19 Things to do that make Kangaroo Island Worth Visiting!

When people talk about Kangaroo Island, they often mention the effort it takes to get there, a ferry ride or short flight off the coast of South Australia. The challenge for most travellers is wondering, “Is Kangaroo Island worth visiting?” and “what can you do there?”

But from my own visit, I can confidently say that once you’ve spotted sea lions lazing on the sand, wandered among the Remarkable Rocks, or watched kangaroos grazing freely at dusk, you’ll quickly realise why so many call this place unforgettable.

Whether you’re interested in nature, adventure, or simply slowing down to soak in the views. In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do on Kangaroo Island, along with practical tips, so you’ll see exactly why the journey is more than worth it.

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Is Kangaroo Island Worth Visiting & Map?

Absolutely yes! Kangaroo Island is an incredible place to visit with its stunning rugged coastline and unique wildlife. Whether you take a day trip or stay for a week-long getaway, there are so many different things to get your excited.

There are epic hikes through pristine natural landscapes, to unrivalled views over crystal blue waters. Just make sure you sample fresh local seafood, walk through forests while admiring dazzling views, or learn more about native animals like echidnas, koalas, and sea lions.

It’s easy to see why tourists have put it firmly on their Australian bucket list.

Best Things to do On Kangaroo Island!

You do have options with getting to Kangaroo Island, this includes day trip tours from Adelaide. Or, taking the 10 minute flight over and hiring a car there, or catching the ferry and sorting the attraction and tours when you get there.

While it’s not everyone’s first option, I chose to fly there and hire a car to get around, but there were a few tours I booked to help me see more sites.

I also recommend staying 3 to 4 nights on the Island, to give you more time to see the sites.

1. Remarkable Rocks

If I was to choose one attraction on Kangaroo Island that makes it worth visiting, it would be the Remarkable Rocks. It’s the signature landmark on the Island, that has been formed over the last 500 million years.

Gradually chipped away with the rigorous wind and pounding waves of the Southern Ocean. It is a testament to their longevity and a curious sight, that these naturally-shaped rocks remain standing today.

I recommended that you head out early morning or evening to visit. Not only to avoid large crowds but also to enjoy the stunning sunrises and sunsets around these impressive sculptures.

2. Admirals Arch

Admirals Arch is a rock bridge located on the Island’s southwest tip, within the Flinders Chase National Park. Visitors can explore the spectacular rock formations created from thousands of years of erosion as they descend the boardwalk toward this rock bridge.

The walk down to Admirals Arch takes you past ancient cliff faces and rock platforms populated with an array of wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals.

When you reach the rock bridge, you will be captivated by the vibrant colors, natural growth, and incredible rock formations that make up this majestic spot. However, what appears to be stalactites at Admirals Arch are actually fossilized roots.

3. Quad Bike Rides

Quad biking tours come with qualified guides, making sure that you’re safe while taking in the impressive sights. So get ready to be blown away by untouched nature on four wheels as you take on thrilling rides through forest trails, beachfronts, and rocky pathways!

Be prepared for an action-filled journey through the amazing outdoors on the Island.

4. Tours with Local Guides!

There’s wine tasting for the grownups, snorkelling for underwater explorers, and nature walks for anyone looking to reconnect with Mother Nature.

So, what is the best way to ensure you don’t miss a thing? Probably Booking yourself onto the tours available to the Island.

These tours are your ticket to seeing the usual hotspots and are always great fun meeting new people. With expert local guides and knowledge at your service and surprises along the way.

Fun Fact: The island has seen over 80 shipwrecks since 1847, with its lighthouses playing a crucial role in maritime navigation.

5. Vivonne Bay

Vivonne Bay is not only one of the most stunning beaches – but it was also voted one of Australia’s best beach! With its 6 kilometre-long U-shaped beach, Vivonne Bay is framed by two pristine peninsulas, creating a safe harbour for visitors to enjoy.

But, of course, no beach experience would be complete without warm sand and perfect azure waters. In addition to its stunning landscapes, it is also an excellent spot for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, and other activities set in this laid-back coastal area.

6. Wine Cellars and Vineyards

With 14 wineries spread across Kangaroo island, this is more than 200 hectares under vines and known for its varietal solid fruit flavours and intense colours. Each winery offers award-winning wines with unique tastes, making a tour through the cellar doors a must.

Guests can expect to sample wines ranging from complex Cabernets to refreshing Sauvignon Blancs. Throughout their journey, guests can explore picturesque landscapes and friendly locals who will be more than happy to help them discover their new favourite bottle of wine.

7. Honey Farm

Clifford’s Honey Farm is a must-visit and fun for any nature and bee enthusiast! Since 1984, the team have been delighting visitors with sweet and creative honey treats.

Every day they offer visitors a delightful opportunity to tour the local hives, explore the grounds and learn more about beekeeping first-hand.

There is a unique and delicious range of handcrafted honey products that have been harvested during the spring months from their own bees. Enjoy sampling the signature sweet treats, and learn about the Bee’s.

