Accommodation - Kangaroo Island Accommodation

Kangaroo Island is located just over 12 kilometres from the South Australian coastline south of Adelaide.

It’s accessible by car via a ferry that leaves from Cape Jervis which is 108 kilometres from Adelaide. The ferry trip of about 19 kilometres will land you at Penneshaw and will take about 45 minutes.

The island is the 3rd largest Australian island, is 144 kilometres long and has a permanent population of just over 4,000 inhabitants. There are several small townships with Kingscote being the largest.

It’s modern human background started with whalers and sealers in the early 19th century. Economic activity now includes farming, viniculture, fishing and tourism.

How long is the ferry ride from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island?

The 16km crossing takes about 45 minutes.

How do you get to Kangaroo Island?

By air with REX or Qantas and by car ferry with SeaLink.

Qantas and REX both fly into Kingscote airport on Kangaroo Island from Adelaide.

Kangaroo Island is a nature lover’s paradise located off the coast of South Australia. It is known for its diverse wildlife, picturesque beaches, and rugged landscapes.

Natural Attractions

Flinders Chase National Park: This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and koalas. Visitors can also see Remarkable Rocks, a formation of granite boulders that have been sculpted by the elements, and Admirals Arch, a natural archway that provides a glimpse into the lives of the island’s sea lions.
Seal Bay Conservation Park: This park is home to a large colony of Australian sea lions. Visitors can take guided tours to see the sea lions up close and learn about their behavior and habitat.
Little Sahara: A large sand dune system that is perfect for sandboarding and quad biking.

Wildlife

Kangaroos: The island is home to a large population of wild kangaroos. Visitors can often see them grazing in the fields or hopping along the roadsides.
Koalas: The island is also home to a healthy population of koalas, which can often be spotted in the eucalyptus trees.
Sea lions: Kangaroo Island is one of the best places to see sea lions in the wild.
Penguins: The island is home to a colony of little penguins, which can be seen at night during guided tours.

Accommodation

Camping: There are several camping grounds on the island, including those in Flinders Chase National Park and Seal Bay Conservation Park.
B&Bs: There are several bed and breakfasts on the island, providing a more personal and intimate experience.
Hotels: There are also several hotels on the island, providing comfortable and convenient accommodation.

Best Places to See:

Flinders Chase National Park: This park is a must-see for nature lovers, with its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Seal Bay Conservation Park: This park is a great place to see sea lions in the wild.
Little Sahara: A large sand dune system that is perfect for sandboarding and quad biking.

Best Places to Eat:

Kangaroo Island Seafood: Offers fresh seafood caught by local fisherman
The Islander Estate Vineyards: Offers a variety of wines and delicious local cuisine.
Sunset Food and Wine: Offers a fantastic selection of local produce and wines with beautiful views of the island.

Kangaroo Island is a nature lover’s paradise that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, landscapes, or adventure activities, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island.

Best places to see and things to do on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is known for its diverse wildlife, picturesque beaches and rugged landscapes.

Here are some of the best places to see and things to do on Kangaroo Island:

Flinders Chase National Park

The Flinders Chase National Park is a must-see destination on Kangaroo Island, known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and natural landmarks.

This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and koalas. Visitors can also see Remarkable Rocks, a formation of granite boulders that have been sculpted by the elements, and Admirals Arch, a natural archway that provides a glimpse into the lives of the island’s sea lions.

Here are some of the highlights of the park:

Remarkable Rocks: These are a formation of granite boulders that have been sculpted by the elements over millions of years. They offer a unique and breathtaking view, and are one of the most iconic natural landmarks of the park.
Admirals Arch: This is a natural archway that provides a glimpse into the lives of the island’s sea lions. Visitors can watch the sea lions play and rest on the rocks below.
Rocky River: This is a great spot for hiking, with several trails that lead through the park’s rugged wilderness.
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and koalas, visitors can also see a variety of bird species.
Cape du Couedic Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coast and is a popular spot for photography.
Warawi Conservation Park: This park is home to a population of kangaroos and other marsupials.

