Kangaroo Island

Would you like to see quintessential Australia? Then spend your days on Kangaroo Island. A natural wonderland that covers 3,400 square miles of rugged coastline. Pure beauty, rich with untouched wilderness and protected nature reserves. Home to an abundance of native wildlife, as well as a thriving food and wine industry. Kangaroo Island is your best discovery in Australia.

Kangaroo Island is located south-west of Adelaide, approximately 14 kilometres (9 miles) off the mainland of South Australia. Hop on a short 45 minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis, which is a one and a half hour drive south of Adelaide, through the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula.Australia’s ‘Zoo without fences’

Get up close to the local wildlife without having to drive or walk for miles. Park at the beach and say G’day to sea lions sunbathing. Spot koala’s dozing in eucalyptus trees or pelicans soaring over glistening lagoons. A diverse range of bird species is found here. In the west of the island, Flinders Chase National Park is renowned for its astonishing penguin colonies.

Things to see and do

Connect with nature in Australia's most diverse and wildlife-rich island. Experience sea life with different animals along the north coast of Kangaroo Island on a tour. Or get up close to the marine wildlife on a kayak in secluded bays. Explore the island in a 4WD with a local guide, or try sandboarding at Little Sahara.

Visit Stokes Bay and walk through the natural rock tunnel to discover what is on the other side. Enjoy the scenery on the Snake Lagoon hike or conquer the Hanson Bay hike. If that’s built up an appetite, you are spoilt for choice around the island to try the fresh local produce.

A nature and food lover's paradise

Enjoy wilderness dining and experience a magical feast of the senses at the Enchanted Fig Tree near Snelling Beach. Or pack a picnic and spend the day on the beach at Vivonne Bay, voted one of Australia's top beaches! The pristine environment and unique bounty of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island make the ideal setting for a foodie adventure.

Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat

If you’re looking for a unique wildlife experience, swimming with dolphins is a must. Be acquainted with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. You will be taken to shallow and protected waters, where a large collection of bottlenose dolphins can be found. Be in awe as these majestic animals swim along with you, full of playfulness and curiosity. You may also see seals, white-tailed eagles and old fossils. If you are lucky, you can even spot fur seals and albatrosses. The experience of a lifetime!

Join a tour to experience the best of Kangaroo Island

Discover rugged nature, white beaches, deserted landscapes and wildlife during a day adventure tour of Kangaroo Island. The tour leads you through Lathami Conservation Park, where koalas hang out in Eucalyptus trees. And Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you can admire Australian sea lions. Along the way, your local guide will provide you with plenty of informative information about the local area, wildlife and history. You will be provided with a lunch of locally caught fish, fresh salads and Australian wine.

Flinders Chase National Park

Flinders Chase National Park is a protected area of untouched wilderness on the west side of Kangaroo Island. This is where you find nature in its purest form, with diverse wildlife and endangered species.

Kangaroo Island was badly affected by the bushfires in January 2020 and 96 per cent of the national park was burnt down. However, nature is recovering again with much of the park regaining its green cloak of coastal health, mallee woodland and eucalypt forest. There have since been native animal sightings in the affected areas. Goannas, koalas, eagles, kangaroos and echidnas are regularly spotted in the park.

Home to beautiful coastal landscapes with unique rock formations and iconic features such as Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. Each place is just a short drive away from each other.

Remarkable Rocks

Sitting high on ancient rocky platforms above the Southern Ocean, Remarkable Rocks’ surreal shapes and golden orange colours provide extraordinary photo opportunities.

These majestic giant boulders were carved out over hundreds of years from the continuous wind and sea erosion. As one of Kangaroo Island's signature landmarks, it’s best visited early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.

Admirals Arch

The boardwalk leading to Admirals Arch is an experience in itself. Enjoy wonderful views as you make your way down to one of the island’s most unusual landmarks. Admirals Arch is an impressive rock arch, weather worn over thousands of years.

It’s also home to a colony of long-nosed fur seals which you may be lucky enough to spot playing around in the waves. A pretty spectacular sight with the sunset in the background.

This landmark is also the starting point of several hikes throughout Flinders Chase National Park.

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

Drive off into the sunset down Cape du Couedic Road, one of the most famous roads in South Australia. And watch the sun go down from Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. Prepare to be in awe with the 360-degree view of the island, with no human trace in sight. Make sure to have enough time to enjoy the view from up here before walking down to Admirals Arch.

Vivonne Bay

Once voted Australia’s best beach, many would agree it’s the prettiest beach on Kangaroo Island. And the best part: you can have this little slice of paradise all to yourself. With no one else around, it's just you and the wilderness. Enjoy a swim, cast a line or perhaps catch a wave in the amazingly turquoise waters. Its long white sandy beach is perfect for a picnic or barbecue, with allocated areas set up for public use.

Little Sahara

Next to Vivonne Bay, you will find the only sand dunes on the island. This desert like landscape is appropriately named Little Sahara and attracts adventure seekers all year round. There is a range of activities and adventure sports to choose from. Get your adrenaline kick by racing through the sand dunes on a quad bike or try some sandboarding. It’s also a great place for hiking.

Stokes Bay

A hidden paradise awaits you on Kangaroo Island’s north coast. Reached only by foot through a tunnel of rocks and caves, Hidden Beach is an idyllic surprise. It is protected from the pounding surf by a giant pool surrounded by rocks. Enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters, and relax on the beach with the whitest sand.

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Nowhere else in the world can you observe a colony of Australian sea lions in their natural habitat. At Seal Bay Conservation Park, you can wander along a 900 metre boardwalk by the beach. Watch seals surf the waves and sprawl on the sand while listening to their distinctive sound. Viewing platforms and interpretive signs along the way make it easy to learn all about these playful creatures. However, guided tours are also available. Afterwards stop at Bales Beach for a picnic or barbecue.

Where to stay?

At TravelEssence, we focus on small-scale accommodation hand-selected by us. Run by friendly hosts who love to share local tips you won't find in a travel guide. A unique spot to experience the hidden gems of Australia and meet the locals. This is the greatest way to discover Australia.

A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself

Whether you prefer to indulge at a luxurious resort or relax at a quirky bed and breakfast. We have found the perfect place for you to have the absolute best Kangaroo Island experience. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs.

Why book with us?

• Well-organised holiday, designed just for you

• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts

• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests

• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs

• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday

• 30 years of experience in travel to Australia

• Peace of mind with a local network in Australia and a 24/7 emergency number

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.