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.
Weirs Cove
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.
Emu Bay
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?
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