Visitors can also take guided tours of the park to learn more about the history, geology, and wildlife of the area, and to see some of the park’s lesser-known features.

Flinders Chase National Park with its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and natural landmarks, the park offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Seal Bay Conservation Park

This park is home to a large colony of Australian sea lions. Visitors can take guided tours to see the sea lions up close and learn about their behavior and habitat. Seal Bay Conservation Park is a popular destination on Kangaroo Island, known for its large colony of Australian sea lions.

Here are some of the highlights of the park:

Guided tours: Visitors can take guided tours of the beach to see the sea lions up close and learn about their behavior and habitat. The tours are led by trained rangers and provide an opportunity to observe the sea lions in their natural environment.
Sea lion colony: The park is home to a large colony of sea lions, which can be seen basking on the beach or swimming in the surf. Visitors can also see sea lion pups playing in the sand dunes.
Beach walk: Visitors can take a self-guided beach walk to see the sea lions from a safe distance and to learn more about their habitat and behavior.
Beachcombing: The park offers excellent beachcombing opportunities, with a variety of shells, seaweed, and other marine debris washed up on the shore.
Photography: The park is a popular spot for photography, with the opportunity to take pictures of sea lions and the surrounding landscapes.

The park offers a unique opportunity to see sea lions up close and learn more about their behavior and habitat, as well as enjoy other activities such as beachcombing and photography.

Little Sahara

Little Sahara is a large sand dune system that is perfect for sandboarding and quad biking.

Wildlife tours

Take a guided tour to see the island’s diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and penguins.

Beaches

Kangaroo Island is known for its beautiful beaches, and there are several beaches that are worth visiting during your trip.

Kangaroo Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, including:

Vivonne Bay: This is the island’s longest beach, with a wide expanse of white sand and crystal clear water. It is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
Stokes Bay: This is a secluded bay that is accessible only by foot or boat. It offers a serene setting for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.
Pennington Bay: This is a popular surf spot and a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. It is also a popular spot for watching the sunset.
Snellings Beach: This is a popular spot for swimming and fishing, and is also a great spot for birdwatching.
Emu Bay: This is a wide, white sand beach that offers excellent swimming and sunbathing opportunities.

All the beaches on the island are unspoiled, and offer a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and other beach activities, as well as taking in the beautiful coastal views.

It’s worth noting that some beaches on the island are not safe for swimming, due to strong currents and rips, so always check with the local authorities or tour guides before swimming.

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity on Kangaroo Island, as the island is home to several hiking trails that offer visitors a chance to experience the island’s rugged wilderness. Here are some examples of the hiking trails that visitors can explore on Kangaroo Island:

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: This is a 61-km trail that traverses the island’s wilderness, offering visitors a chance to experience the island’s rugged wilderness, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. The trail is divided into several sections, each with different levels of difficulty, allowing hikers to customize their experience.
Kelly Hill Caves: This is a unique hiking trail that leads to a series of limestone caves and underground chambers. Visitors can explore the caves and see the unique rock formations and subterranean streams.
Flinders Chase National Park: The park offers several hiking trails, including the Rocky River Trail, which takes visitors through the park’s rugged wilderness. The trail offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Cape Gantheaume Wilderness: This is a remote coastal trail that offers visitors a chance to experience the island’s rugged wilderness and diverse wildlife. The trail is challenging, but the reward is the stunning coastal views and the chance to see a variety of wildlife.

The island also offers several shorter hikes and nature walks, such as the Little Sahara Dunes walk, which is a shorter walk that allows visitors to explore the island’s sand dunes and see the island’s diverse wildlife.

