Luxury Escapes Guide to Kangaroo Island

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Kangaroo Island - Introduction

On Australia’s third-largest island, a regrowth of native vegetation quickly gives way to soaring cliffs, stunning rock formations and white-sand beaches. The best part? When it comes to spotting native wildlife, you won’t be disappointed — keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos darting across fields, koalas munching on eucalyptus and sea lions basking in the sun.

Although this spectacular region feels worlds away, it’s just a 35-minute flight from Adelaide (or a 45-minute ferry ride from South Australia’s mainland, Cape Jervis). However you arrive, we highly recommend you have a car — you’ll want to explore as much of the island as possible, and at just 155km from east to west coast, everything’s in easy reach.

Whether you’re here for a week or a long weekend, be sure to find time to visit the passionate artisan producers and friendly winemakers dotted along the island’s main roads. With a picnic lunch sorted, you’ll be ready to discover one of the many hidden beaches along the island’s 250km of coastline. Surf, swim, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax and take it all in.

Lovers of outdoor adventure take note, the island is packed with marine and land activities including fishing, snorkeling, hiking and off-roading. Allow a few hours at least to explore the natural beauty and walking trails of Flinders Chase National Park, home to the world-famous Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

This spectacular island truly represents the best of Australia, all in the one place.

Please note that due to current restrictions some operators may be temporarily closed. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information SA Landing page logo

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Things to see and do

Get off the beaten track with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Adventure

Explore 500 acres of open grassland and pristine native bush in style – on your very own four-wheeler. Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action’s quad bike tours allow you to drive across all sorts of terrain, from sand dunes to rugged bush, with pitstops to spot local wildlife along the way. Ride to the cliff’s edge and take in stunning views of the Southern Ocean or test your skill on the extreme rocky trails. Don’t worry if you’ve never operated a quad before, the guides cater to all skills and abilities. Our tip: wear something old.

Go in search of hidden beaches

Kangaroo Island is peppered with hidden beaches if you know where to look. On the north coast you'll find __Stokes Bay__: don’t be discouraged by the view from the parking lot, there’s a stunning beach hidden just to your right. Navigate your way through a small arch in the rocks and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect place to spend a day. Another favorite is __Western River Cove__, on the northwest of the island. This one’s a little harder to get to but if you stick to the winding road, you’ll eventually reach the parking lot. Follow the footbridge down past the river and you'll be greeted with a 200m cove of white sand and clear water – if you time it right, you might be the only people in sight.

Catch your own snapper with Emu Bay Fishing Charters

If you want to drop a line, there are a few different fishing operators to choose from. Emu Bay Fishing Charters, on the northeast of the island, runs half-day, full-day and 12-hour charters for first-timers and pros alike. Set sail aboard a 10-meter vessel with room for up to 12 people and be led by a skipper who has more than 20 years' experience catching King George whiting, snapper, trevally, flathead, shark and tuna. Throw your line in and wait patiently for the fish to come — if all goes to plan, dinner will be sorted.

Walk up 500 steps to the narrowest point on the island

As you travel along the main road from Penneshaw to Kinsgcote, you’ll eventually hit Pennington Bay Road. It’s worth stopping here for a moment to check out the popular surfing spot below and take in the amazing views across the bay. Drop in and say hi to the guys at Beach Barista van — they churn out specialty coffee and toasted sandwiches from the parking lot year-round. After you've refueled, prepare yourself to take on Prospect Hill’s 500 stairs. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with unbeatable views from the narrowest point of the island (with just 1km between the two coastlines).

See the wonders of nature at Flinders Chase National Park

It wouldn’t be a visit to Kangaroo Island without dedicating a few hours to Flinders Chase National Park. The 326kmsq park is home to beautiful coastal landscapes and some of the island's most iconic sites. Drive to the southern tip of the park where you’ll find a long and winding boardwalk that leads up and around the cliff’s edge, through to Admirals Arch. From the viewing platform here, you'll see the churning ocean and New Zealand fur seals lazing in the sun (if you’re lucky, you might even spot a pup or two). Your next pitstop is the Remarkable Rocks. Here you can wander through a cluster of enormous, precariously balanced granite boulders and watch as the golden orange surface changes colors in the light. With the ocean as your backdrop, it’s the best spot for a selfie (or two).

Visit one of Australia's best beaches at Vivonne Bay

If you've heard of Vivonne Bay, that’s because it was voted the best beach in the world back in 2003, a title that locals are proud of. It’s not surprising: this six-kilometer-long stretch of white sand on the island’s south-west coast boasts clear blue water, ample privacy and a picture-perfect jetty. Swim, surf or snorkel in the water, or simply roll out your towel and take a moment to unwind. The bay is well known for its crayfish so keep your eyes out for boats docking at the jetty.