kangaroo island trip planner

Kangaroo Island Itinerary (+ Best Things to Do & Travel Guide)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 24, 2024

Are you planning to visit Kangaroo Island in Australia and wondering what there is to see and do there? Or maybe you’re looking for a sample Kangaroo Island itinerary that brings you to all the best places on the island? This article should answer all your questions. Take a look!

I had heard so many great things about Kangaroo Island in Southern Australia, so it was one of the must-see places for me when preparing our Australia trip itinerary . We spent four days on Kangaroo Island with kids and it didn’t disappoint. Kangaroo Island has all the ingredients for a perfect family trip: beautiful nature, lots of wildlife, and plenty of space for kids to play and explore.

Kangaroo Island is not a place most people choose to visit if they only have a few weeks in Australia. However, if you can, add it to your Australia trip itinerary, even if only for a day or two. Kangaroo Island is one of the most authentic places you can visit in Australia. If you love pristine untouched nature and wildlife, you’ll love it here!

This Kangaroo Island guide gives you a short overview of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island , our detailed 4-day Kangaroo Island itinerary, and accommodation advice.

Here you can find more information about planning a trip to Australia: where to start, when to go, what to see . Here you can read more about traveling to Australia with kids .

How Long to Spend on Kangaroo Island

There is so much to see on Kangaroo Island that you could easily spend a week here and not get bored. Visiting for 2 – 3 days will allow you to see the main highlights of the island. If you stay for 4 – 5 days, you will be able to visit all the best places and some lesser-known attractions, as well as take the time to see some wildlife.

TIP: Even if you only have just one day, you can visit Kangaroo Island and see the main highlights. In that case, going with an organized day tour is probably better. Not only will you save a lot of money for the ferry, but you will also not have to worry about the practical side of planning the trip and making sure that you do indeed see all the best places in just one day.

Our experience: We had 4 days on Kangaroo Island and covered pretty much all the best places that we had on our list. Below, you can find our detailed itinerary for Kangaroo Island.

Because we visited with young kids, we traveled slower. We chose to explore fewer places rather than try to see everything – that’s just the small price you have to pay when traveling with young kids.

If you visit Kangaroo Island without children, in principle, you can see a lot more in the same period of time than we did. Or, if you travel really fast, you can probably cover our itinerary and see most of the best places on Kangaroo Island in two or three days.

Top Places to See & Things to Do on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island has a lot to offer for young and old. Since we only had a few days on the island and we were visiting with three young kids (3, 3, and 5 at that time), we obviously couldn’t see and do everything.

However, for the sake of providing you with the most complete guide for visiting Kangaroo Island, I created a list containing all the best places to see on Kangaroo Island .

This list covers all the places which we visited during our trip to Kangaroo Island (and which you’ll find mentioned in our itinerary below). In addition, it also contains some other places that are well worth a visit, but for which we didn’t have the time. I did a lot of research before our trip and all these places are well worth a visit on Kangaroo Island. Take a look!

Remarkable Rocks

Admirals arch, cape du couedic lighthouse.

• Seal Bay Conservation Park

Little Sahara

Vivonne bay.

• Kelly Hill Caves

Prospect Hill

• The lighthouses of Kangaroo Island: Cape Borda, Cape Willoughby

Kingscote Pelicans

• The colorful cliffs of Red Banks
• Raptor Domain
• Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
• Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
• Clifford’s Honey Farm

In addition, there are some fun tours as well. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Dolphin, Seal, and Snorkeling Tour (from Penneshaw),
• Ocean Safari: Coastlines, Dolphins & Seals (from Penneshaw),
• ATV Quad Tour (Vivonne Bay).

Kangaroo Island Itinerary

As already mentioned, we visited Kangaroo Island with kids. Young kids. So our itinerary is quite easy-going with lots of relaxing time to explore and enjoy the area.

If you are short on time, you can probably see all the same places in three, or maybe even two days. Take a look at how we planned our time.

Day 1: Fleurieu Peninsula. Cape Jervis – Kangaroo Island. Prospect Hill. Seal Bay.

Fleurieu peninsula.

In the morning, we left Adelaide for the Cape Jervis ferry that would bring us to Kangaroo Island. We took the scenic road through the incredibly picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula. Green rolling hills landscapes reminded us of New Zealand. As it often goes on a road trip, we felt sorry about not having the time to explore the area a bit more.

Kangaroo Island Ferry: Cape Jervis – Penneshaw

We had booked the Kangaroo Island ferry in advance and in no time we were on the boat and on our way to Kangaroo Island. The trip took some 45 minutes, but it was a bit choppy, so we spent most of the time on the upper deck enjoying the beautiful views.

You can find the Kangaroo Island ferry timetable and other practical information on the SeaLink website .

Penneshaw , where the Kangaroo Island ferry arrives, is a tiny little town with not much to see. We stopped at the petrol station and a small supermarket to stock up on some provisions for the next couple of days and headed straight to Seal Bay.

Prospect Hill was the very first place we visited on Kangaroo Island. We climbed the 512 steps to the top of the highest point on Kangaroo Island, with rewarding views of the island and mainland. At first, we were not sure if our 3-year-olds could do this climb, but they loved the stairs and hardly needed any help to reach the top.

No family trip to Kangaroo Island would be complete without a visit to Seal Bay . Seal Bay is the home to a colony of Australian sea lions. You can visit the beach where the seals live (with the guide only), or you can opt to explore the place from a boardwalk with several viewing platforms.

We did both and, at least on the day we were there, there was not much you could see from the boardwalk. All the seals were close to the water, and the only way to get somewhat close to them was with a guide.

It was a nice experience, especially for the children, who loved seeing these wild animals in their natural environment. There were baby seals as well and so there was plenty of action around us to keep even the 3-year-olds interested.

But the guide we had was really not suitable for the job (or she had a bad day), as she spent more time telling the people what (not) to do rather than telling us about the seals. All in all, we were glad we did the tour, as that was the best way to see the animals up close.

Several months later we visited Cape Cross Seal Colony in Namibia and that was a completely different experience. Tens of thousands of seals, some so close that you could touch them, and no guides to yell at people who walk too fast, too slow, or too close to the animals.

If we had been to Namibia first, then I’m sure we would have found Seal Bay not as impressive. But it was the first time we and the kids could see the seals from close by, and so at that time, it was worth the visit for us.

Seal Bay is located on the Southern Part of Kangaroo Island, it’s about a 1h30 drive from Penneshaw and 45min from Kingscote. For further practical information, please refer to the Seal Bay website .

Day 2: Flinders Chase National Park Area

The second day of our Kangaroo Island itinerary was dedicated to one of its most extraordinary places – Flinders Chase National Park . If you have just one day on Kangaroo Island, this is the best area to visit. Read on!

We started our second day on Kangaroo Island with a visit to the most ‘remarkable’ landmark of Kangaroo Island – Remarkable Rocks . They don’t look that impressive from a distance, but once you get closer you cannot help but admire this natural wonder. Remarkable rocks are truly… remarkable. The featured image of this post is also one from Remarkable Rocks.

This was a paradise for the kids! They were climbing on the rocks and playing hide and seek in the hollow spaces underneath. They didn’t want to leave!

TIP : If you can, try to visit Remarkable Rocks early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Since most people stay on the other side of Kangaroo Island and the drive is long, the place is so much quieter in the morning or in the evening than during the day.

Our second stop for the day was at Cape Du Couedic Lightstation . There were some hiking paths in the area, but our kids were a bit too young to do a serious hike, so we limited our visit to a short walk and a picnic with a beautiful view.

Another highlight of our visit to Kangaroo Island was the area around Admirals Arch . A beautiful coastal landscape can be enjoyed from the well-maintained boardwalks all the way to the Arch itself. It’s perfect for families visiting Kangaroo Island with kids.

Admirals Arch area is home to a big colony of New Zealand seals. You cannot get as close to them as to the ones in Seal Bay, but the whole environment feels more natural.

Flinders Chase National Park

We ended our day with two short walks at the Flinders Chase National Park : Woodlands Walk and Platypus Walk . Both were short and easy walks that our 3-year-old twins could do without any help. In fact, we had difficulties keeping up with them.

Day 3: Hanson Bay – Vivonne Bay

This third day of our Kangaroo Island itinerary was quite relaxed. The places we visited might not be an absolute must, but they sure make your trip to Kangaroo Island more special and give you a better picture of how much this nature wonderland has to offer.

It was another relaxing day on Kangaroo Island, perfect with young kids. We saw koalas, kangaroos, incredible white-sand beaches, and amazing sand dunes… We ended the day with a real Australian dinner and some new finds, including a sparkling ale from the Coopers Brewery. Take a look!

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

We started our third day on Kangaroo Island with kids with a visit to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary . This place is famous as the best place to see koalas on Kangaroo Island.

There were supposedly 20 of them when we visited, but we only saw six or seven. The staff made it easier to spot koalas by marking the trees where some of them were sitting. I understood that they do this every morning. It’s not the usual wildlife spotting, but still kind of fun.

First, look for a marked tree and then try to find the koala. Luckily, many of them were not too high in the trees and we could see them pretty well. We spent much too much time watching a koala with her baby. They are just so cute!

There were also several wild kangaroos running around at Hanson Bay and we could get really close to them. Fascinating animals!

TIP: You may also want to read this post for another great spot to see wild koalas in Australia .

Vivonne Bay is one of those places that are literally in the middle of nowhere. We stopped at the local cafe/ supermarket/ bottle shop/ post office/ ATM/ petrol station / sports equipment store. A fascinating little place, that was for sale when we visited. Wonder what became of it now…

After lunch, we visited the beach that can be reached by taking the road just past the Vivonne Bay store.

Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island is known as one of Australia’s best beaches. The long, sandy beach sounded like an ideal location for family picnics, sunbathing, fishing and surfing. But on the day we were there, it was completely deserted.

We loved walking around and the kids couldn’t get enough of the amazing variety of seashells they found there. They wanted to take them all home!

Our last stop for the day was a place known as Little Sahara . White sand dunes looked like they didn’t completely belong there – the landscape is so different from all the rest on Kangaroo Island…

Little Sahara is well known and appears to be quite popular for sandboarding, with locals and tourists alike. You could rent a sandboard at the Vivone Bay store, but we didn’t think it was such a good idea with the kids and didn’t bring a board with us.

Some people seem to have really mastered the art of sandboarding, but most others made for a fun spectacle. We limited our sand experience to climbing the dunes and rolling/ gliding/ running down again.

Day 4: Stokes Bay – Kingscote

Day four was our last day on Kangaroo Island. We would take the ferry back to the mainland the next morning. So we slowly made our way back towards Kingscote… We spent the last night in a hotel close to the ferry and left early in the morning.

On our last day on Kangaroo island, we visited Stokes Bay . It’s a hidden beach that is not visible from the parking area and you have to negotiate a very narrow passage under the rocks in order to get there. It’s an amazing experience!

Don’t miss this place if visiting Kangaroo island, and definitely with kids. They’ll love it! It’s also a great place for a family picnic on the beach.

TIP: Don’t miss Stokes Bay when visiting Kangaroo Island. It’s an amazing experience, one that will stay with you forever!

In the late afternoon, we visited Kingscote , the biggest town on Kangaroo Island. But don’t let that mislead you. It’s a small place with just a few shops and restaurants and you don’t need that much time to visit it.

We had read about the daily pelican feeding at Kingscote Wharf at 5 PM. We were there about an hour before that and the pelicans were already waiting. No other people, no show, but plenty of birds to watch and photograph. We didn’t stay for the feeding, watching the birds before the crowds arrived was sufficient.

Update: One of our readers informed us that Pelican feeding has now been stopped. However, the birds are usually still around.

Where to Stay for Exploring Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is rather big and if you don’t want to spend too much time in the car, the best option is to stay close to Flinders Chase National Park for at least 2 nights and book the rest of your stay in or close to Kingscote or Penneshaw.

TIP: Kangaroo Island accommodation is scarce, so book well in advance!

Accommodation near Flinders Chase National Park

There are not that many hotels close to Flinders Chase , so your choices are limited. But the location makes it really worthwhile. Here you can see what’s available on the South-Western side of Kangaroo Island and you may be able to find a few more options online.

We stayed at Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat for 3 nights. This was one of the best price/quality accommodations close to Flinders Chase NP. The location is great, we had a nice big family room, and they have a really good restaurant.

Alternatively, check out Discovery Parks (Caravan Park & Wildlife Reserve). This is budget accommodation not too far from Flinders Chase NP.

Kingscote Accommodation

You have much more choice of accommodations on the Eastern side of Kangaroo Island. Kingscote , the American River area, and Penneshaw are the best choices with the most facilities.

We also spent one night at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge – its location was good for visiting Kingscote one day and taking the ferry back to the mainland the next day.

So, this is our self-drive itinerary and guide to Kangaroo Island, a true nature lover’s paradise in Australia. It’s one of those places that made our whole Australia trip so much more special and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it.

If you have a few days to spare when planning a trip to the southern part of Australia, I really recommend visiting Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island FAQ

The best way to get to Kangaroo Island is by car- and passenger ferry from Cape Jervis, 107km south of Adelaide. The journey by ferry between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw takes 45 minutes. You have to book this ferry in advance, definitely if traveling in high season.

Unless you visit with an organized tour, you will need a car in order to explore Kangaroo Island. It’s a big island with lots to see and do and public transport is not really an option.

You can visit Kangaroo Island with a rental car from the Australian mainland. However, if you rent a car on Kangaroo Island, normally, you cannot take it outside of the island.

It is possible to visit Kangaroo Island as a day trip from Adelaide. However, it will be a very long day and you’ll only visit a few of the main landmarks. If you decide to go for a day, it’s best to do it with an organized tour , because it’s often cheaper than paying for the car ferry, not even to mention fuel, lunch, etc.

While you can see the main attractions of Kangaroo Island in a day, we recommend at least 2-3 days here. This will allow you to visit all the main landmarks. If you want to explore the island deeper, plan at least 4-5 days.

More tips for your trip to Australia:

• Tips: What to Know When Planning a Trip to Australia
• Itinerary: Australia Itinerary (Sydney, Blue Mountains, Red Center, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, and Tasmania)
• GOR: Best Stops on the Great Ocean Road Drive
• Family travel: Australia with Kids
• Red Center: West MacDonnell Ranges and Red Center Itinerary from Alice Springs to Uluru
• Cities: 1 Day in Sydney & 1 Day in Melbourne and Things to Do in Hobart, Tasmania
• Northern Territory: Darwin Itinerary
• Koalas: Best Place to See Wild Koalas in Australia

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Thursday 24th of February 2022

Your blog has been so helpful, we are a group visiting on a Cruise Ship for a day, but, whatever your 3 year olds could do would be a good measure for some of our older cruisers. I have noted your special places and will follow up on them. Beautifully described and appreciated.

Glad to help, Spud. Have a great time on Kangaroo Island. It's a beautiful destination!

Sunday 8th of August 2021

We've just started planning our 2023 trip to Australia. Kangaroo Island is going to be one of our first stops and I'm so thrilled to have come across this blog post. It's already been so helpful in our planning!

Glad to hear that, Pam! Good luck with the planning!

Saturday 10th of April 2021

Thanks Jurga. We followed your itinerary and did all of what you covered at KI and some more and were very pleased to ensure we had the highlights covered first up, courtesy your blog.

Monday 12th of April 2021

Thank you so much for taking the time to come back to our blog and leave this feedback, Sanket. Glad to hear that you had a great trip and that our blog helped you make the most of it! Happy travels and hopefully, you'll find more travel inspiration for your future trips on our website!

Monday 25th of November 2019

Hi Jurga! We are just back from our 6 week trip to Australia. I want to thank you for all the blogposts, they were a good skeleton to plan our trip! :-) We visited Kangaroo Island, such a beautiful island! Please note that Paul’s Place Wildlife Sanctuary is now permanently closed. There is also no Pelican feeding anymore in Kingscote, but he pelicans are still there. Cheers.