Kangaroo Island has a range of hiking options for visitors, from easy nature walks to multi-day hikes through the island’s rugged wilderness. The island’s hiking trails offer visitors a chance to experience the island’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, and to explore the island’s unique natural features.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity on Kangaroo Island, as the island is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Here are some examples of the types of fishing experiences that visitors can enjoy on the island:

Beach fishing: Visitors can fish from the island’s beaches for a variety of species, including salmon, whiting, and tailor.
Rock fishing: Visitors can fish from the island’s rocky outcroppings for a variety of species, including snapper, trevally, and King George whiting.
Estuary fishing: Visitors can fish in the island’s estuaries for a variety of species, including bream, flathead, and mullet.
Deep sea fishing: Visitors can go on deep-sea fishing charters to catch a variety of species, including snapper, tuna, and shark.
Fly fishing: Visitors can also try fly fishing in the island’s freshwater streams and lagoons for species such as bass and trout.
Charter fishing: Visitors can also charter a boat and go fishing in the island’s deeper waters, targeting species such as king George whiting, snapper and tuna.

The island offers a wide range of options for anglers, from beach and rock fishing to deep sea fishing and fly fishing. Visitors should always abide by the local fishing regulations and obtain necessary permits before fishing.

Adventure activities

Kangaroo Island offers a wide range of adventure activities for visitors looking for an exciting and unique experience. Here are some examples of adventure activities that visitors can enjoy on the island:

Quad biking: Visitors can take quad bike tours through the island’s rugged wilderness and sand dunes, taking in the island’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Sandboarding: Visitors can try sandboarding on the island’s large sand dunes, a unique and exciting way to experience the island’s natural beauty.
Kayaking: Visitors can explore the island’s coastal waters and estuaries by kayak, taking in the island’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Visitors can explore the island’s underwater world by snorkeling or diving, seeing a variety of marine life, including fish, dolphins, and sea lions.
Horseback Riding: Visitors can take horseback riding tours on the island to explore the island’s rugged wilderness and diverse wildlife.

Adventure activities are usually operated by tour companies, who will provide all the necessary equipment and safety guidelines.

Kangaroo Island Produce

Kangaroo Island is known for its high-quality produce and gourmet food offerings. Some of the foods and produce that are made or harvested on the island include:

Seafood: The island has a strong fishing tradition and is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, including southern ocean rock lobster, oysters, and fish.
Meat: Kangaroo Island is home to several farms that raise free-range livestock, including sheep, cattle, and kangaroo. This meat is considered to be some of the best in Australia.
Honey: The island is home to several beekeepers who produce high-quality honey, including honey from the Ligurian bee.
Cheese: There are several dairy farms on the island that produce high-quality cheeses, including cheddar, feta, and blue cheese.
Fruit and vegetables: The island has a diverse range of fruit and vegetable farms that produce a wide variety of produce, including berries, stone fruit, citrus, and leafy greens.
Wine: The island has a growing wine industry, with several wineries producing high-quality wines, particularly reds and sparkling wines.
Olive oil: Kangaroo Island is home to several olive groves and produces high-quality olive oil.
Other specialty products like jams, marmalades, sauces, and chutneys are also made with local ingredients and can be found in various outlets and farm gates.

Overall, Kangaroo Island is known for its high-quality, locally-sourced produce, and offers a wide variety of food options for visitors to try.

Food and wine tasting

Kangaroo Island is known for its high-quality produce, including seafood, meat, cheese, and wine. Visitors can sample local food and wine at the island’s wineries and restaurants. Food and wine tasting is a popular activity on Kangaroo Island, as the island is known for its high-quality produce and gourmet food offerings. Here are some examples of the types of food and wine experiences that visitors can enjoy on the island:

