Free activities on Kangaroo Island
We look at seven family and budget-friendly activities for your next trip to Kangaroo Island.
1. Island art
Displayed in a restored heritage building in Kingscote, the Fine Art Kangaroo Island gallery exhibits paintings, sculptures and exquisite jewellery produced by local artists. Enjoy art and fresh island air in the outdoor sculpture garden.
At Australian Red Gum Gallery, see a range of beautifully crafted wooden items, like bowls, salt and pepper shakers and pens, made from relic timber.
2. Walk the walk
From short strolls to lengthy hikes, there are walking trails to suit all levels of enthusiasm. Penneshaw’s 1.5km-long Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail meanders through bushland dotted with a collection of impressive sculptures.
In the remote west of KI, wander through the bush to delightful views of a winter waterfall on the 5km-long Waterfall Creek Hike. Epic, multi-day treks are available in Flinders Chase National Park. A park entrance fee applies so it’s not completely free.
3. Feathered folk
With a clue in the name, Pelican Lagoon is a haven for waterbirds, including spoonbills, herons, swans and, yes, pelicans. Gone from the SA mainland, KI’s glossy black cockatoos can be spotted feeding among the sheoaks in Baudin Conservation Park and flying around American River. For all sorts of bush birds, head for Chapman River.
4. Scenic scenes
Pull over at the parking bay 2km south-west of Penneshaw for a superb view across Investigator Strait to the mainland. You might even spot a ferry en route to Cape Jervis. A 500-step climb to the summit of Prospect Hill offers picturesque views of Pelican Lagoon, Pennington Bay and a fair chunk of the island.
5. Beach bliss
Voted Australia’s best beach in 2023, Stokes Bay is quite literally a hidden gem. From the car park, take an exciting stroll through a narrow rock canyon to reach the clear, turquoise waters and soft white sand of this magical seaside spot.
Fed by the sea, Kingscote Tidal Pool is a fully enclosed swimming area. Surfers can head for pristine, uncrowded beaches at Vivonne Bay and glorious Pennington Bay on the island’s wild south coast.
6. Wet a line
Try your luck catching whiting, garfish and squid from Kingscote Jetty, chase mullet off Penneshaw Beach and soak up the views at Antechamber Bay while you bait up for snook, flathead and tommies. Bream fans will await the rising tide before dropping a line at Cygnet River. For a meal of sand crabs, head to American River.
7. Pack a picnic
Enjoy a barbecue among the trees at Kingscote’s Reeves Point, on the shore of Bay of Shoals. In the far east of KI, drop a chop on the barbie at Lashmar Conservation Park, which combines the scenic delight of Chapman River and Antechamber Bay’s stunning beach. Or roll out the picnic rug at Duck Lagoon Nature Reserve.