Thanks a lot for letting me know, Benedikt. Will try to update my post asap. And I'm really glad to hear that you found our suggestions useful and had a great trip Down Under! It's always great to hear from our readers. Happy travels.

Sunday 16th of June 2019

I am planning to visit Aus in Nov for 3 weeks. And as always I am more interested to see wild life and nature than just roaming around in city streets. Thanks for sharing your experience. its definitely gonna help to shape my upcoming trip this year :)

Tuesday 18th of June 2019

Glad to hear you found this useful, Nav. Kangaroo Island is one of the nicest places we visited in Australia, definitely worth a trip. If you are still looking for itinerary ideas, please check our Australia trip itinerary, it has lots of suggestions for several different areas of the country. Enjoy your trip!

The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

The Best Two Day Kangaroo Island Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

We spent a weekend on Kangaroo Island and managed to squeeze in a lot of highlights during my short but amazing trip – read on to check out our Kangaroo Island itinerary…

Kangaroo Island is the best place in Australia. Got your attention didn’t I?

Obviously, that is quite the statement but after visiting Kangaroo Island for two days, I can honestly say that it is my favorite place in Australia. Hell, it’s one of my favorite places in the WORLD.

It really does have it all: bleached white sand beaches with super clear water, more native animals than you can shake a stick at (and we did shake a stick at a giant snake we came across while hiking to a remote beach ), cute historic towns and friendly locals.

There was only one thing missing: hordes of tourists. And we were better off without them.

It’s crazy that this paradise exists in Australia but most foreign visitors don’t seem to know about it. South Australia is skipped over on a lot of Australian holidays with people preferring to stick to the East Coast and Melbourne . Man, they are missing out!

I guess another factor that could explain the lack of tourists is the high cost of the Kangaroo Island ferry. We nearly didn’t visit ourselves due to the steep ferry prices . It only takes 45 minutes from Cape Jervis on the mainland to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island and the current price is $472 for 2 people and a car return. How insane is that!! 

The ferry is privately owned but maybe the South Australian Government needs to look at some type of subsidization as it could earn them some big tourist bucks if the prices were more reasonable.

But then again, it would probably end up like the Great Ocean Road (read: a circus) and I would hate to see that.

About Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest island at 150km long with over 500km of coastline. It is a sanctuary for wildlife with its own species of kangaroo, the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo, which is both smaller and darker than the common Eastern Grey.

There are large tracts of land that have been preserved in national parks and nature reserves, which contributed a lot to the protected status of so many of the animals on the island.

The island economy is primarily agricultural and there are twelve wineries on the island, as well as farms growing grain and raising cattle and sheep. Kangaroo Island is famous for its honey as it has the world’s only pure-bred and disease-free population of Ligurian honey bees.

We tried some at Clifford’s Honey Farm , along with some excellently creamy honey ice cream. Those Ligurian bees make some damn good honey!

Getting to Kangaroo Island

We drove from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, then took the Kangaroo Island ferry, arriving into port in the early evening.

We didn’t have time to look around the small settlement of Penneshaw where the ferry docks as we had a two-hour drive to the other side of the island still ahead of us, so we set off to Cape Borda and our Kangaroo Island accommodation straight away.

From what I saw it was a sweet village with stone cottages and historic shopfronts, set on a windy hill looking over the waters of Investigator Strait, and across to the mainland in the distance.

There is a colony of Little Penguins living there but we only would have been able to see them had we been there around sunset. In our rush, we still managed to make time to pick up some red wine before hitting the road. Priorities.

As we drove through the middle of the island, firstly along a quiet paved road before it turned to rough gravel, we saw dead kangaroos in various states of decomposition along the roadside.

The landscape was parched from many rain-less days. Past the yellowing stage, the grasses looked like bleached wheat in the evening shadows.

A Unique Kangaroo Island Accommodation

We were staying in Woodward Hut, a Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage at lonely Cape Borda, and we arrived about an hour before sunset, enough time to unpack and have a picnic dinner before taking our glasses of red out to the lighthouse to watch the stunning sunset; the sun dipping into the ocean in a haze of pinks and oranges.

The light clicked on in the lighthouse and slowly scanned the darkening waters for ships in the night.

Man, I love Lighthouses !

A Kangaroo and her young one ate the grasses around the lighthouse. She kept one eye on us while eating, ensuring we didn’t get too close to her baby. I passed by too close for comfort and was growled at in disapproval.

A cute wallaby was hanging out in the back fenced yard of one of the larger cottages and stared at me when I passed, unfazed.

Our tiny cabin was just perfect. It was rustic, with two single beds, a small fridge and a camp kitchen. The toilet was a two-minute walk away at the back of a larger cottage and there was no shower.

We didn’t need one for only a two-night stay. I loved the simpleness of it, it was like camping.

We couldn’t wait to get started on on Kangaroo Island itinerary the next morning!

NOTE: The Lighthouse Accommodations at Cape Borda are currently closed due to bushfire damage but you can still visit the site and its attractions.

Highlights of Our Two Day Kangaroo Island Itinerary

Visiting cape borda.

The Lighthouse Keepers Cemetery, a couple of kilometers from the Cape Borda Lighthouse, is an interesting place. Small and tidy, this patch of land is the last resting place of past Lighthouse Keepers and their families, with nearly half the graves belonging to young children.

It was a hard life being a Lighthouse Keeper at remote Cape Borda in the late nineteenth century, and with no access to medical treatment Keepers and their families could die of simple ailments.

An example of that is Captain Woodward, Cape Borda’s first Lighthouse Keeper, who died of an eye infection after being poked in the eye during a fall.

A short but strenuous return hike at nearby Harvey’s Return helps to demonstrate the hardships the Lighthouse Keepers faced and is a great little Kangaroo Island hike to stretch the legs.

Supplies were transported from ships docked a little offshore, and up the steep and treacherous cliff and overland to the lighthouse. The descent was very steep and we made our way down very carefully.

At the bottom is a beautiful and secluded beach where we saw penguin footprints leading from the shore into the rocks. Walking back up was tough.

I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like with a heavy load on my back and having to make the trip back and forth all day until all of the supplies had been transported.

Over fifty ships have been lost in the turbulent waters around the island since the first recorded shipwreck in 1847, which is why there are three lighthouses: Cape Du Couedic and Cape Borda on the west coast and Cape Willoughby on the east coast.

A Lighthouse and Sea Lions in Flinders Chase National Park

Along with staying in one of the cottages at Cape Borda, we visited the Cape Du Couedic lighthouse in Flinders Chase National Park one windy afternoon.

From the Cape Du Couedic lighthouse, there is a trail that leads to the edge of the coast, where towering cliffs drop to the frothing waters below.

On plateaus of rock, cropping out into the ocean, dozens of New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions laze around or bark at each other, lunging in a territorial dance.

We walked down the zig-zagged boardwalk to view them closer up and in a large cavern where they were chasing each other around in the water.

Native Wildlife Spotting on Kangaroo Island

The amount of native Australian animals on Kangaroo Island is staggering. During our stay, we saw countless kangaroos (both alive and dead), wallabies, an echidna, dolphins, seals, sea lions, galahs, a small shark, and a tiger snake.

I have never seen so many varieties and sheer numbers of native Australian animals in one place before. It was incredible.

Ogle at the Remarkable Rocks

As well as visiting the Cape Du Couedic lighthouse in Flinders Chase National Park, we also made a stop at the Remarkable Rocks, which were indeed remarkable. They looked like a pile of hatched dragon eggs on top of a granite-capped hill surrounded by thick bush.

You could walk on the granite base to truly explore the rocks, which are coated in a brilliant orange fungus. Sitting on the sloping surface, we looked out over the ocean and the beautiful coastline. Serene and untouched.

Visit Beautiful Vivonne Bay

Kangaroo Island beaches were another big highlight. Voted one of the best beaches in Australia, pristine Vivonne Bay is a delightful cove with white sands and gorgeous pale blue water. Firstly we headed to the long, wooden wharf as the clouds rolled in, threatening rain.

I will pretty much always take blue skies over dark clouds but the clouds made the water look almost ethereal and it created a very atmospheric panorama. Walking along the rickety wharf we noticed two pods of dolphins moving closer to us. Everything was so quiet, creating an otherworldly feeling.

The dolphins passed slowly by and we could see them moving fluidly underwater, breaking the surface intermittently to take a breath. It was one of my favorite Kangaroo Island experiences.

Unfortunately, when we visited the beach at Vivonne Bay the sand was soggy and wet from the earlier rain and a cold wind was blowing off the sea, but it still looked beautiful. It just wasn’t beach weather.

We had an early dinner at the cute Vivonne Bay General Store. Their famous whiting burger was delicious and it’s a cheap way to try some local seafood.

Cultural Attractions of Kangaroo Island

Along with all of the natural attractions of the island, there were also a lot of cultural pursuits on offer in the form of art galleries, potters and woodworking studios, and museums.

We dropped into one of the Island’s art galleries to avoid the rain and were pleasantly surprised with friendly owners, yummy hot chocolate, and lots of beautiful local art and crafts.

Visit Kingscote, the Biggest Town on Kangaroo Island

We couldn’t go to Kangaroo Island without visiting its biggest town, Kingscote, so we dropped by for lunch one day. Anywhere else it wouldn’t be called a town at all: all there was to it was a short main street lined with historic buildings.

We picked up pies and donuts from the only bakery in town, the Rabbit Warren Bakery , and then sat by the coast, waving away the overeager seagulls. They weren’t getting a bite of my lunch, especially not the donut.

Drive to Stokes Bay

The drive to Stokes Bay was a windy detour off the main island highway, past brown fields, and a dammed lake. The bay itself was pretty but non-descript, a rocky cove with a couple of small houses and a café overlooking it.

We took a short path that weaved through the rocks and under a cliff and emerged at a secret beach and tidal pool. On a sunnier day, I would have swum there but we retreated to the lovely local café back on the other side of the trail for a coffee instead.

I saw my first echidna ever when we were walking back to the car. He was ambling along slowly but surely with his cute snout sniffing the air.

Walk the Quiet Beach at Emu Bay

Emu Bay was the last place we visited and it turned out to be my favorite Kangaroo Island beach. A long stretch of beach with more pearly white sand and translucent water, like Vivonne Bay and Harvey’s Return before it.

We walked from the jetty at one end and along the beach for an hour, passing only a couple of people and a few four-wheel drives that were driving along the sand. I found a beautiful abalone shell and we saw a small shark right by the shore that appeared to be eating something in the seaweed.

I couldn’t get over the fact that there were virtually no people on one of the most incredible beaches I have ever seen. It didn’t seem right.

Kangaroo Island is one of the few places that I was really sad to leave. We only had two days there but we managed to see so much. Everything we saw amazed us. The natural beauty of the place was astounding.

If I had only one recommendation to anyone planning a trip to Australia it would be – Don’t miss Kangaroo Island!

Plan your Kangaroo Island itinerary now, and get there before everyone else finds out about it.

Plan Your Kangaroo Island Trip

How to get to kangaroo island.

If you do want to visit Kangaroo Island on a self-guided trip, the best way to get to Kangaroo Island is by flying to Adelaide, renting a car from the airport, then driving the 1.5 hours down to Cape Jervis to catch the Kangaroo Island ferry .

As mentioned earlier, the current cost of the ferry to Kangaroo Island is $118 return per person, plus $236 return for a vehicle for the 45-minute trip.

Driving on Kangaroo Island is fine but there are some dirt roads – although we found them to be well-maintained – and you will need to watch out for kangaroos on the road as we saw a lot of dead ones on the side of the road, and hitting a Kangaroo can cause a lot of damage to a vehicle.

There is no public transport on Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island Accommodation

I loved the Lighthouse Keepers cottage we stayed in, and it is affordable as well as a unique option. There are three different options , but we stayed in the basic but comfortable Woodward Hut. Unfortunately due to the devastating bushfires in early 2020, the buildings at Cape Borda are currently closed.

Another budget option is to plan a Kangaroo Island camping trip. There are numerous campsites around the island, including Vivonne Bay, Emu Bay, Kingscote, and Stokes Bay.

The best hotels and lodges to stay in on Kangaroo Island are Lindsays of Kangaroo Island in Penneshaw, KI Dragonfly Guesthouse in Kingscote, Waves & Wildlife Cottages in Stokes Bay, and Villas on the Bay in Kingscote.

If you would rather rent a vacation home, here are my pick of the most highly-rated, affordable, and well-located homes:

• Cozy, Pet-Friendly Two Bedroom With River Views
• Eco-friendly Allure Beach Retreat on Pennington Bay
• Modern Two-Bedroom Home in Bush Setting Close to Vivonne Bay
• La Brisa Stone Cottage with Water Views
• Peaceful Hog Bay Villa With Panoramic Views
• Beautifully Restored Waterfront Pelican Cottage
• Island Breeze Luxury Two Bedroom in Vivonne Bay

Best Time to Visit Kangaroo Island

Due to the mild Kangaroo Island climate, you can visit any time of year, but I would definitely recommend visiting in the summer months from December through to February, or in the shoulder months of November and March.

You want to be able to take full advantage of those Kangaroo Island beaches!

The Best Insurance for Your Kangaroo Island Trip

Make sure you get travel and health insurance before your trip. Safety Wing is my go-to and they are cheap and easy to claim with – it also auto-renews every month unless you turn it off so you don’t have to think about it.

If you liked this post, check out more of my Australia content:

• The Ultimate Itinerary for 5 Days in Sydney
• The Best Sydney Walks
• Best Experiences To Add To Your Cairns Itinerary
• Experiencing Real Autumn in the Blue Mountains of Australia
• Fitzroy Island: A Tropical Escape on the Great Barrier Reef
• Fun Things To Do in Jervis Bay, New South Wales
• Camping and Hiking in the Grampians: Victoria’s Rocky Mountains
• The Great Ocean Road: Is it Overrated?
• Ultimate Bucket List for a Summer in Sydney
• What To Expect on a 3 Day Uluru Tour
• How to Spend One Day in Melbourne

23 Comments on The Best Two Day Kangaroo Island Itinerary

Sounds like a grand adventure! You mentioned that there was no public transport on the island, but was there an option to rent a car? I’m wondering if that would have been cheaper than hauling one on the ferry.

There are rental cars on the island but taking into account the hugely inflated prices and that I would have to arrange transport to the ferry from the airport in Adelaide to the ferry both ways, it was still cheaper to rent from the Adelaide airport. This may have changed now though and if you are planning a Kangaroo Island adventure you should definitely check both options.

The borders are closed so two weeks quarantine on coming into SA before heading to KI

Ok good to know.

Sounds amazing – apart from The Snake.

Yes, I didn’t care for the snake

What?! I want to stay into a tiny cabin in Kangaroo Island too! Are you kidding me? Thanks to you, I’ve found that paradise exists.

Definitely one of the best places I have ever stayed and so cheap!

A place I have been meaning to get to!

Hope you make it there, such an amazing place 🙂

I’ve never heard of this place before but I would so love to go. I love the whole idea of all the wildlife. It must have been amazing – except for the snake of course! 🙂

It is definitely one of the most impressive places I have ever been to in regards to wildlife and scenery. Seeing the snake freaked me out though!

thank you for sharing your adventure. We just booked our trip and added a couple of days there and were a little worried it was just a tourist trap! Looking so forward to our trip!!

I hope you love it as much as I did Janet. I definitely didn’t think it was a tourist trap and we had most of the places we visited largely to ourselves

We made a mistake when booking our stay for 2 nights on Kangaroo island we should have booked it through Sea Link as you get $20 off your accommodation .We went during July which rained a bit .It didn’t bother me because Flinders Chace National park was awesome.The grass in winter is really green like in the UK.Like to return one day and stay for 4 nights.Missed oiut on Little Saharra and Vivonne Bay.Saw heaps of wild life and loved it.It is true you travel to off the beaten track places .They are often better than the tourist attractions.Keep up the great work

I definitely agree Louisa that the off the beaten path places often being better than the tourist attractions.I bet it was even more beautiful when it was green

I hope you will one day become a famous nature photographer.You take awesome photos

Thanks Louisa, that’s very nice of you to say

Booking through Sealink ,you will get a $70 dollar discount not $20

I loved reading this post and getting to know Kangaroo island!! You guys have some really ‘off the beaten path’ adventures! This sounds like my idea of paradise… pristine white sand beaches and being surrounded by wildlife. The bf though, he would probably hate it, ha! I can’t believe how much it costs to get over there though!

