The best ways to experience Kangaroo Island

With untouched landscapes, unbelievable wildlife and unfathomable beauty, experience unfettered joy on a trip to Kangaroo Island.

There’s no place like Kangaroo Island. Just a short ferry ride from the South Australian coast, this enchanting island has garnered remarkable recognition, securing the coveted #2 position on the Lonely Planet’s 2024 Best in Travel Top Regions Hotlist and the prestigious rank of number seven on the New York Times’ Top 52 Places to Visit in 2023. And is home to Australia’s Best Beach by Tourism Australia, making this enchanting Island a must-visit destination to check off your bucket list.

Whether you’re looking for a nature-inspired getaway, gourmet food, and wine delights, coastal adventures, cultural immersion, or a chance to recharge and reconnect, Kangaroo Island offers something extraordinary.

Book your self-drive getaway today

Experience the convenience of stress-free travel with these expertly crafted holiday packages. We’ve handpicked the best deals for your dream getaway. From witnessing the Island’s extraordinary native wildlife to relishing its local flavours and soaking in breathtaking coastal landscapes, we’ve got you covered while you focus on creating unforgettable memories.

Experience Kangaroo Island’s extraordinary native wildlife

Kangaroo Island detours that surprise us

Experience the Island’s local produce and spectacular scenery whilst staying at the Kangaroo Island Seafront Hotel in Penneshaw and then the Aurora Ozone Hotel located in Kingscote. Kangaroo Island is much celebrated for its wildlife, and its food and wine are integral parts of your unforgettable Kangaroo Island experience.

Kangaroo Island moments that enchant us

It’s time to take your loved ones away on that short break and discover the beauty of the Island’s coastline, wildlife, and local food and wine, plus enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch at the popular Enchanted Fig Tree.

Kangaroo Island encounters that thrill us

Enjoy superb ocean views from your accommodation at Emu Bay, situated on the north coast of Kangaroo Island. From here, you can explore Kangaroo Island at your own pace.

Underwater adventures await at Kangaroo Island © Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance

Nature experiences on Kangaroo Island

As soon as you arrive off the SeaLink ferry, your island exploration begins. In Flinders Chase National Park, marvel at the mercurial Remarkable Rocks, crafted over 500 million years, and venture down the boardwalk from Cape du Couedic Lighthouse to Admiral’s Arch, spotting long-nosed fur seals as you go. At Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to a population of endangered Australian sea lions, join a ranger-guided beach tour where you can watch from a respectable distance and learn about their incredible long-range fishing abilities.

Then dive in for an Island Explorer and Dolphin Swim tour with Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures – a magical experience. Almost as magical as finding the ‘secret’ beach, Stokes Bay, the best beach in Australia. Accessed through a narrow cave and boasting a golden, idyllic stretch of sand, it is mesmerising.

Beautiful sea lion seals playing on the foreshore of Kangaroo Island in South Australia
Fur seals on Kangaroo Island © Adobe Stock

Best experiences

Everywhere you go on Kangaroo Island is a veritable safari where you can spot kangaroos, koalas, a striking array of birdlife and more as you drive through changing landscapes, from Game of Thrones-esque roads to forest, farmland and spectacular beaches like Vivonne Bay, with its Tiffany-hued water.

Take in more nature on a guided kayak tour along the tranquil Harriet River, or on a range of hikes from short and easy to the five-day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. Try boarding down a sand dune, carve up a real wave, or go bush on a guided electric fat-bike tour that allows you to soak up the sights and sounds of the land.

Afterwards, sample award-winning gins at Kangaroo Island Spirits, sip on a cider at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, savour a wine at one of the island’s wineries or knock the top off a craft beer at Kangaroo Island Brewery.

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