  • Watch eagles and owls soar during the Raptor Domain “Free Flight” show.
  • Easy-paced, family-friendly, 2–3 hours; minimal walking, no special gear required.
  • Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and families looking for hands-on animal encounters.

Coastal cruises & snorkelling

  • Cruise along Kangaroo Island’s coastline to spot dolphins, seals, and seabirds.
  • Upgrade to snorkel with marine wildlife; wetsuits, masks, and fins provided.
  • Low-intensity; suitable for families, couples, and ocean lovers.
  • Feels immersive and interactive, with expert commentary highlighting wildlife behaviour.

Ride an ATV quad bike

  • Ride through bushland, open plains, and rocky inland trails on a guided ATV tour.
  • Spot kangaroos, koalas, and native birds while navigating scenic trails.
  • Moderate-intensity, 110 minutes; safety gear and training included for beginners and experienced riders.
  • Adventure-focused, perfect for thrill-seekers and nature explorers.

Food, honey & wine tasting

  • Sample Ligurian honey at Clifford’s Honey Farm and eucalyptus delights at Emu Ridge.
  • Enjoy a wine tasting at False Cape Wines, paired with scenic views.
  • Easy, 2–3 hours; minimal walking, casual attire.
  • Ideal for food and drink lovers seeking a relaxed, flavorful experience.

What to see at Kangaroo Island?

Remarkable Rocks formations under blue sky on Kangaroo Island, Australia.

Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase National Park

Striking granite boulders sculpted by wind and sea, glowing gold at sunrise and sunset.

Admirals Arch at sunset with stalactites and ocean view, Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park.
Baby seal resting on the beach at Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island.
Koala resting on a tree at Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island.
Coastal rocks and sandy beach at Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island.

History of Kangaroo Island in a nutshell

Man photographing group at Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island with ocean backdrop.
  • Kangaroo Island has been separated from mainland Australia for around 10,000 years, shaped by rising sea levels after the last Ice Age.
  • The island was once home to Aboriginal communities, though archaeological evidence suggests they left several thousand years ago, leaving behind tools and cultural traces.
  • Matthew Flinders charted the coastline in 1802 and named it after the abundance of kangaroos that helped feed his crew.
  • Early European sealers and whalers settled here, and some lived alongside Aboriginal women brought from the mainland.
  • Through the 19th and 20th centuries, small farming communities developed, and the island gained a reputation for its untouched wilderness and rugged coastline.
  • Modern tourism grew as protected areas like Flinders Chase National Park were established, preserving the island’s wildlife and landscapes for future generations.

Kangaroo Island wildlife: Flora & fauna you can’t miss

Kangaroos grazing on grass at Kangaroo Island, Australia.
Short-beaked echidna walking on rocky terrain.
Australian fur seal resting on the beach at Seal Bay Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island.
Long-nosed fur seal sunbathing on a rock by the sea.
Two glossy black cockatoos preening in a eucalyptus tree at sunset.
Wild flowers blooming on Kangaroo Island.
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Kangaroo Island kangaroos

A unique subspecies found only on the island, these shorter, darker kangaroos are often seen grazing in open fields and bushland. Visitors can spot them at dawn or dusk in calm, low-intensity walks.

Koalas & echidnas

Koalas lounge in sugar gum forests across the island, especially around Hanson Bay. Echidnas wander slowly through coastal scrub and woodlands, offering delightful surprise sightings for patient walkers.

Australian sea lions

At Seal Bay, endangered Australian sea lions rest, play, and nurse pups along the protected shoreline. Guided access lets visitors observe their social behaviour at a safe distance.

Long-nosed fur seals

These powerful swimmers gather on the rocky platforms beneath Admirals Arch. Visitors can watch them bask, bark, and dive among the swirling waves from elevated boardwalks.

Birdlife & raptors

The island hosts more than 260 bird species, including rare glossy black cockatoos, cape barren geese, and osprey. Coastal trails and inland forests offer easy opportunities for birdwatchers.

Native flora & wildflowers

Walk through sugar gum forests, mallee scrub, and coastal heath rich with native orchids and seasonal wildflowers. Spring brings vibrant bursts of colour across easy-to-explore trails.

Tips for visiting Kangaroo Island

  • Book ferry and tours early, especially in summer, as crossings and guided walks (like Seal Bay) fill quickly.
  • Plan at least one full day with early starts—the island’s distances are longer than expected.
  • Pack layers; coastal winds can change conditions even on warm days.
  • Opt for guided tours if you want to cover major highlights without navigating long drives.
  • Rent a car only if you're confident with rural, wildlife-heavy roads after dark.

Frequently asked questions about Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is famous for its untouched landscapes, thriving wildlife, and iconic landmarks like Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, and Admirals Arch. It’s a go-to destination for nature lovers, photographers, and travellers seeking peaceful, wide-open coastal scenery.

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