Thanks Anna! It was definitely my idea of paradise too. There is lots of luxury accom options too if that would be more up D’s alley? Hopefully the ferry prices will go down at some stage

OMG this place really does look like paradise!! I’ve gotta get back to Australia and visit!

It was so incredible Cory! Can’t believe it’s not well known

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Frugal Travel

My Ultimate 4 day Kangaroo Island itinerary: Top things to do on Kangaroo Island

This post probably contains affiliate links from which I earn a small commission if you buy from them, at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Rugged coastline, pristine beaches, adventure, wildlife and a hella lot of food and wine. Welcome to Kangaroo Island! 

This little island just off the coast of South Australia is truly one of the country’s hidden gems. Heck, I think South Australia in general is, but Kangaroo Island even more so. Sure, there’s Fraser Island on the east coast, and Rottnest Island off the west, but Kangaroo Island… now, this is something else!

Although I only had 4 days on Kangaroo Island, I honestly loved it there. For a small island there is just so much going on and I could easily have spent 10 days there. Tom and I took our camper over on the ferry and it gave us the freedom to see so much there. It’s the perfect place to road trip, away from crowds and full of surprises.

So if you’re looking for a trip to take from South Australia, to somewhere off the beaten track. This is where you need to go! My 4 day Kangaroo Island itinerary gives you everything you need to know about visiting. Hope you enjoy it and get ready to book your adventure!

You might also like:

• 6 Unmissable places to visit on South Australia’s Limestone Coast
• Australian road trip itinerary: 10 incredible places to see between Melbourne and Sydney
• The perfect 3 day Melbourne itinerary for first timers
• How to spend one day on Magnetic Island

Table of Contents

Want to see more of Kangaroo Island? Watch our road trip here!

Top tips to know before you go to Kangaroo Island

• Kangaroo Island is bigger than you may think . In fact, it’s the third biggest island off the coast of Australia. At 150km long and 57km wide, and a coastline 509km long, there’s a hell of a lot crammed in.
• Spring is an awesome time to visit! Tom and I took a trip over at the beginning of September and the scenery was beautiful. It’s also the perfect time to spot seal pups as it’s the breeding season, lambs and calves and if you’re really lucky, maybe even whales migrating past.
• There are sealed roads that loop around and through kangaroo Island, but many are unsealed . Don’t worry though as the island is super 2wd friendly and we had no issues in our heavy little van.
• Things run on small-town-time. By that I mean don’t expect for everything to be open every day of the week, especially out of summer. Some of the restaurants, wineries and breweries are only open late in the week and over the weekend, so be sure to plan accordingly.
• Kangaroo Island really does live up to its name- we saw heaps of roos all over the place, as well as plenty of other wildlife and livestock. I recommend not driving once it starts to get dark , just to be on the safe side.

How to get to Kangaroo Island

SeaLink offers multiple ferries every day making it super easy to get you and your car over to the island. Ferries depart from Cape Jervis, about 90 minutes south of Adelaide and a short 45 minutes later you will arrive. The ferry is really comfy with plenty of seats, a snack bar and free wifi to show off your trip to everyone back home. On a sunny day you’ll get great views on the deck of Kangaroo Island as get closer to it.

If you’re worried about driving your car or in our case, camper, onto the boat then don’t be. the guys at SeaLink are super helpful when it comes to this and give clear instructions and directions about where you need to drive, and will tell you when to stop behind the car in front of you. Only the driver is allowed to be in the car during the process and everyone else will need to walk on.

What’s the best way to get around Kangaroo Island?

As lovers of road trip, it’s no surprise that I’m going to recommend exploring the island in your own vehicle. Taking our camper over was so easy and such a great way to see everything we wanted to in our own time. Tom and I love the flexibility it offers and with so much to see, it’s fantastic to have your own wheels to travel and sleep in. If you don’t own your own vehicle, Vroomvroomvroom is a great car and camper hire company to take a look at. You can search for a camper for your trip here .

Of course, if you don’t have your own car or camper to get you over there, fear not as there are some great tours that will take you around the highlights of Kangaroo Island. As there is so much to see, I highly recommend booking onto at least a 2 day tour   so you really get a good feel of how amazing the island is.

When is the best time of year to visit Kangaroo Island?

As a lover of South Australia, I’m going to say that Kangaroo Island is a great destination all year round. We visited right at the beginning of Spring and it was fantastic. The weather was a little on the cool side but it’s right when the lambs are being born and if you’re lucky, the whales passing by. It was glorious! I’ve heard that summer is the busiest time of year but with so many incredible beaches I completely understand why. However, with plenty of indoor and outdoor options available, I think Kangaroo Island would be great all year round.

Where to stay on Kangaroo Island

North coast.

During my visit I stayed in two parts of the island. For the first night, Tom and I parked up our camper in Stokes Bay at the Stokes Bay Campground. This campsite is a fantastic budget-friendly option and has toilets on site a lovely cafe at the front. It’s only a small site so be sure to call ahead to check availability, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in location and views of Stokes Bay itself.

South Coast

For the remaining two nights, we stayed at Vivonne Bay Lodge and it was such a surprise. Vivonne Bay Lodge is the perfect place to stay if you want all-in-one accommodation. It has a large outdoor seating area, BBQs, common room with games and even kayaks and sandboards you can use. We stayed in a twin room and although we love the van, it was such a treat to be staying under a proper roof. What’s more, is the lodge is a stone through away from the incredible Vivonne Bay and Harriett River as well as some of the island’s top attractions making it perfect for your Kangaroo Island road trip.

Booking.com

Your 4 day Kangaroo Island itinerary

There are so many things to do on Kangaroo Island on a 4 day road trip. Here’s the Kangaroo Island itinerary that I did and absolutely loved. Sadly the weather wasn’t the kindest to us but fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities (especially if you’re a foodie) to see you through the rain.

Day 1: Explore the North coastline

You’ll be spending your first night at Stokes Bay Campground but there are plenty of things to see as you drive there from the ferry terminal in Penneshaw. The north coastline of Kangaroo Island is beautifully rugged but the drive there itself will leave you in awe. Visiting in Spring meant we saw plenty of lambs and calves in the fields- beautiful!

North Coast tip: There aren’t any shops over at this part of the island so be sure to bring groceries and all your essentials with you. There’s an IGA and Drake supermarket in Kingscote near where you get off the ferry, so pop in here to stock up before you make your way along the coast.

Emu Bay for beaches, breweries and brunch

Emu Bay is one of Kangaroo Island’s most famous beaches and the only one you can drive on (if you’re in a 4WD). This beach is a beautiful 5km long sweeping sand beach that’s great for swimming or a stroll and a visit to the little jetty offers a nice view of the beach.

Kangaroo Island is also famous for being an absolute foodie haven. Local produce is everything on the island and it’s teeming with fantastic small business all over. Just down the road from Emu Bay is the dreamy little Emu Bay Lavender. Now, this might sound like a fancy garden more than anything, but here they serve up incredible food such as lavender ice cream, lavender based products and also local ciders which are delicious.

If you’re more of a beer kinda person then you won’t be disappointed with Kangaroo Island Brewery . This cosy place has beautiful views over fields, a log fire if it’s a chilly day (and it was for us) and a delicious selection of their beers to choose from. Tom and I are probably some of the most indecisive people in the world so we shared a tasting paddle to get a bit of everything.

Rugged King George Beach

After indulging in some local food and drinks in the morning, continue your drive along the coast to King George Beach. This beach was a little tricky to find and the roads are fairly steep going down, but our van got us there easily. I have to admit that I love a rugged beach possibly more than sandy ones, so King George Beach was perfect for me. It’s not a huge beach but if you walk around it to the left you’ll see the most incredible rock formations stretching along the coastline.

Stokes Bay on your doorstep

The final stop for day 1 of your Kangaroo Island itinerary is also where you’ll be spending the night. I mentioned before that Stokes Bay campground is a stone throw from the bay itself, and that’s no exaggeration! With only a small carpark separating them, you can’t help but be drawn to it.

Stokes bay is the rocky, pretty bay you’ll see from the campsite and it’s a great spot for both sunset and early in the morning. Don’t miss out on visiting the secret beach here too! Follow the signs through the gap in the rocks to find your way to Stokes Bay Beach. When we visited we only saw 2 other people there the whole time!

Stokes Bay tip: While there may not be any shops around this part of the island, there is a great little cafe at the campsite. the Rockpool Cafe is open 11am-5pm each day and dishes up a great selection of seafood. The cafe also takes the payment for the campsite so you’ll need to be there before it closes to check-in.

Day 2: Get lost in nature at Flinders Chase National Park

A visit to Flinders Chase National Park on the west is definitely one of the top things to do on Kangaroo Island. For the second day of your Kangaroo Island itinerary, you’ll spend the whole day exploring the national park where you’ll have the chance to see some incredible wildlife and delve right into nature.

Flinders Chase can sort of be divided up into two main areas – the bushland and the coastline. Both are beautiful to visit and the day will go super quicky so make sure you plan your time so you don’t miss out.

Take a walk through the wildlife

There are a number of walking tracks that start from the visitor centre so this is a great point to start your day. If you’re looking to spot some of Australia’s famous wildlife (and by that I, of course, mean koalas and kangaroos) then keep your eyes peeled!

I recommend starting with the Platypus Walk, an easy 4.5km loop that guides you along a beautiful trail alongside native plants and waterholes. If you visit at the right time of year you might even be lucky enough to spot a platypus! Unfortunately, we didn’t have any luck but we did see some koalas and a kangaroo chilling in the sun. The Platypus Walk loops on to the Heritage Trail which is a short route through eucalyptus trees and fields full of birdlife.

Flinders Chase tip: To visit the national park you need to purchase a permit from the visitor’s centre when you arrive. Permits cost $11 per adult and gives you access for the full day.

Stop on the road… safely of course!

As you leave the visitor centre to make your way to tha famous Admirals Arch, you’ll take the incredible Cape Du Couedic road. Now, normally I wouldn’t make such a point of stopping on the side of the road, but this stretch through the national park is awesome. There’s a little part to pull in where you can see the steep incline of the road through the trees. It’s the perfect photo spot!

Take in the sea views

At the end of this road you’ll reach the iconic coastal points. Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse is a pretty lighthouse made from local stone that has been guarding the coastline since 1909. The view from here is stunning but it’s just the start of what there is to see here.

Next up, either tack the track from the lighthouse or drive down to Admirals Arch. You will probably have seen photos of this impressive rock structure and trust me, it doesn’t disappoint. Before you even get there though, you’ll be treated to more of Australia’s wildlife. A breeding colony of fur seals lives here and when we were there in spring, the pups were all sleeping on the rocks, right below the boardwalk. Incredible!

Right at the end of the boardwalk is Admirals Arch and even on a fierce weather day, it was spectacular!

To finish the day, take the short drive over to the Remarkable Rocks. These massive rock formations have been carved by nature over the last 500 million years and are awesome to walk through and around. Some of them look so delicately balanced they look like they might fall.

Relax at Vivonne Bay Lodge

The next two nights we spent at Vivonne Bay Lodge and I cannot recommend it enough! It’s in a beautiful location just 800 meters from Vivonne Bay itself and also has fantastic facilities. Tom and I stayed in a twin room and it was so nice to be sheltered out of the rain we got caught in. Within the lodge, there’s a cosy common room with a pool table and log burning fire and outside has a modern undercover deck and BBQs to cook on. Just to top it off, the lodge offers a simple free breakfast to set you up for the day!

Day 3: Get adventurous on the South Coast

The south coast is known for its pristine beaches, wildlife and perhaps surprising sand dunes. Staying at Vivonne Bay Lodge also has an added bonus – access to kayaks, sandboards and bikes! Another perfect place to base yourself on Kangaroo Island.

Make the most of Vivonne Bay Lodge

With Vivonne Bay being so close, why not start your day with a trip to the beach- but with a difference! Take a kayak out along the beautiful Harriet River and you can paddle all the way to the river’s mouth and get some ocean views. If you’re feeling a little less energetic then the beach is just 800m away and is perfect for a walk or some fishing too.

Hit the dunes at Little Sahara

Just a short drive from Vivonne Bay is Little Sahara. I was pretty surprised to learn about these sand dunes but they’re well worth a visit! Here you can hire sandboards and toboggans to slide down the dunes, or as you’re staying at the lodge, can borrow theirs for free. Sadly the weather wasn’t great for this part of our trip so we opted for a walk up to them in between rainfall instead.

Seal Bay for more wildlife

Seal Bay overlooks the Southern Ocean and with its spectacular coastline, you’re in for a double treat from nature. At the Seal Bay Conservation Park you can follow a boardwalk overlooking the sea lions on the beach or if you want to get even closer, you can join a guided tour and get onto the sand and have a closer look.

Day 4: American River, Kingscote and Dudley Peninsular

I’ve mentioned before that Kangaroo island is all about tucking into local produce, and today is the day to really go for it. As the SeaLink ferries run throughout the day back to Cape Jervis, I recommend booking one for late afternoon so you still have the whole day to enjoy things on the last day of your Kangaroo Island road trip.

Clifford’s Honey Farm for ice cream for breakfast

What? You’re on holiday so ice cream for breakfast is perfectly ok! Clifford’s Honey Farm makes all things honey related but if there’s one thing you can’t leave without it’s a pot of their honey ice cream- it’s insane! And don’t pass by their honeycomb either!

Try an oyster

With such an epic coastline, it’s no surprise that there’s plenty of seafood to try on Kangaroo Island. I had been wanted to try oysters for a while so The Oyster Farm Shop was a must for me! This family-run business is in beautiful American River and is opposite the oyster farm where they grow their oysters. The good thing about their shop is that you can try just one, so if you’re a first-timer like me then you don’t have to commit to a plate full to try! I have to admit, they’re not for me but they certainly were as fresh as they come.

Amazing views at Prospect Hill

This is the highest point and in my opinion, one of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island. There are 500 steps to get to the top but when you get there it will have been worth it. Even on an overcast day we could see for miles and also to Pennington Bay nearby.

Bella Cafe and Pizza Bar for lunch

By now you will probably be a bit peckish. Kingscote is a fantastic area to go to for food and with a good selection of restaurants, it’s easy to find something for everyone. We asked a local lady and she recommended Bella cafe to us. After eating their chilli crab linguine I can see why! They have a good range of dishes including lighter sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and a specials board. Everything I saw looked delicious!

Don’t miss out on Dudley wines

Along with incredible wildlife, beaches and food, Kangaroo Island is also famous for its wine! In fact, you probably could spend your entire time here winery-hopping which, quite frankly, sounds pretty awesome. However, if there’s only one cellar door you have time to visit, make it Dudley Wines. Their location on top of the rolling hills overlooking the ocean is insane and they offer a fantastic wine tasting selection. It really is the perfect way to end your Kangaroo Island road trip.

Other places I wish I visited!

4 days on Kangaroo Island is a great amount of time, but I honestly think you could easily spend at least a week here. If you have more time, here’s a list of places I wish I could have fit in:

• Kelly Hill Caves: These underground caves look immense and can be visited via a tour. They are made of limestone and the temperature inside remains the same no matter what the weather outside.
• Western River: This spot on the north coast looks so incredible I’m actually gutted we didn’t get there. Think pristine beaches and turquoise waters and you’ll understand why.
• Kangaroo Island Spirits: These guys are making some awesome and award winnings gins, vodkas and liqueurs and it’s simply another aspect of an incredible island to experience if you can.
• Cape Willoughby Lighthouse: Not only is this a beautiful lighthouse (because who doesn’t love a lighthouse?) but here you can actually stay in the lighthouse keepers cottage. Imagine the views you would wake up to here!
• More cellar doors: With over 10 cellar doors and wineries on this little island, it would have been great to try some more of what’s being produced here. But if I ever needed an excuse to go back…

Phew, that was a bit of a mega guide to the top things to do on Kangaroo Island, but I hope I’ve shown just how much there is to do here. So who’s ready to book that ferry and escape the crowds?

