Wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss a trip to this sanctuary of native Australia fauna and flora. Despite being a favourite of South Australian visitors, Kangaroo Island remains a peaceful rural idyll, just a short trip from bustling Adelaide.
What To Do
The island is brimming with up-close wildlife experiences, bushwalking trails, and food and wine delights. Spend a day exploring and discover why this place is a highlight of many holidays.
Seal Bay Conservation Park
Have you ever wanted to wander past a colony of Australian sea lions? Guided tours allow you to observe these endangered creatures in their natural habitat. Tours cost $16 for adults, or $42.50 for a family ticket.
Flinders Chase National Park
Despite being badly affected by recent bushfire events, Flinders Chase National Park remains a favourite on any Kangaroo Island itinerary. It is one of the top national parks in the state and offers incredible bushwalking trails through unusual rock formations and sugar-gum forests.
Farmers Market
Make sure you take the time to taste some of the amazing fresh produce made on the island. Much of the island is farmed by the locals, who create beautiful cheeses, yogurts, honey, eggs, olive oil, and fresh seafood. Normally in the morning of the first Sunday of the month, with additional market days held when cruise ships are docked in Adelaide.
Wineries
Dudley Wines produces two beautiful wine ranges, using grapes grown on the island. Run by a family that has been on Kangaroo Island since 1883, the winery offers cellar door tastings, an amazing pizza menu, and produce to match their delicious drops.
Snelling Beach
During the warmer months, you can’t go past a dip in the sheltered waters of Snelling Beach. The white sand will make you think you’ve ended up somewhere in Queensland; this is often called the best swimming beach on the island.
How to Get Here
Kangaroo Island is located off the south coast of South Australia. It is reached via ferry or small aircraft.
Sealink operates ferries to and from the island which run three times a day. The journey takes forty-five minutes, with a café and other facilities on board. Shuttle buses to the ferry terminal operate from Adelaide. Daily ferries depart Cape Jervis at 09:00, 10:00 and 18:00 and depart Penneshaw at 08:30, 10:30 and 19:30.
Regional Express (REX) operates twice daily flights from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, taking thirty minutes. The planes seat 36 passengers and book out well in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Things To Know
Accommodation
There are a number of accommodation options on Kangaroo Island, suited to most budgets. Bookings ahead of time are highly recommended.
Weather
Summer is the most popular season on the island, although it experiences mild weather year-round. During the summer months, beaches are the best, but wildlife is harder to spot. Autumn is a fantastic time for bushwalking and to see the Little Penguins nesting. In Winter, the local kangaroo joeys begin to emerge from their mother’s pouches, and whales can be spotted. During Spring, other native animals are being born and the native wildflowers are in full bloom.