Plan your visit to Kangaroo Island

Organizing your visit

Kangaroo Island is large, rugged, and spread across long scenic drives, so smart planning shapes your day. Expect wildlife-rich beaches, dramatic coastal lookouts, and quiet country towns. Most visitors explore on full-day guided tours from Adelaide or self-drive loops between Penneshaw, Kingscote, and Flinders Chase.

Travel logistics

From Adelaide, you can drive to Cape Jervis for the ferry or join a guided tour that includes all transfers. Flights land in Kingscote, the island’s main hub, with local roads connecting Penneshaw, Kingscote, and Flinders Chase. Public transport is limited as there are no islandwide shuttles, so guided tours are the most reliable. Expect long distances and occasional weather-related ferry delays. Start with the farthest sites, like Flinders Chase, and loop back toward the coast.

Handy tips

  • Best times: Start early, especially for Seal Bay, Admirals Arch, and Remarkable Rocks. These spots get busiest between 11am–2pm when most day tours arrive.
  • Parking & driving: Distances are long and fuel stops are limited. Roads are open and well-signed, but avoid dusk driving due to high wildlife activity.
  • Accessibility: Seal Bay’s boardwalk and Kingscote’s foreshore are wheelchair-friendly; some Flinders Chase lookouts require navigating uneven coastal paths.
  • Pro tip: Begin your circuit at the furthest point (Flinders Chase) and work your way back east. This flips the usual crowd pattern and gives you quieter lookouts.
  • Respect: Keep safe distances from kangaroos, seals, and koalas. Stick to marked trails to protect nesting birds and fragile dune ecosystems.

Kangaroo Island's must-see highlights

Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
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Flinders Chase National Park

A wild sanctuary shaped by wind and surf, home to the sculpted forms of Remarkable Rocks and the wave-carved Admirals Arch. The park shelters New Zealand fur seals, coastal heathlands, and dramatic cliff walks that reveal the raw geological forces that define the island’s western edge.

Seal Bay Conservation Park

The only place in Australia where you can walk among a wild sea-lion colony. Follow the boardwalk through sand dunes or join a ranger on the beach to watch pups playing, bulls dozing, and mothers returning from the hunt, all while learning how decades of conservation protect this rare species.

Penneshaw & the Dudley Peninsula

The island’s welcoming doorstep, framed by quiet beaches, rising cliffs, and vineyard-covered hills. It’s a place for dolphin sightings, breezy lookouts, wine tastings, and scenic drives that set the tone for the island’s relaxed coastal rhythm before you venture further inland.

Vivonne Bay & the Southern Coast

A long, white arc of sand often named Australia’s most beautiful beach. Its striking turquoise waters, sheltered dunes, and sweeping headlands make it perfect for unhurried photo stops and picnics, with frequent sightings of dolphins cruising through the bay’s gentle rolling surf.

Kingscote & Surrounds

The island’s oldest township blends waterfront calm with local charm. Wander between honey farms, galleries, and cafés, sample the island’s famed Ligurian honey, or watch pelicans along the jetty. It’s a comfortable base between adventures, rich with everyday island life.

American River & Marine Experiences

A tranquil inlet town edged by oyster beds, bird sanctuaries, and glassy waters. From here, cruises and wildlife tours explore sheltered bays where dolphins feed, sea eagles soar, and fishermen return with their daily catch.

Island Produce & Tasting Trails

A journey through artisanal flavours shaped by the island’s isolation. Explore eucalyptus distilleries, cellar doors, cider houses, honey farms, and chocolate kitchens, each offering small-batch products crafted from local botanicals and generations of island tradition.

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse

Standing guard on the island’s rugged eastern cliffs, this historic lighthouse offers commanding ocean views and stories of shipwrecks on turbulent seas. Climb the tower to see the meeting of currents below and learn how its 19th-century beacon once guided sailors to safety.

Plan your day

Kangaroo Island offers diverse experiences, from spotting wildlife and exploring rugged coastlines to sampling local produce. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, you can plan your visit to match your pace and interests while seeing the island’s highlights efficiently.

Short escape (1–2 hours)

  • Cruise along Kangaroo Island’s coastline, spotting dolphins, seals, and native birds up close.
  • Take an ATV ride through rugged trails, experiencing the island’s unique landscapes.
  • Capture quick scenic photo stops at beaches or lookout points along the tour.

Recommended tickets:

Kangaroo Island: Swim with Dolphins & Seals Snorkel Boat Tour

Kangaroo Island ATV Quad Bike Guided Tour

Full-day exploration (16 hours)

  • Explore Seal Bay with a ranger-guided walk to see wild Australian sea lions.
  • Visit Flinders Chase National Park for Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and native wildlife encounters.
  • Stop at Raptor Domain to observe birds of prey in flight and learn about conservation.
  • Sample local flavors at Emu Ridge (lavender products), Clifford’s Honey Farm, and False Cape Wines.