Like it? Pin it for later!

A big thank you to SeaLink and Vivonne Bay Lodge for hosting our trip to Kangaroo Island. As always, all opinions and views are completely my own.

30 Awesome budget friendly and free things to do in Darwin

6 Fantastic things to do in Litchfield National Park

You may also like.

Ultimate Adelaide to Melbourne Drive via the Great Ocean Road

A guide to Wilsons Prom and some unmissable spots to explore

Top 2WD friendly and FREE things do in Shark Bay, WA

Leave a reply cancel reply.

The Ultimate Kangaroo Island 2-Day Itinerary

Kate’s Wanderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Looking for the best Kangaroo Island 2-day Itinerary? You’re in the right spot!

Kangaroo Island is a destination that should not be missed by anyone visiting Australia. Located off the South Australian coast of Adelaide, this stunning island is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, natural beauty, and adventure. With only two days to explore, it’s important to plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time.

This article will provide a suggested adventure for the best Kangaroo Island 2-day itinerary. From visiting national and conservation parks to relaxing on pristine beaches and seeing kangaroos and other native Australian animals up close, this itinerary has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of Kangaroo Island.

BEST KANGAROO ISLAND TOUR

Why choose this tour? Explore Kangaroo Island’s rugged bushlands on an exciting quad-bike tour. Follow your guide on one of four itineraries lasting from 1.5 to 3 hours.

🔍 Table of Contents

Kangaroo Island 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: visit flinders chase national park & seal bay.

Visit Flinders Chase National Park, located on the island’s western end. Stroll through the park’s walking trails, and you’ll be surrounded by some of the island’s most stunning natural features.

Discover Flinders Chase National Park

✔️ remarkable rocks.

These rocks are a collection of giant granite boulders shaped by millions of years of erosion and weathering, resulting in unique and striking formations that are unlike anything else.

The Remarkable Rocks are located on the western end of Kangaroo Island in Flinders Chase National Park. The rocks are on a large granite outcropping surrounded by dense vegetation and stunning ocean views. They are thought to be over 500 million years old and have been shaped by wind, rain, and waves over countless millennia.

The rocks are famous for their unique shapes and textures, which the elements have carved into them. Some of the most striking features of the Remarkable Rocks include their twisted and contorted forms, their smooth, polished surfaces, and their vibrant colours, which range from deep reds and oranges to pale yellows and creams.

In addition to their natural beauty, the Remarkable Rocks also have a rich cultural and historical significance. They are sacred to the local Aboriginal people, who believe that the spirits of their ancestors created them. The rocks were also a popular spot for early European explorers, who used them as navigational landmarks and a source of fresh water.

Today, the Remarkable Rocks are one of the most popular tourist attractions on Kangaroo Island, drawing visitors worldwide who marvel at their stunning beauty and unique formations. Visitors can explore the rocks on foot, following a series of walking trails that wind through the granite outcropping and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

💡 Pssst… did you know you can now have me design a custom itinerary especially for you? Simply fill out the contact form here , and we’ll get started right away on a unique vacation that caters to your personal travel style and preferences!

✔️ Admirals Arch

The arch was formed over thousands of years of erosion as the mighty waves of the Southern Ocean gradually wore away at the soft sandstone cliffs. The arch is a stunning natural bridge, spanning over 30 meters (100 feet) in length and reaching a height of 8 meters (26 feet) at its highest point. It is shaped like a horseshoe framed by towering cliffs on either side.

What makes Admirals Arch truly remarkable, however, is the colony of New Zealand fur seals that call it home. The arch provides the perfect habitat for these animals, with its sheltered cove and abundant food supply. Visitors to the arch can often spot the seals sunbathing on the rocks or frolicking in the waves below.

✔️ Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse, built in 1909, offers panoramic views of the coastline and is a great spot for whale watching during the winter months.

✔️ Weirs Cove

This secluded cove was once used as a loading point for the now-extinct Cape Barren goose and is now a popular spot for picnics and wildlife watching.

✔️ Platypus Waterholes

These tranquil pools offer a chance to spot the elusive platypus in the wild.

✔️ Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and bird species such as the glossy black cockatoo.

✔️ Snake Lagoon

This picturesque lagoon is a great spot for fishing, bird-watching, and hiking.

✔️ Vivonne Bay

Just 30 minutes from Flinders Chase National Park is the famous Vivonne Bay. It was once declared the best beach in Australia, offering a picturesque setting of a U-shaped beach stretching over six kilometres. It boasts pristine white sands and calm waves.

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Located on the southern coast of the island. Here, you’ll be able to see sea lions up close and personal. Take a guided tour to learn more about these incredible animals and their habitat.

Finish off your first day by checking out one of the local restaurants on the island. There are plenty of options, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try some of the island’s famous seafood, like oysters or fish and chips.

Day 2: Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

Start your second day with a visit to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. Here, you’ll be able to see kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and other native Australian animals up close. The park offers guided tours and animal encounters, allowing visitors to get closer to the animals.

In the afternoon, head over to Stokes Bay. This secluded beach is known for its crystal-clear water and pristine white sand. Go for a swim, relax on the beach, or explore the rock pools. You can also take a walk along the nearby walking trails for stunning views of the coastline.

You can also explore Emu Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The beach features pristine white sand and crystal-clear water, making it the perfect spot for swimming or sunbathing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the bay from a different perspective.

Wrap up your 2-day Kangaroo Island adventure with a sunset hike up Prospect Hill. The hike takes approximately 30 minutes and offers stunning island and ocean views.

About Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a beautiful and diverse island located off the coast of South Australia . Australia’s third-largest island has a unique range of flora and fauna, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, and various bird species.

The island has stunning coastal scenery, including rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and clear blue waters. Visitors can also explore national parks, caves, and historical sites and taste delicious local produce, such as seafood, wine, and honey. Kangaroo Island is a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape.

How to Get to Kangaroo Island

There are several ways to get to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide:

⛴️ By Ferry: The most popular way to get to Kangaroo Island is by taking a ferry from Cape Jervis, about a 90-minute drive from Adelaide. The ferry journey takes about 45 minutes to Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island’s main town.

✈️ By Plane: You can also take a domestic flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island’s Kingscote Airport, the island’s main airport. Rex Airlines cancelled their operation from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport. Qantas, however, still operates regular flights.

🚗 By Car: Another option is to drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis and take your car on the ferry to Kangaroo Island. Alternatively, you can hire a car on Kangaroo Island to explore the island at your own pace.

Things to Do on Kangaroo Island

1. Kangaroo Island Quad Bike (ATV) Tours

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – With more than 1,000 positive reviews! 

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: Approximately 2-3 hours

Experience an exciting quad bike tour of Kangaroo Island by zooming through dirt tracks, splashing across muddy trails, and exploring off-road paths. Your easy-to-operate ATV will take you through the rugged Australian bushlands as you follow your guide on one of four itineraries lasting between 1.5 to 3 hours.

Guide Sam was knowledgeable and friendly. Quad bike easy to ride and felt safe. Learned about yakkas and plant survival after the fires. Had a fun time. -joann (see more reviews)

You can choose to visit stunning beaches and breathtaking viewpoints, challenge yourself on sand and gravel tracks, or enjoy the picturesque scenery on a sunset tour. The best part is that everyone can participate, as no experience or license is required. Along with the thrill of riding an ATV, you’ll have the opportunity to view native Australian wildlife in its natural habitat. If you opt for a specific tour, you’ll even visit a remote beach that is a top surfing spot in Australia. For families, there’s an option to let the kids try riding the ATV for a fun-filled adventure. Safety equipment, expert guidance, and ATVs are included in the tour.

2. Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – With more than 300 positive reviews! 

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 75 minutes

Include an exciting boating excursion on your Kangaroo Island trip by joining a daily wildlife tour that sets off from Christmas Cove Marina. Your experienced guide not only shares valuable insights about the local wildlife and conservation initiatives but also helps you discover sea creatures that may be difficult to spot without professional assistance.

Friendly crew and great morning on the water. Getting to see a pod of dolphins up close was pretty special. -lisa (see more reviews)

With life jackets, binoculars, and a group size of no more than 12 individuals, you can be assured of a personalized and comfortable adventure.

3. Buggy Tour at Little Sahara

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – With more than 90 positive reviews! 

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours

Explore inaccessible areas of Kangaroo Island on a thrilling buggy tour of the Little Sahara dunes. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and a small group of fellow adventure seekers, you’ll spend two hours discovering the untamed beauty of the island. Marvel at the sight of ancient gum trees, catch a glimpse of koalas in their natural habitat and be awestruck by the rugged cliffs and breathtaking coastline. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a pristine and secluded beach.

Thrilling ride on the dunes worth every dollar. Joel was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had so much fun and would highly recommend. Perfect way to end our little trip on KI. -halina (see more reviews)

This small-group tour ensures personalized attention and eliminates the risk of getting lost as you ride through scenic terrain. Additionally, helmets and goggles will be provided for your safety. This is a must-do activity for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Kangaroo Island Snorkeling Safari

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars – With more than 100 positive reviews! 

Include a thrilling water adventure in your Kangaroo Island itinerary by signing up for a snorkelling tour from Christmas Cove Marina. A guide will be available to ensure that you’ll visit the best locations for viewing wildlife, such as dolphins and long-nosed seals.

An amazing experience, we saw both the dolphins and the seals. Of course its difficult to catch up with the dolphins but still it was fun to see them. -joanna (see more reviews)

Your experienced guide also provides live commentary about the animals and ongoing conservation efforts, along with wetsuits, snorkelling gear, and sunscreen to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

5. Kangaroo Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour

Experience more than just wildlife on Kangaroo Island with an all-inclusive food and wine tour that offers the convenience of a designated driver. This tour lets you taste the island’s produce, including Kangaroo Island cider, wines, spirits, and liqueurs from artisan producers. Enjoy a delicious and flavorful lunch at Cactus Café and discover local honey and eucalyptus products. With a group size capped at just six travellers, you can expect a personalized experience that allows you to meet new people.

Amazing experience. We swam with Dolphins and Seals. The crew was great, very professional and safe. Definitely recommend -alex (see more reviews)

The small-group tour also reduces time pressure and makes it easier to navigate backcountry roads. Your professional driver and 4WD vehicle will ensure a smooth ride, and the tour is flexible enough to drop you off at your hotel, the ferry terminal, or the airport.

The tour includes tastings of award-winning wines and gins, making it a perfect opportunity to savour the island’s finest culinary offerings.

6. Kangaroo Island Evening and Night Tour

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – With more than 60 positive reviews! 

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-3 hours

Embark on an exciting after-dark adventure and discover the captivating nocturnal world of Kangaroo Island. Join a 4WD safari guided by an experienced expert and observe tammar wallabies, brush-tailed possums, and western grey kangaroos in their natural habitat.

Luca was very knowledgeable and certainly knew how to find the sometimes elusive native animals.The star show was great too -peter (see more reviews)

Keep your eyes peeled and you may even catch a glimpse of boobook owls or echidnas. This night tour is perfect for families and is particularly popular with kids. With a small-group tour, you can expect a personalized experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wildlife of Kangaroo Island.

7. Kangaroo Island Hop On Hop Off Wine Tour

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – With more than 20 positive reviews! 

For travellers who enjoy the flexibility of independent travel but also appreciate the convenience of a guided tour, the hop-on hop-off tour of Kangaroo Island is a perfect choice. With eight stops along the route, you can discover the island’s top food and drink experiences at your own pace.

Had a great day. Lunch at Lavender Farm was excellent. Nikki was informative and fun. Wine and gin stops were interesting and not rushed -maureen (see more reviews)

Choose where to get off, linger longer, or skip entirely. Indulge in a leisurely lunch or sample some fine wines along the way. Forget the hassle of driving around the island and instead, stop where you want for as long as you like. The buses operate between 10 am and 5 pm, giving you ample time to explore the island’s delights.

8. Kangaroo Island Self-Guided Kayaking

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours

Embark on a 4-hour kayaking adventure around Kangaroo Island with this self-guided tour. Upon picking up your single or double kayaks, head out to the serene Harriet River for a relaxing cruise around Vivonne Bay. Leave behind the crowds and immerse yourself in the picturesque surroundings of dense forests and sandy beaches while keeping an eye out for colourful birds and koalas in the trees. Enjoy up to four hours of leisurely paddling on the calm waters of the Harriet River and observe the diverse wildlife such as fish and various bird species.

Great day out kayaking with friends. It was a very windy day but KI Outdoor Adventure staff were very helpful with information and tips for a good experience on the river. -cathie (see more reviews)

Your equipment, including kayak, backrest, paddle, and life jacket, will be provided, along with information about the river. Choose between a single or double kayak for a comfortable and personalized experience.

Where to Stay on Kangaroo Island?

If you’re thinking of flying to Kangaroo Island, these accommodations are near Kingscote Airport:

1. Kangaroo Island Bayview Villas

• ⭐ Rating: 8.3 out of 10
• 🏆 Known for Location, free parking
• 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com

Kangaroo Island Bayview Villas is a self-contained accommodation situated on a hillside overlooking Nepean Bay and Kingscote town, providing a private patio and BBQ facilities for guests.

What I think…this is the best spot to stay in kangaroo island, , I been came three time in kangaroos island stay different place , this bayview villa is extraordinary and sensational for family tour.. -patel ( see more reviews)

Just a 10-minute walk from the waterfront, the villas have a 42-inch flat-screen TV and a DVD player. The air-conditioned villas feature fully equipped kitchens with ovens and dishwashers, 2 bathrooms, laundry facilities, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Emu Bay and Kingscote Airport are 15 15-minute away, while the Kelly Hill Caves are 1 hour away.

2. Bayview Beach House Apartment No 1

• ⭐ Rating: 8.9 out of 10
• 🏆 Known for: Location, sea view

Bayview Beach House Apartment No. 1 is situated in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island and boasts a garden and free private parking. This air-conditioned apartment offers a terrace with stunning sea views. It has 3 bedrooms, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and a coffee machine.

Excellent property which provided everything you could possibly need! -ian (see more reviews)

There are 2 bathrooms with showers and hairdryers, and a flat-screen TV and DVD player is provided for guests’ entertainment. The nearest airport is Kingscote Airport, which is located 14 km away from the apartment.

3. Villas on the Bay Kingscote

• ⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10
• 🏆 Known for: Location, comfortable bed, airport shuttle

Villas on the Bay Kingscote , situated in Kingscote, offer barbecue facilities on-site. All air-conditioned units feature a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette equipped with a microwave, toaster, fridge, stovetop, and kettle, and a private bathroom with a bath or shower and complimentary toiletries.

This is the best villa to spend your Kangaroo Island 2-day itinerary at.

looked brand new. big 2 bedroom apartment. absolutely spotless. -debbie (see more reviews)

Some units include a seating area and/or terrace. Towels are provided, and grocery delivery service is also available.

If you choose to take a ferry, these accommodations are in Penneshaw near the Ferry Terminal:

4. Kepals on the Coast – Kangaroo Island

• 🏆 Known for: Location, beachfront, family rooms

Kepals on the Coast – Kangaroo Island boasts stunning sea views and offers accommodations with a garden and a balcony, situated approximately 1.2 km away from Penneshaw Beach. This property, located right on the beach, provides guests with access to a terrace, complimentary private parking, and free WiFi.

Location was wonderful. Very relaxing watching the ocean. The house had everything we needed. -lynette (see more reviews)

The holiday home is air-conditioned and includes three bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and a coffee machine, and one bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Additionally, towels and bed linen are provided.

Little Conguinar Beach is 2.3 km from the holiday home, while Christmas Cove Marina is 500 m away. Kingscote Airport is the nearest airport, 49 km from Kepals on the coast of Kangaroo Island.