Fun Fact – Did you known that the island hosts the world’s last pure population of Ligurian bees?

8. Penneshaw Penguin Centre tour

Guides will take you to see the adorable Penneshaw penguins and you can get up close and personal with them, in small group tours. I thoroughly enjoyed it the experience and was very surprised how different it was to other penguin tours I’ve done.

One minute I was walking around with the supplied red light, next minute, I had a penguin running in between my legs. Not only that, but hearing their cute calling sounds all around you is hypnotising.

Tip: For those that are familiar with the Philip Island Penguin tour near Melbourne. I think this penguin Tour is way better, and less commercialised.

Fun Fact: The island was first mapped by French explorer Nicolas Baudin in 1811 and was known as “I’Île Decrès” before being named Kangaroo Island.

9. Swim With Dolphins

If you’re looking for a unique experience, then think about an incredible day trip to swim with dolphins. With informative commentary along the way from the experienced skipper and tour guide, this is definitely worth the experience.

You have a chance to come face-to-face with wild seals as well as see pods of dolphins swimming in their natural environment. This educational adventure allows guests to learn more about the local wildlife and ocean ecology up close.

10. Seal Bay

Seal Bay is one of those wildlife experiences that you won’t soon forget. As part of a guided tour, visitors walk along the boardwalk to safely observe a large colony of Australian or New Zealand sea lions in their natural habitat.

It’s become the third-largest sea lion colony in Australia and one of the most exceptional nature-based experiences.

Just so you know, If you opt for the guided tour, you will be taken into the heart of the colony, where experienced guides will teach you about these endangered animals. The alternative the this is a lookout platform which is free, but much further away!

11. Little Sahara

Little Sahara is quite the hidden gem! This vast inland dune field spans an impressive 2.5 square kilometres of white and golden sand dunes, giving it its nickname of “Little Sahara.”

The natural beauty of this area is further enhanced by lush coastal shrubbery, which contrasts so gorgeously with the dunes, offering a landscape that you’ll just never tire of.

People come to Little Sahara to play all sorts of fun activities, such as sandboarding and tobogganing, so why not join in the fun too?

12. Emu Bay Lavender Farm

Emu Bay Lavender Farm is set in a stunning spot surrounded by landscapes full of untouched wildlife and an impressive coastline. A visit here includes everything from learning about what goes into growing lavender to taking home products.

This includes ones made with the farm’s own lavenders, such as loose-leaf teas and oils, to luxurious body products.

13. Kelly Hill Caves

Surprisingly, the Island is also full of stalactites and stalagmites, glowing in all sorts of eerie brown and orange tones. A tour with knowledgeable guides is irreplaceable and will give you the inside scoop on all Kelly Caves has to offer!

I was absolutely amazed at finding out about Helictites, which I had never heard of before. Interestingly, they are vertical stalactites that start to curve as if they were growing in zero gravity.

Out of all the caves I’ve visited around the world, Kelly Hill Caves are the only place I’ve seen them.

14. Cape Willoughby Light station

Situated at the easternmost point, lies the remarkable Cape Willoughby Light station, established in 1852. This active lighthouse is a historical landmark, standing proudly at 27 metres high with 102 steps.

The light station is made up of two beacons and is still operational today! The copper-domed lighthouse has had its share of restoration over the past 150 years to keep it functioning efficiently and stands tall, keeping watch over the eastern seal colonies.

15. Raptor Domain

Raptor Domain is a fascinating experience, and daily presentations let visitors learn more about these incredible birds of prey. See breeds like Barn Owls, Kookaburras, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Black Kites and the always funny, Cockatoos.

The team at the raptor domain are not just helping tourists connect with and learn about these majestic creatures. But also dedicating their time and enthusiasm to saving orphaned, injured, and sick birds each year.

The centre has educational content on their various species of hawks, falcons, and owls, allowing all visitors a chance to join in the educational experience while admiring these magnificent birds close up.

16. Hiking

Taking to the trails is like embarking on a journey to an untouched paradise. It features fascinating coastal formations through the Flinders Chase National Park and stunning wildlife, visitors can take a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike.

Some of these include:

• Flinders Chase Coastal Trek: 19-kilometre trek that offers stunning coastal views and diverse wildlife.
• Snake Lagoon Walk: A 4-kilometre return trail that takes you through a scenic gorge to the beach.
• Ravine des Casoars: A 7-kilometre return hike through a rugged ravine to a remote beach.
• Cape du Couedic Hike: A shorter 1.9-kilometre loop that provides views of the lighthouse and Admirals Arch.
• Ironstone Hill Hike: A 4-kilometre return trail offering panoramic views of the north coast and historical ruins.

With every step come new discoveries and a newfound appreciation for the magnificent beauty of Kangaroo Islands undiscovered beauty.

17. Wildlife Park

The Wildlife Park is one of the best Family-Friendly attractions, located near the centre of the Island. And with an impressive background, it’s no wonder why!