Recommended tickets:

Kangaroo Island Guided Tour with Return Ferry, Lunch & Adelaide Transfers

Kangaroo Island Sip & See Guided Tour with 2-Course Lunch, Return Ferry & Adelaide Transfers

Book your Kangaroo Island tour

  • Guided vs. DIY: Guided day trips from Adelaide bundle transport, ferry, and a curated route—DIY requires booking the ferry, renting a car, and managing long distances between island highlights.
  • Transfers included? Full-day tours typically include hotel pickup and return transfers from Adelaide. Short ATV and cruise experiences do not include transport—you’ll need to already be on the island.
  • Time at major sites: Guided itineraries include structured time at Seal Bay, Flinders Chase, and tasting stops. DIY visitors can stay longer but must factor in drive times across the island.
  • Covering multiple stops: A full-day guided tour is the easiest way to see Seal Bay + Flinders Chase + farm/tasting stops in one trip. Short standalone experiences focus on a single region.
  • Family suitability: Full-day bus tours suit families and older travellers; ATV adventures have age/height limits, and wildlife cruises may be bumpy in certain sea conditions.
  • Inclusions vary: Some tours include lunch or tasting experiences (honey, cider, spirits); others are transport-only. Always compare what’s bundled before choosing.
  • Group size: Small-group wildlife and tasting tours offer more interaction; larger coaches follow fixed schedules.
  • Seasonality: Wildlife visibility, cruise departures, and ferry operations can shift with weather and seasons. Availability may change, especially in winter.

Getting to Kangaroo Island

The easiest way to see multiple highlights without logistics stress. Full-day guided tours from Adelaide include coach, ferry, and curated itineraries.

  • Time: ~16 hours round trip
  • Cost: From ~AU$378–389 per adult (tour + transport)
  • Pros: All transport and highlights organised.
  • Cons: Fixed schedule.
  • Best for: First-time visitors, those wanting a seamless, no-drive day.

A car-free option. Coach to Cape Jervis then SeaLink ferry to Penneshaw. Public buses on the island are limited.

  • Time: ~4 hours one way from Adelaide
  • Cost: Ferry ~AU$49 one-way (AU 118 return) per adult; coach fares vary.
  • Best for: Budget travellers and solo travellers comfortable with schedules.
  • Pros: No driving required.
  • Cons: Limited local connections. Ferry cost is extra.

Self-drive flexibility: drive to Cape Jervis, ferry your car to Penneshaw, then explore.

  • Time: 2–3 hours to ferry + island driving
  • Cost: Car ferry ~AU$99 one-way (vehicle ≤5m); passenger fares extra.
  • Best for: Families, photographers, and multi-stop itineraries.
  • Cons: Ferry pricing and parking queues.

Fast but higher cost: flight to Kingscote, then car hire or tours.

  • Time: ~30 min flight (Adelaide–Kingscote)
  • Cost: Typically higher than coach+ferry; varies by airline and season.
  • Best for: Those short on time or prone to seasickness.
  • Cons: Limited departures; need local transport after landing.

More places to see on Kangaroo Island

Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island with tourists walking on a boardwalk, ocean in the background.
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Raptor Domain

Home to rescued raptors and reptiles, this sanctuary offers intimate wildlife encounters that go far beyond a standard show. Sit front-row as wedge-tailed eagles, owls, and kestrels reveal their personalities, while keepers share stories of rehabilitation and conservation. A memorable stop for families and animal lovers alike.

Clifford’s Honey Farm

Check out the island’s unique Ligurian bees at this family-run honey farm, where decades-old traditions still guide every jar. Wander through displays on beekeeping history, sample honey varietals, and don’t leave without trying their famous honey ice cream—an island classic crafted on-site.

False Cape Wines

Set on the quiet slopes of the Dudley Peninsula, this sustainable vineyard pairs coastal scenery with cool-climate wines. Step into the rustic cellar door for guided tastings, hear how the island’s soils shape each vintage, and relax on the deck overlooking rows of vines stretching toward the horizon.

Little Sahara Sand Dunes

A surreal sweep of pale, wind-shaped dunes creates a desert landscape just minutes from the coast. Trek across the shifting slopes for panoramic views, or rent a sandboard for a fast-paced ride down the ridges. It’s a choose-your-own-pace adventure in one of the island’s most unusual natural settings.

Emu Bay Beach

With four kilometres of soft white sand and gently rolling surf, Emu Bay offers one of the island’s most tranquil coastal stretches. Drive right onto the beach, stroll along the shoreline, or swim in the calm shallows—perfect for a slow, easy break between more adventurous stops.

Penneshaw Penguin Centre

Join a twilight-guided walk to watch Little Penguins waddle ashore after a day of fishing, illuminated only by soft red lights. Learn about their habits, colonies, and conservation efforts as you follow naturalist guides along the rocky coastline. An atmospheric, low-key evening experience on the island’s eastern edge.

Reeves Point Historic Site

Walk through the birthplace of South Australia’s first European settlement, where quiet coastal views meet traces of the island’s earliest colonial life. Wander past the old mulberry tree, restored foundations, and interpretive signs that bring 1836 to life, offering a reflective pause between nature-filled adventures.

Where to eat on Kangaroo Island

Cactus Kangaroo Island

Trendy Kingscote café loved for its specialty coffee and colourful brunch plates.