5. Seashells Penneshaw

• ⭐ Rating: 9.7 out of 10
• 🏆 Known for: Location, sea view, family rooms

Seashells Penneshaw is in Penneshaw and offers a patio with sea views, a garden, and barbecue facilities. It is near Penneshaw Beach and just a 13-minute walk from Christmas Cove Marina, perfect for your Kangaroo Island 2-day itinerary.

The holiday home provides free private parking and is situated where guests can enjoy activities like hiking and fishing.

The accommodation was very good. Location was fantastic 👌 .Everything was there, Linen was very good and also nice fluffy bath towels. Very friendly Hosts as well . Well done 👏 -amanda (see more reviews)

The air-conditioned holiday home features four bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a kettle, and two bathrooms with a shower and a bath. Guests are provided with towels and bed linen during their stay.

Kingscote Airport is the nearest airport, situated 51 km away from the holiday home.

Kangaroo Island 2-Day Itinerary FAQs

How many days do you need in kangaroo island.

To fully experience the island and its attractions, spending at least 2-3 days on Kangaroo Island is generally recommended. This will allow you to explore the island’s natural wonders, wildlife, and local food and wine scene.

However, if you have more time available, you could easily spend a week or more on the island, as there is much to see and do.

What month is best for Kangaroo Island?

The best time to visit Kangaroo Island largely depends on your preferences and interests. However, generally, the months between September and November (spring) and March to May (autumn) are considered the best times to visit Kangaroo Island as the weather is mild and pleasant, and the island is less crowded.

During these seasons, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching without the extreme heat or cold of the summer and winter months.

Additionally, spring and autumn are ideal times for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive during these seasons. However, it’s worth noting that the island can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own unique experiences.

The Wrap-Up: Kangaroo Island 2-Day Itinerary

In conclusion, Kangaroo Island is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Australia . This Kangaroo Island 2-day itinerary will give you a taste of some of the island’s best attractions, including Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Emu Bay, and Prospect Hill. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Kangaroo Island has something for everyone.

Meet Kate. She's been exploring Australia since 2018, living in different states and soaking up all it has to offer. Australia is her main focus, but she's also had some great trips abroad. Follow along to get top tips and discover hidden spots, both in Australia and beyond.

Kangaroo Island itinerary: A 5 Day relaxed pace visit

This Kangaroo Island itinerary is long enough to allow you to explore the main sites on Australia’s third-biggest island and enjoy the experiences it offers at a relaxed pace. If you are wondering how many days you should spend on Kangaroo Island we think five days here is perfect. We road tested this itinerary to make sure there is time to taste all the amazing local produce, relax at the beach, take in the spectacular views and meet some of the wildlife.

A Self Drive Tour of Kangaroo Island

Our kangaroo island itinerary map, day 1 – penneshaw, american river and kingscote, day 2 – emu bay to western kangaroo island, day 3 – flinders chase national park day, day 4 – vivonne bay, cape willoughby, penneshaw, day 5 – sealink sip and see day tour, so what did we think of our visit to kangaroo island.

This page may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy  for more information.

After collecting our hire car in Adelaide, we made our way to Cape Jervis ferry terminal via an overnight in Port Elliot . By doing this, we could squeeze in some brief visits to the popular tourist towns of Handorf, Strathalbyn and Victor Harbor. We chose to spend the night at Port Elliot YHA, allowing us a little extra time in this pretty town. You could make the drive from Adelaide if you are happy for an early start; it takes about two hours, or stay somewhere along the beautiful Fleurieu Coast for a shorter drive.

When planning the order for our KI Itinerary we chose our stops so we had plenty of opportunities to stock up on local goodies at the beginning of the trip for our two days in Western KI, where there are no shops or restaurants. 

You could easily reverse the itinerary if bad weather were coming and do the island’s Western end on your sunniest days.

We have saved all the spots we stopped at on this map. You can download it and save it to your phone for use on your road trip.

Key sites: The Oyster Farm, Kangaroo Island Spirits, KI Brewery, Shoal Bay Wines, Kingscote Total: 80km

Today is all about food, wine and local produce; the island is just as famous for its food and wine as it is for its natural beauty. Following this itinerary on your first day means you have supplies ready to go for the rest of your road trip. This is especially important for visiting the western end of the island, where there are virtually no shops or cafes.

Arrive at Penneshaw on an early Sealink Ferry . The 9am would be the latest we would choose. The ferry takes about 45 minutes, meaning you are ready to explore before 11am!

Once you arrive at the Penneshaw ferry terminal you can drop in at the nearby IGA for supplies, but unless you are reversing the itinerary wait until you get to Kingscote where you will find a full-size Drake supermarket with mainland prices.

For us, the first stop was the Visitors Centre. I am almost physically unable to pass these places without stopping. They always have the best information on current conditions and paper maps, which are a good idea on an island with really patchy internet coverage!

American River

From Penneshaw is just a 30-minute drive to American River. The area was one of the first settled on the island and was named after US whalers who based themselves here in 1803. It’s a top spot for fishing and eating seafood.

American River is not actually a river but the name of the town

The Oyster Farm Shop

We planned to have brunch at the Oyster Farm Shop and wanted to do the 10.30am guided tour but arrived a little late. You really need to be on an earlier ferry to make the tour on time.

Still, the staff were happy to answer our questions and there was plenty of fresh seafood ready to eat, so we were sorted!

If oysters are not your thing, we suggest you head to The Deck Cafe on the Wharf, where we had a great coffee.

The next two stops are for the drinkers–if that is not you, you might like to Emu Bay Beach for a walk or swim.

Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS)

Well known for their fabulous gin, the international award-winning KI Spirits was Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery. Today they also distil vodka and several liqueurs, including a Limoncello. Free tastings are on offer, but if you are a gin lover, you might like to book a table in the garden and try one of their cocktails or a flight of gin. You can book in here.

Kangaroo Island Brewery

If you’re more of a beer drinker, stop in at KI Brewery. They make several ales, a ginger wheat beer, a stout and a Mexican style brew. They offer food truck style eats that change daily – check their site for details.

You likely have time for both if you are undecided.

One last stop – because we had read about this winery on the hill with sea views that was just minutes out of Kingscote.

Bay of Shoals Wines

Only a 5-minute drive from Kingscote is a must-see. The vines grow on a hill overlooking the Bay of Shoals. They offered both red or white tastings and had lovely grounds. I did a white tasting, and it was my favourite of the vineyards we visited.

The top choice here for me was the Arinto, a wine I had not heard of before. It went perfectly with seafood, and we quickly wished we had bought more than one bottle. Along with great wine and friendly staff, the vineyard is set on rolling hills that fall away to the ocean, making it a lovely spot to add to your itinerary. This was a favourite local wine on the trip.

Kingscote Shopping

Kingscote has the largest number of shops on the island. Along with a large supermarket, there is a newsagency, large gift store, charity shop and clothing and hardware supplies. Island Honey on the main road into town and Drake supermarket round out the supply shopping.

Dinner : Bella Cafe and Pizza Bar–We had a fantastic pasta dinner here, and it was obviously very popular with locals.

Overnight Kingscote: A one-bedroom apartment at Ozone would be our choice. We missed out and ended up in one of their older rooms, which I would not recommend, but the property is well located and the apartments lovely.

Alternatively, the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge at American River is an excellent choice for a honeymoon or special occasion trip. It’s actually a good midway point, 30 minutes from Kingscote and 30 minutes from Penneshaw, and 50 minutes from Seal Bay.

Keys sites – Emu Bay, Stokes Bay, Schelling Beach, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park – Total: 152km

Today, we took most of the day to make our way to the island’s western end via northern beaches before arriving in Western KI for our overnight stay.

We departed Kingscote at 8.30 and took the North Coast Road. The plan was to arrive at Emu Bay Lavender Farm in time for opening and breakfast (from 9am). Along the way, you pass a salt lagoon which may be worth a stop depending on the weather. We gave it a miss cause we had a big day ahead but our friend Joanne wrote about her visit.

We made a brief detour to the beach here and had a quick look around before moving on to breakfast.

Emu Bay Lavendar Farm

Only a 3-minute drive from the beach, the Emu Bay Lavender Farm sells a vast range of products, but it was a photo of their breakfast on Instagram that got it on our list. There is a lovely cafe serving breakfast and lunch and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

After your meal, you can wander among the rows of lavender in the front garden.

But don’t eat too much because the next stop is Stokes Bay – the beach you reach by walking between tight-fitting rocks.

Stokes Bay – The hidden beach

Stokes Bay is the sort of place you may not find if you don’t know about it. There is a covered BBQ area here, so if you prefer to cook up your own breakfast, you could do that. We discovered Stokes Bay Beach after a friend visited and shared it on Facebook. When you arrive at the car park, you see a bay surrounded by rocks at one end. Head to the rocks, and you will spy a sign that says “beach” if you didn’t know if you might think the sign was a joke. Keep walking, and you will see a worn path. Follow it between the rocks. It gets pretty narrow in a couple of spots, but it’s short and easy to manage.

Even on the overcast, showery day we visited, Stokes Bay was a beautiful spot. Here’s what it looks like under blue skies. The entry to the beach is between the rocks near the people in the photo below.

If you are comfortable driving on dirt roads, you can continue to Snelling Beach (15km). This is a popular beach for 4WD owners, as you can drive down onto the sand. The beach itself looks beautiful. However, we didn’t do this as the rain had set in, and we didn’t want to risk it in our hire car.

Once done, head back the way you came to Stokes Bay Road and then onto the Playford Highway for the trip to the west of the island.

Alternatively, if you are not comfortable driving on unsealed roads after breakfast, head back towards Kingscote and take the Playford Highway via Parndana, where you can stop and visit the KI Wildlife Park. From here, there is a sealed road down to Stokes Bay, and the round trip is actually no longer this way than along the unsealed road.

While there were kangaroos and wallabies around the island, we spotted more along the side of Stokes Bay Road than anywhere else we drove. We also spotted a couple of echidnas from the car who moved quickly when we stopped to snap a photo. It was 11am by now, so we were pretty surprised there were so many by the roadside.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

As you make your way west, you drive past Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. The park has several animal shows and offers the chance to hold a koala. We didn’t stop because we have visited lots of parks and were planning to see animals in the wild at Hanson Bay in the evening. However, if you are travelling with kids or are an international visitor, this is an excellent place to spend a few hours.

We made a brief stop in Parndana and there is a small shop and cafe but unless you need something specific I would give it a miss.

Cape Borda Lighthouse

If you have made good time, you can drive out to Cape Borda Lighthouse. Once you leave the highway, it’s a dirt road, and according to the locals we spoke to has not been very well graded since the fires. The weather was bad, so we decided against it, apparently, it takes about 30 minutes each way.

The last stop for today is Western KI Caravan Park. Try to arrive before dusk for the best chance of spotting the park’s resident koalas. They have a small shop that sells basics, everything you need for a BBQ too. It shuts at 5pm.

Overnight : Western KI Caravan Park or Hanson Bay Beachfront Cabin

We think Western KI Caravan Park is a brilliant choice, thanks to Curious Campers for recommending it! There are cabins and powered/unpowered sites available. The shiny new camp kitchen is one of the biggest and best we have ever seen.

The park has its own wildlife walk on site, you can spot koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and echidna without leaving. The staff are really friendly and have done a great job making it such a pleasant place to stay. Nature lovers and anyone planning some hiking in the area will find this a perfect home base.

Key sites today: Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Hanson Bay – 70km

Today there is time for a lazy start because we are staying just a few minutes’ drive from the entry to the park. Keen photographers might like to make an early start for sunrise at Remarkable Rocks – we slept lol.

Flinders Chase National Park

After a home-cooked breakfast, we made our way to the Flinders Chase National Park visitors’ centre to check which parts of the park were open. There is an $11 per person entry fee, which you can pay online before you arrive or use the machines in the car park. The Visitors Centre will accept payment between 9am-5pm.

Over 90% of the park was burnt in the 2019-2020 bushfires, but it really surprised us to see how much of the vegetation has grown back. The best-known parts of the park have reopened, and there is plenty here to keep you busy.

Note : There are only two toilet blocks left in the park, one here and the other at Cape Du Couedic car park. There is also no food or drink for sale in the park. The caravan park just before the entry sells drinks, ice creams and some snacks if you have not packed lunch and plan on staying the whole day.

Bunker Hill Lookout

The first stop for us was Bunker Hill Lookout. From here, you can take in the devastation that fires caused, and you can also see the amount of recent growth.

Cape Du Couedic road

This undulating stretch of road you have likely seen on Kangaroo Island advertising and Instagram. The best place to stop and take your own photo is somewhere near the beginning of the road. There is no official pullover space, so just find somewhere where coming cars will see you and jump out for a quick shot. It’s not busy so should be no problem.

It’s decision time – from here you can head to either Remarkable Rocks or Admirals Arch. Choose depending on the weather and the time. Crowds at Admirals Arch are less of an issue and won’t spoil your photos. If it’s early to mid-morning I suggest the rocks first. They look best when the light hits them side on than from above.

Remarkable Rocks

Remarkable Rocks are the biggest draw card to the park. This lichen-covered rock formation sitting on the cliff edge overlooking the Southern Ocean is front and centre of almost all tourism South Australia material.

We headed to here first to make the most of the morning light. It’s also best to visit before the day tour buses arrive.

As we approached, it surprised us how small they looked from the road but once you are on standing on the cliff, you can feel their magnificence. Walk right around them. I am not sure how many photos I took but none of them is as good as they look in person.

Retrace your steps to the main road and follow the signs to Admirals Arch. The first stop in this part of the park is Weirs Cove.

When the lighthouse keepers and their families lived at the cape, they only received supplies once every three months. A steamer sailed into the Weirs Cove from Adelaide and they winched goods up using a flying fox. You can see the remains of the fox and the storage sheds here.

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

Built between 1906-1909 and is named after a famous French sea captain Charles Louis, Chevalier du Couedic de Kergoualer. The stone structure is in fabulous condition, although you can not go inside sadly. I can only imagine the view you would have around Kangaroo Island from here.

On the way to the lighthouse, you pass three cottages. These were occupied by lighthouse keepers and their families until they automated the lighthouse in the late 1950s. They are available for rent if you fancy a secluded stay on the island.

Admirals Arch

You can walk the 750m track from the lighthouse to Admirals Arch or drive down to the car park that is just a 2-minute walk away.

From the car park, a wooden boardwalk takes you down onto the top of the cliff and then a few sets of stairs to reach the Admirals Arch itself.

At the bottom of the first set of stairs, you see a grassy area before a rock shelf. Take a few minutes here and wait for some movement. It took my eyes a couple of seconds to adjust, but when Charlie pointed out the seals sunning themselves on the rocks 200m away. They blended right in, especially with the overcast sky. I instantly forgot we came here to see a rock formation. There were seals enough moving about to captivate us for a little while.

Fur Seal Lookout

Seal Bay Conservation Park is home to Australia Sea Lions, but it’s here you will actually spot seals. Confusing or what?

While this cape best place to see New Zealand fur seals on Kangaroo Island, Fur Seal Lookout itself delivered none for us. They were all on the rock shelves at nearby Admirals Arch!

With the rest of the park still being rehabilitated, many of the walks are closed; we had hoped to visit Platypus Waterholes Walk, which is due to reopen soon. However, after a couple of busy days, we spent the afternoon back at the caravan park relaxing before sunset.

Depending on when you visit you may be able to include a stop at Kelly Hill caves or Kelly Hill Conservation Park if they have reopened. Rehabilitation work is ongoing, but a tour of the caves has always been a popular item on a Kangaroo Island itinerary and we would suggest you see if it’s a possibility for your visit.

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

The last major attraction on this end of the island is located just east of the caravan park.

I suggest you book a sunset Nocturnal Adventure Tour at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary spot Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroos, Echidnas, Bats and Possums in the wild.

Late afternoon is the best time to see wildlife in their natural habitat, but this evening tour takes things one step further; you will learn so much from the guides. This tour starts at sunset and runs for 90 minutes.