Seafood: Kangaroo Island is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, including crayfish, oysters, and fish. Visitors can try a variety of seafood dishes at local restaurants, or purchase fresh seafood to take home.
Meat: The island is home to several farms that raise free-range livestock, including sheep, cattle, and kangaroo. Visitors can try a variety of meat dishes at local restaurants, or purchase meat to take home.
Honey: The island is home to several beekeepers who produce high-quality honey, including honey from the native Ligurian bee. Visitors can purchase honey to take home or sample different varieties at local markets.
Cheese: There are several dairy farms on the island that produce high-quality cheeses, including cheddar, feta, and blue cheese. Visitors can try a variety of cheeses at local markets or cheese tasting events.
Wine: The island has a growing wine industry, with several wineries producing high-quality wines, particularly reds and sparkling wines. Visitors can take wine tours to visit local wineries and taste a variety of wines.
Olive oil: Kangaroo Island is home to several olive groves and produces high-quality olive oil. Visitors can purchase olive oil to take home or try it in local dishes.
Gourmet food: Kangaroo Island is also home to a number of gourmet food producers that offer a variety of products like jams, marmalades, sauces and chutneys made with local ingredients, which can be found in various farm gates and markets.

These are just a few examples of the types of food and wine experiences that visitors can enjoy on Kangaroo Island. The island offers a wide range of options for food and wine lovers, from sampling local seafood and meats to visiting wineries and trying local cheeses, honey, and olive oil.

Visiting local artisans and galleries

KI is home to many local artisans who produce a variety of crafts, including jewelry, pottery, and other decorative items. Visiting local artisans and galleries is a great way for visitors to take home a piece of the island and support local artists. Here are some examples of local galleries and artisans:

Kangaroo Island Gallery: This is an art gallery that features the work of local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and craftwork. The gallery also offers art classes and workshops for visitors.
The Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery: This is a distillery that produces eucalyptus oil and also has a gallery that showcases the work of local artisans and craftspeople, including pottery, jewelry, and other decorative items.

Kangaroo Island Wineries

Kangaroo Island is home to several wineries that produce high-quality wines, particularly reds and sparkling wines. Here are some of the wineries on Kangaroo Island:

Bay of Shoals Wines: Winery and cellar door with awesome views, hamper lunches, cellar door tastings, five minutes out of Kingscote. The vineyard overlooks the Bay of Shoals and Reeves Point and is open from 11am to 5pm daily.
The Islander Estate Vineyards: They’re located at Cygnet River and offer hosted wine tastings and a picnic-style regional platters. Open 6 days a week (not Wednesday) – 12.00pm – to 5.00pm.
Dudley Wines: Dudley’s Clifftop Cellar Door is located 12km from Penneshaw and opens 5 days a week (closed Tuesday and Wednesday), 10.30am-4.30pm.
Springs Road Wines: They offer guided tastings – May to September Wednesday – Monday
(closed Tuesday) 12-4pm and October to April they are open daily from 12-5pm.

What is the best time of year to visit?

The best time to visit Kangaroo Island depends on your interests and what you want to experience while you are there.

Summer (December-February): is the warmest season with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and this is the peak tourist season, so you’ll find the island’s beaches, restaurants, and other attractions are busiest during this time.
Spring (September-November): This is a great time to visit for wildflowers, as many of the island’s plants will be in bloom. The weather is milder than in summer, with temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
Autumn (March-May): This is a great time to visit for wildlife viewing, as many of the island’s animals will be active and visible. The weather is milder than in summer, with temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
Winter (June-August): This is the quietest time to visit the island, with fewer tourists and milder weather. Average temperatures around 15°C (59°F). This is a great time to visit if you’re looking for a more relaxed and peaceful experience.

Kangaroo Island is a year-round destination and visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences at any time of the year. The best time to visit depends on your interests and what you want to experience while you are there. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and peaceful experience, visiting during the off-peak seasons might be the best option.

How do you get there?