  • Where it is: On Dauncey Street in Kingscote (Find on maps)
  • Cuisine: Café / brunch
  • Rating: 4.8/5
  • Price point: $–$$ (budget–mid)
  • Must-try: Chilli scrambled eggs and fresh pastries.

Sunset Food and Wine

A modern coastal restaurant offering refined island produce with ocean views.

  • Where it is: Overlooking Nepean Bay, Kangaroo Island (Find on maps)
  • Cuisine: Modern Australian
  • Rating: 4.7/5
  • Price point: $$ (mid)
  • Must-try: Asparagus goats curd & panko egg.

Penneshaw Pub

A relaxed, family-friendly pub known for hearty meals and sweeping sea views.

  • Where it is: Near Penneshaw Ferry Terminal (Find on maps)
  • Cuisine: Pub food / seafood
  • Rating: 4.3/5
  • Price point: $ (budget)
  • Must-try: KI whiting and chips.

Tirage on Kangaroo Island

Boutique wine bar and eatery showcasing island wines and share-style plates.

  • Where it is: In the heart of Kingscote (Find on maps)
  • Cuisine: Wine bar / small plates
  • Rating: 4.9/5
  • Price point: $–$$ (budget–mid)
  • Must-try: Tuna sandwich.

Emu Bay Lavender Farm Café

Scenic farm café known for lavender-infused treats and relaxed outdoor seating.

  • Where it is: Near Emu Bay, 5 minutes from the beach (Find on maps)
  • Cuisine: Café / local produce
  • Rating: 4.7/5
  • Price point: $$ (mid-range)
  • Must-try: Lavender scones with homemade jam.

Millie Mae’s Pantry

A homely, garden-style café serving seasonal produce and island-made goods.

  • Where it is: Next to Penneshaw’s wildlife sculpture trail (Find on maps)
  • Cuisine: Café / home-style meals
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • Price point: $–$$ (budget–mid)
  • Must-try: Fruit toast.

Where to shop on Kangaroo Island

Kingscote Art & Craft Boutiques

Charming locally run shops showcasing Kangaroo Island art, pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted homewares. Ideal for unique, island-made souvenirs you won’t find elsewhere.

  • Must buy: Handcrafted pottery, local artwork, wooden homewares.

Kangaroo Island Farmers Market (Penneshaw)

A small but lively market offering fresh produce, preserves, baked goods, and locally crafted gifts. Great for picking up edible souvenirs and meeting island makers. It's open only on the first Sunday of every month.

  • Must buy: Honey, olive oil, chutneys, artisan breads.

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Shop

A specialty store focused on eucalyptus oil products made on-site, along with local skincare, crafts, and natural remedies. A classic Kangaroo Island shopping stop.

  • Must buy: Pure eucalyptus oil, balms, natural soaps.

Clifford’s Honey Farm Store

Family-run shop home to famous Ligurian bee honey, plus mead, sweets, skincare products, and honey-infused treats. A sweet detour for food lovers.

  • Must buy: Ligurian bee honey, honey ice cream, mead.

Island Beehive (Kingscote)

One of the island’s best-known honey producers, offering jars, sweets, and bee-themed gifts, with a viewing area to learn about Ligurian bees.

  • Must buy: Organic honey, honeycomb, beeswax candles.

Tips from the Kangaroo Island locals

  • Book lunch stops early: Popular cafés in Kingscote and Penneshaw fill up fast, especially on ferry arrival days.
  • Fuel up before exploring: Petrol stations are limited outside Kingscote and Penneshaw, and distances between sights can be long.
  • Drive carefully at dawn and dusk: Wildlife is highly active; locals avoid these hours when possible.
  • Pack for four seasons: Sea breeze, sun, and sudden showers often happen in the same day.
  • Try the local honey ice cream: Island Beehive and Clifford’s Honey Farm both make versions locals swear by.
  • Add extra time for scenic stops: Roads toward Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, and Cape Willoughby offer photo spots you’ll want to pull over for.

Frequently asked questions about planning a visit to Kangaroo Island

What is the best time to visit Kangaroo Island?

The best time to visit Kangaroo Island is during summer for beaches, winter for wildlife, and shoulder seasons for mild weather and fewer crowds.

How do you get to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide?

You can reach Kangaroo Island by taking the ferry from Cape Jervis or flying directly to Kingscote, with many tours including transport from Adelaide.

How many days do you need on Kangaroo Island?

Most travellers spend one to two days on Kangaroo Island for key highlights, while a full-day tour from Adelaide is ideal for first-time visitors.

Do you need to book Kangaroo Island tours in advance?

It’s recommended to book Kangaroo Island tours, ferries, and activities early because peak-season departures and full-day tours often sell out.

Is Kangaroo Island suitable for families?

Kangaroo Island is family-friendly with accessible boardwalks, wildlife encounters, short walks, and guided tours designed for all ages.

Is it easy to drive around Kangaroo Island?

Driving on Kangaroo Island is manageable but involves long distances and some unsealed roads, making guided tours a convenient option for visitors.

Are meals included on Kangaroo Island tours?

Many full-day Kangaroo Island tours include lunch and drinks, but inclusions vary, so it’s best to check your specific ticket before booking.

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