Along with the wildlife, you also get to experience the Great Southern Skies without light pollution. Being virtually next door to the caravan park means no long drive home; always a bonus, when the chance of meeting roos on the road is a high risk like it is on Kangaroo Island.

Overnight: Western KI Caravan Park – if you want something a little more upmarket Hanson Bay Cabins have recently reopened.

Key sites today: Vivonne Bay, Seal Bay Conservation Park, Pennington Bay Beach, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse 190km

Today we are exploring some of Kangaroo Islands’ most beautiful beaches, the pace can be pretty relaxed, and you have time to add a tour at Little Sahara if you fancy an adrenalin hit. If you need to squash this 5-day itinerary into 4 days, start early and skip Little Sahara

We felt the best beaches on KI were on the south side of the island. The white sand at Vivonne Bay contrasts perfectly with the turquoise sea, making it easy to see why this beach constantly makes Australia’s best beaches list. It’s a tranquil spot to spend some time, and there is plenty of accommodation here if you decided you wanted to stay awhile. Even on a pretty wintry day, we found it hard to tear ourselves away from this view.

Along with checking out the beach, we drove out to the point to see the view from near the Vivonne Bay Jetty.

While the beach at Vivonne Bay is world-famous for its beauty, it’s the fish burger at the Vivonne Bay General Store that got our attention first – every single review or video we watched on what to see on Kangaroo island seemed to include a stop here. I wondered exactly how good this fish burger could be to garner such high praise.

It was early in the day, so we split one, a good decision as it was really filling. It was quite good, and I would certainly recommend you try one, but I wonder if being the only food in 50km has added to its popularity.

Optional detour: A morning of adventure

If you have an adventurous side and fancy spending some time on the sand dunes, there are two options, Little Sahara and Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action, both minutes from Vivonne Bay.

Both companies have eco-certification and have won many awards, so it really comes down to who is offering what you want.

• Little Sahara has fat bike and buggy tours of the sand dunes, tobogganing and sandboarding hire and tours and Koala walks for the less adventurous.
• KI Outdoor Action has quad bike hire, sand boarding and kayak tours and kayak hire.

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Seal Bay Conservation Park is another of the must-sees on any Kangaroo Island itinerary. Both guided tours and self-guided visits are available. If you take a guided tour, your ticket includes access to the self-guided boardwalk.

We had intended to go on a tour, but we ended up on the boardwalk because we had just missed a tour, and the next one was booked out. We had not checked the tour times online – I suggest you do this – you can book up until one day before.

The boardwalk experience was great though, and we didn’t feel we missed out too badly. There were several sea lions playing in the dunes at the beach end of the boardwalk and we spent about 45 minutes along the walkway over the beach watching about five seals and their pups playing.

We took this shot from the boardwalk on our phone; while you might get better shots from the guided tours, we got to see these beautiful creatures just metres away from us, even on the boardwalk tour. The centre is open daily from 9am – 5pm daily (except Christmas Day), with the last entry at 4pm. There are about nine tours a day which seems like plenty of chances, but only 8 people can join each tour, so they book out quickly. Book online if you don’t want to miss out.

Time to head to Penneshaw.

Prospect Hill

About 20 minutes before you reach Penneshaw, you will pass Prospect Hill, a lookout that offers one of Kangaroo Island’s best views. This is the same view that Matthew Flinders observed on his visit in 1802.

It takes a bit of work to climb the 385 or 500 stairs depending on who you ask, we didn’t count, but it’s a LOT of steps. Just think about all the extra goodies you have been eating and get walking!

If you’re peckish after the walk, there are several cafes here; we went to Millie Mae’s Pantry for coffee and cake. They have plenty of seating and a little gift shop if you need a last-minute present.

Dinner: We dined at the Penneshaw Hotel – the meals were huge, and they had an impressive wine list. Highly recommend dinner here.

Before or after dinner, depending on the season, you can join a Penguin Walk . These one-hour tours are $25 for adults and $15 for concessions and kids over 5 years. They supply you with a penguin friendly headlamp and request no flash photos.

Overnight Penneshaw – Kangaroo Island Seafront is a great choice with King rooms and 1-3 bedroom villas

Key sites today: Raptor Domain, Cliffords Honey Farm, Emu Eucalyptus Distillery, Pennington Bay Beach, False Cape Wines

On day five, we did a Kangaroo Island day tour with Sealink. Called Sip and See , this food and wine experience gave us a chance to learn.

You might wonder why we did a tour after spending so long exploring alone. Well, first, it gave charlie a chance to take a break from driving and have a few drinks. Second, while we are not usually keen on tours, we think that one day tours are a great way to learn things about a place you will not uncover alone on a week-long visit. If you can start the week with this tour , that would be ideal.

We met the tour bus at Penneshaw Ferry Terminal at 10am where the tour meets the morning Seaklink ferry. If you do it on arrival from Adelaide you can book a ticket that starts from the city.

This was a great addition to our time on the island. While we had seen so much, having a local guide for the day gave us a chance to ask so many questions – all the things we had wondered while driving around alone for 4 days without internet reception to ask questions when they come up! lol

Our guide was a local, and she owned a farm on the east of the island. Over the course of the day, as we travelled between the various stops, we heard about day-to-day life on Kangaroo Island, things like school, shopping, doctors, all the things that become challenges when you live a remote lifestyle.

We also learned about the various industries and the background stories of the businesses we visited. It is a totally different experience from a self-drive trip and the perfect accompaniment, really.

Included on the itinerary were:

• Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
• Clifford’s Honey Farm
• False Cape Wines
• Pennington Beach
• Raptor Domain

Overnight Penneshaw OR late afternoon ferry. Staying overnight will allow time to include some time on the Dudley Peninsula.

We took the last Sealink ferry for the day that departs at 7.30pm.

Once back at Cape Jervis, if you don’t fancy driving home in the dark, there is a Big 4 Caravan Park just a couple of minutes’ drive from the ferry terminal. We booked a night at a cabin here, and they had turned on the heater to warm up the room for us before we arrived, which was lovely.

Another fabulous foodie experience is the Kangaroo Food and Wine Trail , a one day small group tour with 3 vineyard visits, the gin distillery, Cliffards Honey, Emu Ridge and the Lavender Farm.

This road trip holiday is in our top ten Aussie escapes for sure. We enjoyed the remoteness and wildlife of the western end of the island most. Food and wine lovers will probably find the east more appealing, as there are almost no shops at all past Vivonne Bay.

We hope you find this self-drive itinerary useful. For more information for planning a road trip, including details on how to get to Kangaroo Island check out this page.

On our must-see list of things to do on the island is Flinders National Park, Remarkable Rocks really are wonderful, the south coast beaches, which we felt were the prettiest and of course the sea lions at Seal Bay.

Have questions about exploring Australia? Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help

Article checked and fully updated February 2024.

5 thoughts on “Kangaroo Island Itinerary: A 5 Day Relaxed Pace Visit”

The false cape wines look exotic. Loved it.

Kangaroo Island looks like a great place to explore in SA! Thanks so much for sharing your travel tips and experiences!

This looks like a fantastic place to explore for a few days! I love that there are so many unique things to do here, and that you can go around everywhere at your own pace.

wow there are so many things to do on Kangaroo Island! Of all the things, I think I might enjoy seeing NZ’s Fur Seals the most haha followed by the Platypus Waterholes Walk when that opens again!

Wow, I had no idea how much there was to do on Kangaroo Island! The Remarkable Rocks look really cool. Great post and photos.

Leave a comment

Privacy overview.

Before you go, check this out!

We have lots more on the site to show you. You've only seen one page. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time.

Kangaroo Island Day Trip: a practical road trip itinerary

Kangaroo Island is the third largest island in Australia and is best known for its nature and wildlife. Being only 45 minutes away by ferry from Cape Jervis, Kangaroo Island makes a great weekend getaway.

There is a range of attractions to visit on Kangaroo Island, which you can easily spend days exploring. However, not everyone has the time and resources to spend several days on this island.

Although compact, you can certainly visit Kangaroo Island’s main attractions in only one day. However, advanced planning is required. If time and budget allow, I suggest spending at least 2-day visiting Kangaroo Island for the best experience.

To see what you can achieve during a 2-day road trip to Kangaroo Island, feel free to check out this ‘ Kangaroo Island 2 Day Road Trip Itinerary and Useful Tips ‘.

If one day is all you can spare for visiting Kangaroo Island, you can still manage to have a great time on the Island.

To help you navigate, I have listed a detailed 1-Day Kangaroo Island Road Trip Itinerary here. Hope you can find it useful.

06:30 ~ 07:00 – Departure Adelaide

Although the navigators usually only suggest a 90-100 minute drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis SeaLink Terminal, I recommend planning at least 2 hours for this drive. This is especially true if you are not familiar with the road.

From my personal experience, I found it is not practical to arrive at the terminal 30 minutes before ferry departures. However, you do need to plan at least 10-15 minutes for the check-in and boarding process.

09:00 – Ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw

The ferry between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw takes about 45 minutes each way.

While on board the ferry, you are free to exit your car to enjoy the beautiful ocean views and use the facilities.

On the ferry, there is a small cafe where you can purchase some bakery items and a coffee to enjoy. Toilets are also available on the ferry.

09:45: Driving from Penneshaw to Seal Bay Conservation Park

Once you have arrived at Penneshaw, you will be driving directly towards the other side of the island to visit Seal Bay and the Flinders Chase National Park first.

The drive from Penneshaw to Seal Bay takes about 70-80 minutes, so you should be able to arrive at Seal Bay Conservation Park by around 11:00.

11:00 – Seal Bay Conservation Park

Seal Bay Conservation Park is a sanctuary for Australian Sea Lions.

In Seal Bay Conservation Park, you can join a 45-minute guided tour to get up close with the Australian Sea Lions. However, bookings are highly recommended for this guided tour, and fitting this guided tour into your already compact day trip can also be tricky. Hence, to get the most out of this day trip, I suggest joining a self-guided tour along the boardwalk instead.

During the self-guided tour, you will be guided by the boardwalk to the lookout platforms at the seafront. Although at a distance, you can still get a good view of these cute sea lions from the lookout platforms. In the winter months, these sea lions may even come up right next to the boardwalk.

In addition, the coastal views from the lookout platforms are impressive and should not be missed.

12:00 – Driving from Seal Bay Conservation Park to Vivonne Bay General Store for Lunch

There is a small gift shop in Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you can purchase some snacks and cold beverages. However, you won’t be able to get a meal out of it.

Although it is named a general store, don’t be fooled by its name or what it looks like from the outside. This little place serves some decent burgers and chips. You can also grab some gifts and basic supplies from the shop if interested.

13:00 – Driving towards Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse

After lunch, you will be driving into the Flinders Chase National Park to visit a couple of well-known attractions.

Just 45 minutes down the road from Vivonne Bay, you will be greeted by the stunning Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse. Feel free to stop by for some photos before visiting the Admirals Arch.

From Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse, you can either drive a couple of minutes to the Admirals Arch car park or take a 10 minutes coastal walk to the start of the Admirals Arch Walk to visit Admirals Arch.

14:00 – Admirals Arch

The Admirals Arch is an impressive rock arch carved by millions of years of natural erosion. It is a must-visit on Kangaroo Island.

There is a boardwalk to take you from the carpark to the Admirals Arch. The boardwalk itself is relatively short, but you are likely spending lots of time along the boardwalk admiring and taking photos of this magnificent coastline. For this reason, be sure to plan out at least 1 hour for visiting this attraction.

15:00 – Driving from Admirals Arch to the Remarkable Rocks

After Admirals Arch, you will be visiting another must-visit attraction on Kangaroo Island, the Remarkable Rocks.

15:10 – The Remarkable Rocks

No pun intended, but the Remarkable Rocks are truly remarkable.

No words or photos can describe how spectacular and grand these orange lichen-covered granite rocks look. You really need to see it to believe .

16:00 – Driving from the Remarkable Rocks to Prospect Hill

After visiting the Remarkable Rocks, you will need to gradually drive back towards Penneshaw for the ferry back to Cape Jervis.

There are a couple more attractions to visit along this drive, which are Prospect Hill and Pennington Bay.

17:10 – Prospect Hill / Mt Thisby Lookout

Prospect Hill, also known as Mt Thisby Lookout, is the highest point on Kangaroo Island and provides an incredible bird’s eye view of Kangaroo Island.

There are 500 steps to get to the top of Prospect Hill, which took me about 20 minutes for a return trip from the car park. Hence, I suggest planning about 30 minutes for visiting the lookout and back (depending on individual fitness level as well).

18:10 – Pennington Bay for Sunset

Pennington Bay is a 5-minute drive down the road from Prospect Hill.

With its white sand and turquoise water, Pennington Bay offers a breathtaking coastal view. Depending on the month you are visiting in, you may also catch a striking sunset view from here.

18:30 – Heading Back to Penneshaw

Penneshaw is just under 30 minutes drive from Pennington Bay.

Once you have arrived at Pennenshaw, you should have some time to grab a quick bite on the go before boarding the last ferry back to Cape Jervis.

However, if there isn’t enough time to get dinner, you can still get something to eat on the ferry. The bottom line is: don’t be late for the ferry.

On most days, the 19:30 ferry is usually the last ferry from Kangaroos Island to Cape Jervis. (timetable at the time of publishing this article, please make sure you have checked on the SeaLink website for up to date timetables).

If you miss out on the last ferry to Cape Jervis, you will need to stay the night on Kangaroo Island and catch a ferry the next day instead.

19:30 – Ferry from Penneshaw to Cape Jervis

Relaxing or enjoying a light meal while onboard the ferry.

Depending on the time of the year, you may be able to enjoy an amazing sunset view during the ferry back to Cape Jervis.

20:15 – Driving back to Adelaide

During your drive back to Adelaide, you are most likely going to be exhausted from this packed itinerary. Please make sure you are taking sufficient breaks and drive carefully.

In addition, on country roads, wildlife, such as kangaroos, is commonly seen at nighttime. Please make sure you are watching out for these road users as well.

If time and budget allow, you may want to stay near Cape Jervis or Normanville tonight. In this way, you won’t get too exhausted today and can continue to explore the beauty of Fleurieu Peninsula the following day.

The Best Time to Visit Kangaroo Island

The weather on Kangaroo Island is relatively mild in comparison to the mainland. Therefore, you can visit Kangaroo Island at any time of the year.

The best time to visit Kangaroo Island depends on your individual preference.

However, for this one-day itinerary to visit Kangaroo Island, you are better off visiting the island during the daylight saving months (October to March). Otherwise, it may already be too dark to enjoy anything by the time you arrive at Prospect Hill and Pennington Bay.

Driving on Kangaroo Island

As long as you are familiar with driving in Australia, driving on Kangaroo Island should be a relatively easy task. However, there are some dirt roads on Kangaroo Island. Although these dirt roads are well maintained, some people may still find them difficult to drive on.

On this one-day road trip to Kangaroo Island, there are only small sections of dirt roads involved. Hence, it shouldn’t affect your travel experiences in general.

How Much does it Cost to Visit Kangaroo Island on a Day Trip?

Providing you are strictly following this One Day Kangaroo Island Road Trip Itinerary, this will be your cost breakdown (at the time of publishing this article – April 2022):

In total, it costs a solo traveller AUD410-450 to road trip Kangaroo Island in 1 day from Adelaide (on average). However, if you have a travel companion (or more), the cost per person for this road trip can easily be reduced by splitting the transport expenses.

Another way to reduce your daily cost per person and to get the most out of your Kangaroo Island visit is to stay on the island for at least a night.

There is so much to see on Kangaroo Island, and a day trip is just not enough to visit all the must-visits on the island. I suggest staying for at least a night on Kangaroo Island, so you can also visit the beautiful Weirs Cove, Stokes Bay, Emu Bay, American River, and Pelican Lagoon.

Feel free to check out my ‘Kangaroo Island 2 Day Road Trip Itinerary and Useful Tips’ to see what you can visit by staying on Kangaroo Island for a night. There is also a range of information and tips from this article, which you may find useful.

Visit Kangaroo Island on a Guided Day Tour

Guided Day Tours are available to visit Kangaroo Island.

