Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island, often called KI, lies about 112 kilometres southwest of Adelaide, separated from the Fleurieu Peninsula by Backstairs Passage. It is Australia's third-largest island and one of South Australia's most popular nature destinations, known for sea lions, little penguins, wild coastline and Flinders Chase National Park.

Getting there

The car ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw crosses Backstairs Passage, and Cape Jervis is about two hours' drive from Adelaide. Book ahead in peak season. Alternatively, fly from Adelaide to Kingscote and hire a car on the island.

Getting around

The island is larger than many visitors expect. Allow time for long drives between the east and west ends. Some roads are unsealed. Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night, when wildlife is most active on the roads.

Flinders Chase National Park

At the western end, Flinders Chase National Park protects a large area of wilderness. Highlights include:

• Remarkable Rocks: huge, weathered granite boulders perched above the sea.
• Admirals Arch: a natural rock arch, with New Zealand fur seals often seen on the rocks below.
• Walking trails through recovering bushland.

Park entry fees apply. Check for any closures as the park continues to recover from the 2019–20 fires.

Seal Bay

Seal Bay Conservation Park is home to a colony of Australian sea lions, an endangered species. Guided beach tours and boardwalks let you see them up close while protecting the colony.

Wildlife

Kangaroo Island is known for its wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, goannas and a wide range of birds. Little penguins nest along parts of the coast. Keep your distance from wild animals and never feed them.

Beaches and coast

From sheltered northern beaches such as Emu Bay and Stokes Bay to wild southern coastline, KI has beaches for every mood. Swim only at beaches suitable for swimming and be aware of currents.

Food and produce

The island has a strong local food culture, with honey from Ligurian bees, cheese, seafood, wine and gin. Farm gates and producers welcome visitors.

Recovery after the fires

The 2019–20 bushfires burned a large proportion of the island, including much of Flinders Chase. Wildlife and communities were badly affected. Visiting and spending locally supports the island's recovery.

Biosecurity

Kangaroo Island has biosecurity rules to protect its industries and environment, including its Ligurian bees and potato crops. Check what you can bring before you travel.

When to go

Kangaroo Island is rewarding year-round. Summer is warm and busy. Autumn and spring are mild and quieter. Winter is cool and wetter, but good for wildlife watching.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Ferry to Penneshaw, explore the east and Kingscote.
• Day 2: Seal Bay and the south coast, on to the west.
• Day 3: Flinders Chase, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

Walks on the island

The island has walks for every level. The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is a multi-day walk through Flinders Chase and along the south-west coast, with booking required. Shorter walks lead to lookouts, beaches and coastal cliffs. Check trail conditions with National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia, as some tracks have been rebuilt or rerouted since the fires.

Lighthouses and history

Cape Willoughby, Cape Borda and Cape du Couedic lighthouses stand at the island's corners, marking a long maritime history. The island's south coast has seen many shipwrecks, and interpretive signs along the coast tell their stories. Kingscote, the largest town, was the site of South Australia's first official European settlement in 1836.

Wildlife watching tips

• Look for wildlife at dawn and dusk, but drive with great care at these times.
• Join a guided tour for little penguins or nocturnal wildlife, which minimises disturbance.
• Keep your distance from sea lions and fur seals on beaches and rocks.
• Take binoculars for birds, including black cockatoos found on the island.

Getting the ferry right

The ferry crossing is short, but it is the island's main link for vehicles, so bookings matter in school holidays and summer. Arrive at Cape Jervis with time to spare, check vehicle size rules if you are towing or driving a campervan, and be aware that rough weather can occasionally disrupt sailings. Fuel up before boarding, as prices on the island can be higher.

Before you go

Check park alerts, fire danger ratings and road conditions before your trip. During summer, total fire bans may apply, and some walking trails close on days of high fire danger.