Kangaroo Island dreaming
Kangaroo Island is a dream destination for most travellers – until now. With beautiful beaches, captivating wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, you’d be forgiven for thinking this dreamy vacation spot is somewhere in Europe, and not right here in our own backyard.
That’s the beauty of Kangaroo Island – you can feel worlds away, without having to travel far from home.
If you’re planning a trip to this island paradise, we’ve got the lowdown on where to stay and how to experience the most of KI in a matter of a few days.
How to get there
Board a SeaLink ferry (return passenger tickets) from Cape Jervis, just a 90-minute drive from Adelaide. The 16km trip across the water to the island takes about 45 minutes.
Where to stay
SeaLink has accommodation packages with bonus rewards. Choose from self-drive accommodation packages, which offer an extra night for free, complimentary breakfast, wine on arrival or free tours on the island. Ask about the options available to bring a vehicle with you.
You’re also spoilt for choice with packages available at 31 different properties on the island, ranging from luxury retreats and hotels to self-contained cottages, bed and breakfasts and even glamping.
You’ll find these properties scattered across the island, from Penneshaw and Kingscote to Emu Bay and American River.
Ferry into Penneshaw and if you choose to make it your base for the duration of your holiday, book a stay at Kangaroo Island Seafront Hotel on the esplanade, just 500m from the SeaLink Ferry Terminal.
Best of all, you can stay three nights for the price of two, depending on when you book.
Experience the island’s largest town Kingscote and stay at the Aurora Ozone Hotel and Apartments, which overlooks Nepean Bay for a four-day, three-night experience. The added sweetener?
You’ll wake up to breakfast each morning to fuel your energy for a day of sightseeing.
Day 1
Seal Bay Conservation Park
Get up close and personal with sealions as they sunbake and play on the beach. Take part in a guided tour to learn more about these puppies of the sea and conservation work.
Raptor Domain
See birds of prey, reptiles, and bugs in this up-close-and-personal wildlife experience at Raptor Domain, which also serves as a rehabilitation centre for sick, injured, and orphaned raptors.
Vivonne Bay
Go on a water adventure and try canoeing in the Harriet River or take a swim or do a spot of fishing at Vivonne Bay.
Little Sahara
Sandboard or toboggan down Little Sahara’s dunes formed some 7000 years ago. Cowabunga!
Flinders Chase National Park
Encounter natural wonders, like Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks, at Flinders Chase National Park. Keep an eye out for fur seals as they play, swim and slumber.
Day 2
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
Watch more than 600 animals and some 150 species of native Australian wildlife roam the park, from koalas to kangaroos and wallabies, penguins, reptiles and more.
Stokes Bay
Walk through a hidden natural rock tunnel to get to this ‘secret’ beach, which is one’s of KI’s most popular. It’s family-friendly and boasts clear water, white sand, and rock pools where you can enjoy a dip.
Emu Bay
Once you’re done frolicking on the beach, stop by Emu Bay Lavender Farm for a lavender latte and giant (and delicious) lavender scone.
Day 3
Clifford’s Honey Farm
Learn about KI’s Ligurian bees and taste the famous honey ice cream, which has been a favourite of tourists’ and locals’ alike for some 30 years.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
This family-owned business produces pure eucalyptus oil from the Island’s narrow leaf mallee, which has hundreds of uses. Enjoy a tasty meal at the on-site café, try a eucalyptus-infused cocktail, and indulge in a cider tasting at their cellar door. Don’t forget to say hi to the distillery’s resident kangaroo!
American River Oyster Farm Shop
Indulge in the freshest oysters and other local and sustainably sourced seafood, including abalone, King George whiting and wild marron.
Day 4
Before heading back to Adelaide aboard the SeaLink ferry, wander along the Penneshaw Sculpture Trail, or take a small detour to visit Dudley Wines and False Cape Wines Cellar Doors and raise a glass to an epic trip.