There is a range of tours available to visit Kangaroo Island without the stress of driving and organising the trip by yourself. These tours may also work out cheaper if you are a solo traveller or even a couple.

Share this: Bec's Travel Itinerary

Related posts:.

Bec's Travel Itinerary

I'm passionate about travel. I would like to use this platform to share my travel experiences. Please support me by subscribing to this blog. You can also find more travel related contents on my YouTube channel and Instagram. Thank you :)

Recent Posts

The Ultimate Port Douglas 1-Day Itinerary

Port Douglas is a beachside resort town, only a 1-hour drive north of Cairns. Ideally positioned along Far North Queensland's picturesque coastline, Port Douglas offers breathtaking coastal views,...

Daintree Rainforest 1-Day Itinerary: a complete guide

Daintree Rainforest is just over 100 kilometres north of Cairns, along Australia's picturesque east coast. It is home to one of the world's oldest surviving tropical rainforests. With incredibly...

Discover more from Bec's Travel Itinerary

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Kangaroo Island

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Kangaroo Island Trip Planner

Top destinations in kangaroo island.

Top attractions in Kangaroo Island

Other notable attractions

Top searches in Kangaroo Island

Explore nearby places.

• Kangaroo Flat
• the Cockatoo Valley
• Seppeltsfield
• One Tree Hill
• Rowland Flat
• Williamstown
• Tea Tree Gully
• North Haven

All related maps of Kangaroo Island

• Map of Kangaroo Island
• Map of Kangaroo Flat
• Map of Ward Belt
• Map of Gawler
• Map of Rosedale
• Map of the Cockatoo Valley
• Map of Two Wells
• Map of Gomersal
• Map of Lyndoch
• Map of Playford
• Map of Seppeltsfield
• Map of One Tree Hill
• Map of Mallala
• Map of Rowland Flat
• Map of Williamstown
• Map of Marananga
• Map of Greenock
• Map of Salisbury
• Map of Stone Well
• Map of Tanunda
• Map of Bethany
• Map of Parafield
• Map of Vine Vale
• Map of Nuriootpa
• Map of Kersbrook
• Map of Kapunda
• Map of Tea Tree Gully
• Map of Light Pass
• Map of Modbury
• Map of North Haven
• Map of Angaston

Kangaroo Island throughout the year

• Kangaroo Island in January
• Kangaroo Island in February
• Kangaroo Island in March
• Kangaroo Island in April
• Kangaroo Island in May
• Kangaroo Island in June
• Kangaroo Island in July
• Kangaroo Island in August
• Kangaroo Island in September
• Kangaroo Island in October
• Kangaroo Island in November
• Kangaroo Island in December

Add places from guides with 1 click

Collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia

4 days of family fun on Kangaroo Island

Fancy a swim with wild dolphins or a walk among hundreds of sea lions? Boy, have you come to the right place.

By Dilvin Yasa

Picture a place where the only passing traffic is a mob of bounding kangaroos and where the only other lifeforce capable of stealing your patch of sand is an Australian sea lion. Now, add to these unique wildlife experiences, some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and heart-stopping attractions – both natural and manmade – and you have the showstopper family holiday destination of Kangaroo Island .

Get ready for four days of family fun on Kangaroo Island.

Day 1: Adelaide - Cape Jervis - Penneshaw

Deep Creek Conservation Park, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia © Jack Brookes

Several tour operators run multi-day tours around the island with some dedicated to wildlife, others to food and wine, or a bit of both. Check out Kangaroo Island Odysseys and SeaLink Kangaroo Island .

• Drive time: 1.5 hours.

Is it about the journey or the destination? In this case, it’s both, as you head out of Adelaide (there are daily flights here from most Australian capital cities) and snake your way down through the Fleurieu Peninsula (notorious for serving up some of South Australia’s most spectacular coastal and culinary experiences) towards the picturesque port town of Cape Jervis – the gateway to Kangaroo Island.

Got a little time up your sleeve? Take a McLaren Vale detour on your way and head to Maxwell Wines , where an epic hedge maze awaits discovery, or Woodstock Wines – home to a playground and wildlife sanctuary with supervised feeding times for its western grey kangaroos and wallabies.

Once in Cape Jervis, take the luxury  Kangaroo Island Connect or the  SeaLink ferry  (which accommodates cars and passengers) across to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Here, towering sand dunes, soaring cliffs and bone-white beaches compete for your attention. In Penneshaw, pop into  Millie Mae’s Pantry , a rustic garden café located just around the corner from Penneshaw Cruise Terminal. Home to some of the island’s best coffee, this is the place to soak up some sun and order a pulled beef bowl while the kids enjoy the on-site play corner and kids’ menu.

Stay:  Give yourself over to a life of luxury for the duration of your stay on the island by checking into the architecturally designed Dune House, one of two properties under the  Hamilton & Dune  umbrella. Overlooking a white-sand beach along the Emu Bay coast, a 45-minute drive from Penneshaw, three bedrooms sleeping five are kitted out with all the details, from beach bags and toys to a fully-stocked fridge and minibar. Other great Kangaroo Island options for families include  Sea Dragon Lodge & Villas ,  A Dune Escape  and  Doyles on the Bay .

Day 2: Explore Emu Bay 

Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Did you know?

Some of Australia's greatest makers and growers reside here. Pop into Island Beehive for a tour of their Ligurian beehives and  Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery to see how its famous oil is made.

Start your day the best way possible: by swimming with pods of wild dolphins in pristine coastal waters. Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures operates in the Emu Bay area; owner Andrew Neighbour takes groups out in his rigid, inflatable boat to tour the coastline and wait for the finned lovelies to swim in from their early morning outing. Everyone’s catered for; there are snorkels and noodles for the kids and tea and biscuits for the adults.

As the afternoon heat settles in, there’s no place better to find shelter and comfort than Emu Bay Lavender Farm ; it’s also the place that serves the world’s best lavender scones and homemade lavender ice-cream. Pop in for lunch before picking up a couple of bottles of wine from Bay of Shoals winery, then head down to the beach for a late afternoon splash.

Day 3: Vivonne bay and Raptor Domain

Seal Bay Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

How do you outdo yesterday’s dolphin swim? Try taking a walk along a beach where hundreds of Australian sea lions roam free and frolic. Visitors to Seal Bay Conservation Park have the option of taking a self-guided stroll along the wheelchair-accessible 900-metre (0.5-mile) round trip boardwalk or booking a guided tour down on the beach. It’s best to leave Dune House early; Seal Bay is a 40-minute drive south.

A short drive away sits a local institution, the Vivonne Bay General Store , which is a one-stop-shop for families requiring anything from sunscreen to lunch (it’s famous for its whiting burgers). Take the sandy track right by it down to Vivonne Bay Beach , which has been voted one of Australia’s best beaches, for a quick dip before coming back up for a bite.

Kangaroo Island is home to more than 250 species of birds and some of the most impressive can be found at Raptor Domain (a 15-minute drive from Vivonne Bay Beach), a rehabilitation for sick, injured and orphaned birds of prey, where a range of wildlife presentations take place each day. Top of the list is the Birds of Prey Display, a one-hour show where you can meet some of the park’s famous residents (most are rescue birds) from Jedda the wedge-tailed eagle to Clancy the laughing kookaburra.

Those needing a little late-afternoon pick-me-up should look no further than Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action at Vivonne Bay, where quad bikes are at the ready to explore some spectacular landscapes.

If there’s still energy to spare, make the one-hour drive to Kangaroo Head and enjoy dinner at an outdoor table at the award-winning Sunset Food & Wine . Cue sunset, hopping kangaroos and an inventive menu making the most of local produce. Perfect.

After that it’s a 45-minute drive back to the comforts of Dune House back at Emu Bay.

Life-changing childhood experiences in Australia

Day 4: East island touring

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Julie Fletcher 

Rise with the sun and drive the 40 minutes from Emu Bay to Stokes Bay , widely acknowledged as the island’s most family-friendly beach thanks to its unique natural pool. Once you’ve had a swim and taken the kids for a walk through the bay’s maze-like rocky passageways, you’re headed southbound to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park , home to more than 150 species of wildlife – most of them orphaned and rehabilitated. Once at the park, kids and kidults alike will enjoy feeding the kangaroos and wallabies, and cuddling up to a koala.

Lunch is a 40-minute drive away, but worth it for the platters of super-fresh seafood that await. The Oyster Farm Shop in American River also offers land-based oyster tours for foodies interested in learning more about the juicy morsels just devoured.

There’s little for kids to consume at Kangaroo Island Spirits , but add quirky grounds to explore and famous affogato (yes, this is one for teens), and parents will have enough time to purchase some of the label’s award-winning gin in happy silence before continuing the drive to the main town of Kingscote for a walk around the promenade and its stores.

As the sun dips its head on your final night on the island, it’s time to grab a table at Bella Cafe & Pizza Bar . This long-running Kingscote restaurant has a menu that will please even the fussiest of eaters, thus providing you with the perfect, relaxed evening.

It’s a 20-minute drive from Kingscote back to Emu Bay for one last night at Dune House, and on the island itself.

For inspiration and more things to do in South Australia, go to  southaustralia.com .

Explore more nearby

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

Solopassport

One-Day Trip to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide (with 1 Day Itinerary) in 2024

Escape the hustle and bustle of Adelaide with a thrilling one-day adventure to Kangaroo Island. Explore pristine beaches, encounter native wildlife, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of this island paradise. Experience the iconic Remarkable Rocks, witness playful seals at Seal Bay Conservation Park, and savour the delicious local cuisine. Let’s embark on a one day trip to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide.

South Australia often flies under the radar, but it’s a hidden gem bursting with stunning landscapes and breathtaking scenery. One of its crown jewels is Kangaroo Island, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, just a short day trip from Adelaide.

During my visit to Adelaide, I seized the opportunity to embark on a one-day excursion to the renowned Kangaroo Island. As its name suggests, the island is famous for its abundant wildlife, including its iconic kangaroos. Stepping foot on Kangaroo Island feels like stepping into a pristine, untouched paradise, making it a beloved destination among travellers.

And if you find yourself in Adelaide, don’t miss the chance to explore the vibrant street art scene that adorns the city’s walls, adding an extra layer of charm and character to your South Australian adventure.

This article may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For complete information, please see our affiliate disclaimer here .

Page Contents

About Kangaroo Island

Located 20 kilometres off the coast of Cape Jervis, just a two-hour journey from Adelaide in South Australia (SA), Kangaroo Island boasts a wealth of flora and fauna. Renowned for its abundant wildlife, it ranks among Australia ‘s most popular islands and is its third-largest island.

For optimal enjoyment, plan your Kangaroo Island getaway during the enchanting autumn season, spanning from March to May. While my visit was confined to just one day, I highly recommend extending your stay to at least two days to fully immerse yourself in the island’s wonders.

Fun Facts About Kangaroo Island

• Ranked as the third largest island in Australia, Kangaroo Island stands out for its unique features.
• Remarkably, this island operates without traffic signals, fostering a tranquil atmosphere for visitors to explore.
• While ‘Give Way’ signs are plentiful, there’s only one solitary ‘Stop’ sign on the island, a testament to its relaxed pace of life.
• Historical evidence of indigenous presence on the island is scarce, with little indication of their long-term habitation.
• According to local lore, Kangaroo Island holds a spiritual significance as a transitional space between life and death, where departing spirits briefly linger before moving on.
• Indulge in the island’s culinary delights, including cheese crafted from rich sheep’s milk, adding a savoury dimension to your Kangaroo Island experience.

How to Get to Kangaroo Island?

To reach Kangaroo Island, the most scenic route is by ferry, offering picturesque views of the ocean as you approach the island, which lies a mere 20 kilometres from the mainland.

• For those travelling by air, Adelaide Airport serves as the nearest hub. Regular flights connect Adelaide with major cities, with budget-friendly options provided by Jetstar .
• Travelers also have the option to bring their cars along for the journey from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, providing added convenience and flexibility during their island adventure.

Transportation Within Kangaroo Island

The optimal way to navigate Kangaroo Island is by car, allowing you to explore its treasures at your own pace. Many visitors bring their vehicles from Adelaide on the ferry for added convenience.

The Adelaide to Coober Pedy road trip awaits if you’re yearning for an exhilarating road journey.

To secure your wheels for the adventure, consider renting from reputable providers like Rental Cars or Jucy Rentals . Ensure peace of mind by opting for cars with comprehensive insurance coverage and zero excess, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying the island’s delights.

My adventure began with a bus tour expertly organized by the Sea Link Travel Group , ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.

This immersive excursion was seamlessly integrated into a comprehensive one-day tour package I secured via the Viator website.

With a total cost of AUD 283, the tour covered transportation to and from Adelaide, ferry passage to and from Kangaroo Island, and transportation within the island itself.

Details of Bus Tour: One Day Trip to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide

Our day commenced with a prompt pick-up at the wharf in Cape Jervis by our knowledgeable driver and guide, Hamish. The itinerary for the day was thoughtfully crafted by the operator, ensuring a seamless flow of planned stops and activities throughout our journey.

Our inaugural destination on the itinerary was Seal Bay, renowned as the third-largest breeding colony in Australia. Nestled within the confines of Seal Bay Conservation Park , this bay lies a mere 45-minute drive from the main town of Kingscote on Kangaroo Island. There, we embarked on a guided walk, immersing ourselves in the natural habitat of the Australian Sea Lions.

Vivonne Bay Bistro

Our next halt brought us to Vivonne Bay Bistro for a lunch break. While the setting was picturesque, I found the culinary experience lacking. For those considering the one-day tour, I recommend packing a light lunch from the mainland to ensure satisfaction during the journey.

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Our third destination led us to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary , offering a glimpse into the lives of Koalas in their natural habitat. Situated at the western end of Kangaroo Island, this sanctuary provided the perfect backdrop for our guided Koala walk.

Among the eucalyptus trees, we marvelled at the sight of adorable, cuddly koalas, some accompanied by their joeys. For those seeking a more immersive experience, accommodations are available in the cozy cabins within Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

Flinders Chase National Park

Our journey then brought us to the awe-inspiring Flinders Chase National Park. This vast expanse is characterized by dense natural vegetation and towering eucalyptus trees, creating a truly immersive experience amidst the beauty of untouched wilderness.

Are you an adventurous traveller seeking thrills? Look no further than Port Lincoln in South Australia for the ultimate adrenaline rush: Cage Diving with Great White Sharks .

Remarkable Rocks

Our fifth stop brought us to the iconic Remarkable Rocks, a striking collection of naturally formed granite boulders sculpted by the elements. Situated within Flinders Chase National Park, these formations are a prominent attraction, showcasing nature’s remarkable artistry. En route, we passed the historic Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, a beacon of maritime history constructed in 1906.

Admirals Arch

Our final destination before returning to the wharf was the enchanting Admirals Arch. The most captivating and personally my favourite spot on Kangaroo Island, Admirals Arch, is a natural marvel. Serving as a sanctuary for fur seals, it boasts a breathtakingly beautiful arch formation sculpted by the forces of nature.

Review of Sea Link Travel Group

The tour was impeccably organized, and the staff were exceptionally friendly. From the knowledgeable coach drivers to the operator’s seamless coordination of multiple buses, every aspect of the journey was well-executed. While the lunch could have been improved, the meticulously planned activities more than made up for it. I highly recommend this travel group for a hassle-free one-day tour experience.

Is Kangaroo Island Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Absolutely! Kangaroo Island is indeed very safe for solo female travellers. However, it’s essential to remain vigilant of the wildlife, particularly snakes. Be mindful of your surroundings and watch your step, taking care not to disturb the natural habitat of the island’s wildlife.

Closing Notes

Kangaroo Island is a stunning destination that warrants a spot on every traveller’s itinerary. I highly recommend allocating a few days to explore the island’s wonders fully. With various accommodation options available, ranging from cozy cottages to luxurious retreats, a search on the Airbnb website is your best bet for finding the perfect place to stay and immersing yourself in Kangaroo Island’s beauty.