With over 600 animals and around 150 species of Native Australian wildlife, this park gives visitors a chance to see native creatures!

From Koalas and Kangaroos to Tasmanian Devils and wombats, Its guaranteed to leave you in awe. So, whether you’d like a fun-filled day trip or planning a more extended stay in the area, this wildlife park should not be missed.

Fun fact – Did you know that Kangaroo Island is home to a unique subspecies of kangaroo, which has longer fur and a darker color compared to mainland kangaroos due to 10,000 years of isolation?

18. Visit the Beaches and Coves.

It’s definitely an island paradise with so many beaches to choose from. This includes Christmas Cove, Emu Bay Beach, Scotts Cove, Stokes Bay, Baudin Beach, and Boxing Bay Beach.

Emu Bay boasts crisp white sand and tranquil turquoise waters, creating a perfect relaxing spot.

For adventurers, Stokes Bay is the place to be for snorkelling and scuba diving, and opportunities to explore the ocean’s depths.

And Scott’s Cove is worth a visit if you’re a photographer or just like unbelievable views of the coastline.

19. Flinders Chase National Park

Flinders Chase National Park is a vast, unique wilderness filled with an abundance of wildlife and phenomenal landscapes. Interesting, that it was originally intended as a sanctuary for those suffering from “brain fag,” which was a term used for mental fatigue.

Notable features in the park, such as the iconic Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, are among the reasons why this Island is one of South Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.

Flinders Chase National Park was established in 1919 covering nearly 95,000 hectares. It offers exceptional opportunities to explore picturesque bushlands teeming with native flora and fauna.

How to get there?

You can actually get to this South Australian gem reasonably easy by either taking a ferry from Cape Jervis or flying from Adelaide Airport.

Please look further into these options below, but you can purchase One Day or Multi day tours from the Mainland which include the price of travelling by ferry.

Note: I chose to fly over, but I’ve had friends use the ferry option.

Get there by Ferry

Sealink operates a daily ferry service between mainland South Australia and Kangaroo Island. This ferry ride takes 45 minutes and departs from Cape Jervis, which is about 1.5-hour drive south of Adelaide.

Get there by Air

Alternatively, you can fly direct from Adelaide to Kingscote on Kangaroo Island in just 20 minutes on a 34-seat plane operated by REX Airlines ( Regional Express Airlines).

REX has a maximum of 15 kg per person luggage allowance plus 7kg hand/cabin luggage. On top of that, if you require additional luggage, there is a charge per extra kg.

How to get around?

Self-drive tours allow you to choose your own experiences and do them in your own time.

Since I was Travelling from Brisbane without a car, I chose to Fly over to Kangaroo Island and then hire my vehicle from there. The prices were reasonable, and I could pick up and drop off at the Airport.

➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

Where to Stay?

If you’re planning a longer vacation and wondering where option you have to stay, then you’ll find cozy cottages, numerous villas, luxury options to seaside resorts.

This depends on your budget, location and the type of experience you want out of your holiday. However, I often pick a cheap motel and spend my money on experiences.

Best Time to visit?

A trip to Kangaroo Island during an Australian summer (December to February) is generally the best time to visit! This is when the sunny days are ideal for exploring beaches, kayaking in the coves, and sitting around campfire sunsets.

Although, the average temperature here is between 11 and 19°C, making it an all-year-round travel destination.

However, if you’re visiting between May and September, ensure you bring an umbrella as it’s the rainy season.

A winter escape is not off the cards either, but the nights can still get chilly and typically dips to a low of around 8 to 15 degrees Celsius. This means you should bring along enough layers and warm attire.

FAQ’s – Common Question’s

Can you take your own car?

One of the best ways to check out Kangaroo Island is with a self-drive tour, and yes, you can take your own car over to the Island.

Sealink offers car-carrying services, and I recommend booking your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.

Prices start from roughly $100 per car each way, with 2 passengers, and increase with the size of a vehicle, towing, time, and number of passengers.

Personally, I would only use this option if you plan on staying for more than 4 nights. Otherwise, the Hire car option could possibly be cheaper and more manageable.

Is there phone reception?

Making calls on the island is often a hit-and-miss affair, with Telstra at the top of the list for reliable phone reception.

Optus and other services can be inconsistent, but Telstra is the reliable option if you’re looking to connect with people beyond your island getaway home. However, most accommodations will have a Wi-fi service, but you should check this before booking.

Is there Public Transport?

Sorry, but you won’t find any available public bus transport, Uber, or Taxi options on the Island, except for a shuttle service running from the Airport to Kingscote.

You’ll need to bring your own car or hire one on the island if you want to get around, and it’s too big for riding a push bike around.

Wrap up & Read More!

Overall, Kangaroo Island is worth visiting for it’s attractions and a great place to visit if you’re looking for relaxation and nature therapy. The nature will consume you its abundance of rugged, wind-swept cliffs, rolling hills, swaying eucalyptus forests, and beach-fronted wonders.

However, If you’re still researching, please find more South Australian tips and tricks HERE for inspiration and planning.

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