Kangaroo Island can be accessed by ferry, plane or car. Here is an overview of how to get there:

Ferry: The most popular way to get to Kangaroo Island is by ferry. The ferry service, operated by Sealink, departs from Cape Jervis, which is located about 2 hours’ drive south of Adelaide. The ferry journey takes about 45 minutes. Visitors can take their cars on the ferry, but it is also possible to take the ferry without a car, as there are buses and rental cars available on the island. The ferry service operates daily, and it is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season. https://www.sealink.com.au/kangaroo-island
Plane: Visitors can also fly to Kangaroo Island. There are several flights per day from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport, which is located on the island. The flight takes around 20 minutes. There are several car rental companies and shuttle buses available at the airport for visitors who wish to explore the island by car or bus.
Car: Visitors can also drive to Kangaroo Island by car. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, which can be accessed from Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway. Visitors can take their cars on the ferry, but it is also possible to take the ferry without a car, as there are buses and rental cars available on the island.

The ferry is the most popular way to get to Kangaroo Island but visitors can also fly or drive to the island depending on their preferences and budget. Kangaroo Island is a large and sparsely populated island, so having a car or renting one on the island is recommended to get around and take advantage of the many attractions the island has to offer.

Kangaroo Island Townships

Penneshaw

Penneshaw is a small town located on the northeastern coast of Kangaroo Island in South Australia. It is the main entry point to the island via the ferry service from Cape Jervis on the mainland. The town is known for its stunning coastal views and beaches, as well as its rich history and cultural heritage.

Visitors can take a stroll along the picturesque Penneshaw Beach and enjoy swimming, fishing, and other beach activities.
The town has a few restaurants and cafes, where visitors can sample local seafood and other foods.
The town is also home to the Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Centre, which tells the story of the island’s maritime history and cultural heritage, with exhibits and artifacts.
Visitors can take a short drive to the nearby Hog Bay, where they can see a colony of little penguins coming ashore at night.
Penneshaw is also a good base for exploring the island, as it is located near to several of the island’s top attractions, including the Flinders Chase National Park, the Kelly Hill Conservation Park, and the Remarkable Rocks.

Penneshaw is a great place to start your journey and discover the island.

Kingscote

Kingscote is the main town and administrative center of Kangaroo Island, located on the northeastern coast of the island. It is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and proximity to the island’s many attractions.

Visitors can take a stroll along the picturesque Kingscote beach and enjoy swimming, fishing, and other beach activities.
The town is home to a number of restaurants and cafes, where visitors can sample local seafood and other foods.
Kingscote is also home to the Hope Cottage – Museum, which tells the story of the island’s history and cultural heritage.
Visitors can also take a short drive to the nearby Pennington Bay, which is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and other beach activities.
Kingscote is also a good base for exploring the island, as it is located near to several of the island’s top attractions, including the Flinders Chase National Park, the Kelly Hill Conservation Park, and the Remarkable Rocks.

American River

American River is a small coastal town located on the northeastern coast of Kangaroo Island in South Australia. It is known for its picturesque scenery, fishing and boating activities, and its proximity to the island’s many attractions.

American River is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other water activities. Visitors can rent boats, kayaks, and other equipment to explore the local waterways.
The town is home to a number of seafood restaurants and cafes, where visitors can sample local seafood and other foods.
American River is also home to several parks and reserves, including the Pelican Lagoon Reserve, which is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Visitors can also take a short drive to the nearby Emu Bay, which is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and other beach activities.

American River is a great destination for visitors looking for a relaxing coastal getaway, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities. It also offers a good base to explore the island with its proximity to the main attractions, and it’s also known for its peaceful and quiet atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxing holiday.

Parndana

Parndana is a small rural town located in the heart of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. It is known for its picturesque scenery, farming and agricultural activities, and proximity to the island’s many attractions.

Visitors can also take a short drive to the nearby Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, which is home to a wide variety of native animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas.
Parndana is also a good base for exploring the island’s wilderness areas, including the Flinders Chase National Park, the Kelly Hill Conservation Park, and the Little Sahara sand dunes.
Visitors can also grab some marron at the King Island Marron – Farm Gate just a short car ride away.

Stokes Bay

Located on the western side of Kangaroo Island and is known for its stunning beaches and wildlife spotting opportunities.