How can you support me? You know how much I love coffee, so you can buy me a coffee – Buy me Coffee! Or you can purchase from one of the below travel resources without any extra charge to you: Travel Resources Book your flight on Skyscanner.com or Trip.com Reserve your accommodation on Stay22 Reserve your stay at a hostel on HostelWorld Use RentalCars or DiscoverCars for hiring self-driven cars Book your tours and travels or purchase tickets on Viator or GetYourGuide For a universal SIM card, use DrimSim Buy comprehensive travel insurance on SafetyWing and WorldNomads

If you liked this article and if it was helpful in your planning or traveling, do share, tweet, or pin this post. Follow me  on   Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | LinkedIn

Do you have a question? Do you want any suggestions and tips for travel, hikes, and scuba dives? Use the Subscription box below to sign up and get  updates by email.

Learn how to plan more, travel more, & live more

Get valuable travel tips and tricks, travel inspirations and listen to my stories in your inbox.

PIN for later reference – One Day Trip to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide

You cannot copy content of this page!

Overnight Tour: 2 Day Ultimate Kangaroo Island

A two day Kangaroo Island tour - your chance to discover the fascinating wildlife, spectacular scenery and unique local produce. With return coach and ferry transfers to Kangaroo Island, and overnight accommodation, all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your time away. First stop is Seal Bay for a walk along the beach amongst a breeding colony of rare Australian sea lions. Enjoy a delicious two course lunch, before heading to Flinders Chase National Park. Devastated by the fires in January 2020, you'll be able to see the regeneration of the bush first hand, and stop at Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch for photo opportunities. Finish the day at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park where you can feed kangaroos and get up close to koalas. Day 2 is all about meeting the local producers, and after the fascinating Free Flight Birds of Prey Presentation at Raptor Domain, you will visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, join a guided tour at Clifford's Honey Farm and enjoy tastings at the new False Cape Wines Cellar Door. Operates: 6.45am day one to 10.30pm day two, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (except 24 & 25 December).

LET’S STAY IN TOUCH

Sign up for our newsletter and get top stories, exclusive offers, events and free travel inspiration straight to your inbox!

ADD TO TRIP

Go to trip planner to manage your trips.

This page relies on JavaScript to function. Please enable it. Thank You! 🚀

• Postal Address: PO Box 52, Parndana, South Australia, 5220
• Address: 4068 Playford Hwy, Duncan SA 5223
• 9.30am – 5pm (Closed on Christmas Day & some Extreme Weather Days)

Kangaroo Island 1 Week Trip

7 Day (1 week) Itinerary for Kangaroo Island Self-drive tour

Plan your 1 week itinerary for free with this helpful list of Things to Do and see on Kangaroo Island

*These are not tours that we run they are suggestions on things to see and do on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island Day 1 of the 1 Week Trip

Kangaroo Island Road Trip: What to See in 3 Days

While planning our road trip to South Australia, we came across an island with a very intriguing name – Kangaroo Island.

It caught our attention immediately because, as all first-time visitors to Australia , we wanted to see kangaroos, lots of kangaroos.

In the end, we didn’t see as many kangaroos as the name of the island suggested, but we weren’t disappointed.

We discovered that there is so much more to Kangaroo Island that makes it worth a trip – abundant wildlife, dramatic coastline, spectacular views, stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere and fewer tourists (in comparison to Australia’s mainland).

Read on to see how to plan a perfect road trip on Kangaroo Island and what to see there in three days.

If you like the idea of slowing down and enjoying unspoilt nature, Kangaroo Island will be your happy place.

About Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island (called KI by the locals) is Australia’s third largest island and is located just 13 kilometres (8 miles) off the coast of South Australia.

The island is bigger than you would expect – it’s 155 kilometres (96 miles) long and 55 kilometres (34 miles) wide, so you definitely need more than just a day for the visit.

We spent three days (two nights) there, and it was just enough to see the island’s highlights with no rush.

But you can easily stay longer if you wish; there are many things to see and do.

Except for a few shuttle buses, there is no public transportation or taxis, so the best way to explore the island is by car. You can also choose some of the tours, most of which start in Adelaide.

TIP:   Most roads are in good condition; only some are unsealed, so a four-wheel drive isn’t necessary, but it’s a good idea if you want to explore remote areas – we were happy with our Nissan X-Trail. There are few petrol stations on the island, and some close early, so get enough fuel before your trip – it’s cheaper on the mainland.

What to See on Kangaroo Island

There are a few towns on the island, but the main highlight is nature – more than a third of the island is covered by National Parks.

The landscape on Kangaroo Island is very diverse, so be ready for anything – dramatic cliffs, perfect beaches, dense forest, sand dunes, salt lakes, vineyards or even a lavender field.

But the main must-do is wildlife spotting – the island is home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions, penguins, platypus, echidnas, goannas, and many species of rare birds.

Your best chance to see wildlife is around dawn and dusk when the animals are the most active – but be careful when driving to avoid collisions.

However, most of the animals are very shy so if you aren’t lucky enough to see them in their natural habitat, visit some of the Conservation Parks and Sanctuaries to learn more (check out the Seal Bay Conservation Park for the largest colony of sea lions in Australia).

TIP: We suggest you explore the south coast first – it’s more dramatic, and you can find most of the island’s attractions and the most beautiful views there. Allow at least one full day. 

Don’t leave the island without visiting the following places:

Flinders Chase National Park

Flinders Chase National Park is the biggest and most well-known National Reserve on Kangaroo Island, and you can find fantastic fauna and flora there.

Some of the island’s most famous sights, like Remarkable Rocks or the Admirals Arch, are also located here.

Follow some of the walking trails in the National Park to get closer to the animals – it’s fascinating to watch them in their natural habitat.

We did the Discovery Walk and got close to a few kangaroos playing around and drinking water in a waterhole.

We also spotted a few cute koalas hiding on trees.

We also followed the Platypus Walk trail, which was quieter, but we didn’t see a platypus – they are timid.

TIP: It’s a good idea to start in the Visitor Centre , where you can learn more about the National Park. Also, some of the trails start there – most aren’t difficult and are suitable for families.

Remarkable Rocks

Remarkable Rocks really do justice to their name, so it’s not surprising that they are the most popular (and the busiest) sight in Flinders Chase National Park and on the island itself.

It’s a group of unusually-shaped granite boulders located on a cliff that overlooks the ocean – it took a really long time for the sun, wind and water to form these rocks.

The trail from the car park is about one kilometre (0.6 miles) long, and it’s a leisurely stroll, mainly on a boardwalk.

The sight might not seem so special from a distance, but after you get close and start exploring the rocks in detail, you will be amazed – it’s a truly remarkable place.

TIP: Due to its exposed location, it can get quite windy, so wear appropriate clothes and don’t come too close to the cliff’s edge – the surface gets slippery when wet.

Admirals Arch

The Admirals Arch is not too far from Remarkable Rocks. It’s home to a big colony of New Zealand fur seals.

The impressive rock arch has been created by erosion over a very long period of time.

The scenic walk from the car park offers beautiful coast and ocean views – watch for seals basking in the sun!

It can get windy and cold out there, so don’t forget to wear something warm and windproof.

TIP: On the way to the Admirals Arch, you will pass by the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse – stop there for more amazing views – it feels like being at the end of the world.

Don’t make the mistake that many people do, and don’t miss the lookout to see the picture-perfect Weirs Cove – it’s only a short detour from the Admirals Arch.

In the past, supplies for the lighthouse keepers and their families were brought here by boats; now, it’s a peaceful place with stunning coast views – you can even see Remarkable Rocks from the lookout.

TIP: To get to the lookout and the old storehouse ruins, you can either follow the trail from the car park close to the lighthouse or drive on the unsealed road to the car park near the lookout point and take a short stroll from there. 

Vivonne Bay

There are many beautiful beaches on Kangaroo Island, but Vivonne Bay, with its clear turquoise waters, is the most famous – it’s considered one of the best in Australia.

This long stretch of bright white sand is located on the south shore, and it’s great for picnics, sunbathing, surfing and fishing.

TIP: There are strong undertows in the area, so be careful when planning to swim – check the current conditions before you go.  

Beaches on the north coast of Kangaroo Island are generally safer for swimming, and Emu Bay is one of the most popular because of its clear water.

It’s a beautiful long beach near Kingscote, making it a perfect place for a quick break or swim after a hot day.

TIP: You can drive a car on the beach, which is really convenient because you don’t need to carry all your stuff, and you can keep it in the car while you are taking a dip. 

Little Sahara

The name says it all – you can even find sand dunes on Kangaroo Island.

Little Sahara is not far from Vivonne Bay, and the dunes are spread over two square kilometres (0.8 square miles).

You can either explore the dunes on your own for free (it’s a steep climb to get to the top) or rent a sandboard and slide down to have more fun (the rates are pretty expensive, though).

TIP: Try not to visit the site at the hottest time of the day because the sand becomes too hot to walk on. Expect to leave the place with sand everywhere!

How to Get There

There are flight connections between Adelaide and Kingscote, the only airport on the island.

The flights take just about 30 minutes.

The SeaLink ferries run between Cape Jervis on the mainland and Penneshaw on the island a few times a day – they carry both cars and passengers.

The sailing time is about 45 minutes, and pre-booking is necessary because the car’s capacity is limited.

Drop into the Visitor Information Centre, just off the ferry port in Penneshaw, for information, maps, brochures or bookings.

TIP: It’s cheaper to rent a car on the mainland than on the island. Make sure to check with your car rental company that you are allowed to take the car to the island on the ferry. Some companies don’t allow it at all, and some are ok if you pay a fee. Double-check the car insurance policy too. As always – read the small print.

Where to Stay

Kingscote, the biggest town on the island, is an excellent base for a road trip.

It’s a 45-minute drive from the ferry port in Penneshaw.

There are good facilities for visitors – a good selection of accommodations, a few shops, and restaurants (don’t miss the fresh seafood and local wines), and you can also get fuel here.

We were happy with our stay in the garden cabin of KI Dragonfly Guesthouse  in Kingscote – it was self-contained and included a kitchenette and en-suite bathroom, so we had all we needed.

You might still see some pelicans at the Kingscote Wharf.

TIP:  There used to be a pelican feeding show at the Kingscote Wharf, but unfortunately, it has been cancelled. It might happen again in the future, but in the meantime, you can still visit the platform close to the jetty to see if any pelicans used to the feeding arrive at around 5 pm. It’s an excellent opportunity to get close to these beautiful large water birds.

Our Thoughts

Kangaroo Island is a special place worth a trip to if you are in South Australia .

Most travellers prefer to stay on the mainland, and that’s why the island still keeps its unforgettable atmosphere as an unspoilt place.

There are many exciting sights and attractions on the island, and these were our highlights.

There is so much more to Kangaroo Island than just kangaroos – it’s the variety of wildlife we should appreciate and protect.

Have you ever heard of Kangaroo Island? 

Did you like this article? Please share it, so more people can experience this beautiful place.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information Accept

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

• Trip Planner

Trip planner

You haven't added any items to your Trip Planner yet.

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Melbourne to Kangaroo Island drive

Melbourne to kangaroo island road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Melbourne to Kangaroo Island. If you're planning a road trip to Kangaroo Island, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Melbourne drive for about 1.5 hours

11:23 am   Ballarat stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:23 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

1:52 pm   Stawell stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:52 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

4:24 pm   Nhill stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:24 pm drive for about 54 minutes

day 1 driving ≈ 5.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Bordertown drive for about 2 hours

12:00 pm   Murray Bridge stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:00 pm drive for about 58 minutes

1:58 pm   Adelaide stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:58 pm drive for about 1 hour

4:11 pm   Cape Jervis stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:11 pm drive for about 1 hour

6:12 pm  arrive in Kangaroo Island

day 2 driving ≈ 5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Ballarat   (5 answers)     questions about Ballarat:         what are the places of interest around ballarat Stawell Nhill Bordertown Murray Bridge Adelaide   (36 answers)     Adelaide Central Market   (6 mentions)     questions about Adelaide:         Cheapest place to get fresh produce in town?         attractions         Getting around the wine districts without a car Cape Jervis

What are some things to do in Kangaroo Island?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Kangaroo Island.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Kangaroo Island to Melbourne drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Melbourne to Kangaroo Island . Or get a full Melbourne to Kangaroo Island flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Melbourne well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Melbourne!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Melbourne to Kangaroo Island

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

GOBankingRates

The 7 Best New and Affordable Places To Travel in 2024

Posted: March 16, 2024 | Last updated: March 16, 2024

Planning your 2024 vacation? If your wanderlust has you eager to go where you've never been, consider one of these new and affordable destinations for 2024.

Find Out: 8 Tips to Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy Read More: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Most safari vacations offer rustic accommodations, and a stay at Angama Amboseli does mean you'll be sleeping in a tent. But you'll also be able to gaze on the majesty of African elephants in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. The resort celebrates the local indigenous community in its architecture and its culinary offerings.

For You: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That are a Waste of Money Try This: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

Busan, South Korea

While the K-pop stars BTS may have put Busan on the map, an influx of new resorts keeps it there. A new Windham property joins many beachfront resorts on the Sea of Japan. Foodies will want to consider Busan as it will welcome a new Michelin guide this year.

Check Out: I'm a Luxury Travel Agent: 10 Destinations My Wealthy Clients Are Booking for 2024

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ocean views and a thriving maritime economy have long been associated with Nova Scotia, but this seaport now boasts an emerging technology industry. The newly redeveloped waterfront area features the Queen's Marque, with restaurants, art galleries and a five-star hotel.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

This Australian destination has rebuilt much of its lost in bushfires in 2020, and several new resorts will open this year. Cabn X is an affordable option, with small homes with a modern feel, and Southern Ocean Lodge, destroyed in the fires, has been rebuilt and is now open.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The DR has long been known as an affordable Caribbean destination, but it is now being recognized for luxury as well. Several new resorts in Punta Cana will open this year, including the St. Regis Cap Cana, the Sanctuary Cap Cana, and a new W hotel. Many resorts are all-inclusive, and some only welcome adults.

Find Out: 7 Cheap, Beautiful Places for a Winter Vacation

Quito, Ecuador

Most travelers visit Quito on their way to the Galapagos Islands, but the Ecuadorian capital has undergone a recent renaissance that makes it a destination in and of itself. An expanded subway has reduced traffic congestion and made it easier for non-locals to get around. New shops, galleries and restaurants have much to offer visitors, and its weather is mild year-round.

Transylvania, Romania

Beautiful castles and a rich history will prove that Transylvania is known for more than just vampires. Try Bethlen Estates near many historical sites, including Dracula's Bran Castle, for luxury. For a retreat experience, Matca offers walking safaris and praying with monks, all with views of the Carpathian Mountains.

More for You

34 Things Non-Americans Think Are "Myths" About Americans, But I'm Sorry, They're All True

I'm abrosexual - it took me 30 years to realise

4 Supplements You Shouldn't Be Taking if You Have High Blood Pressure, According to a Dietitian

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Four States As Tornado Threat Looms

Pokemon Fusion Art Combines Ponyta and Rowlet

Scientists say they have found a chapter of the Bible hidden under a section of text for more than a thousand years

What Food Product Came Out the Year You Were Born?

18 Smartest Dog Breeds, Ranked for Intelligence

These 8 daily habits could add up to 24 years to your life, new study says: 'Even adding only one' may lead to 4 extra years

Do I have to pay off my spouse's debts when they die? Here's what you're responsible for and what you aren't after a loved one's death

The Danger of a Small Act of Cowardice

Ancient scroll found at Mount Vesuvius reveals details of Plato’s final hours

99 Barbecue Sides Perfect for a Potluck

Fallout Just Became One Of Prime Video's Biggest Hits Ever

Democrats Massively Overperform In Special Election Triumph

Are Canned Sardines Healthy? Here's What Dietitians Say

7 Things Stroke Doctors Say You Should Never, Ever Do

Archaeologists Found Proof of a Viking City That Was Supposed to Be Mythical

Which Fast Food Chain Has The Best Burger?

Netflix is removing all of these movies and TV shows