Things to do on Kangaroo Island, Australia

Things to do on Kangaroo Island, Australia

From enchanting wildlife to towering sand dunes, we share the best things to do on Kangaroo Island in Australia

Among Australia's famous landmarks, Kangaroo Island doesn't get much attention. There's Uluru, of course, and the Great Barrier Reef and the cities of Sydney and Melbourne, but Kangaroo Island remains less well-known - perhaps not a bad thing.

This island is home to around 60,000 kangaroos and has more kangaroos than people. The streets are straight and empty and life is slow: a little prairie, a little homegrown.

Once used by sealers and whalers, the island is now home to around 4,500 people - meaning there are over 13 kangaroos for every person!

Of course, kangaroos aren't the island's only attraction; There are also seals, wallabies and koalas. We spent three days there and share the best things to do on Kangaroo Island below, including a list of attractions, a map and important information on how to get to Kangaroo Island.

Sightseeing features

Flinders Chase National Park

alt="Things to do on Kangaroo Island: notable rocks">Atlas & BootsThe Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park

Flinders Chase, one of South Australia's best national parks, is located on the western end of Kangaroo Island. With canopies made of sugar gum and mallee scrub, the park is perfect for hiking. However, there is more to do here than hiking. From the twisting formations of the Remarkable Rocks to the jagged edges of Admirals Arch, the park is full of natural wonders that will easily consume a morning or even an entire day.

Further information: environment.sa.gov.au

Small Sahara sand dunes

alt="Things to do on Kangaroo Island: The sand dunes of Little Sahara">Atlas & BootsThe sand dunes of Little Sahara

We didn't expect much from Little Sahara and put it at the end of a day. As it turns out, it’s one of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island. The dunes in question are unexpectedly huge, with endless stretches of white sand rising above the surrounding scrub. The landscape is somewhat spoiled by sandboarders, so try to visit towards the end of the day to avoid the biggest crowds.

Further information: kioutdooraction.com.au

Kelly Hill Caves

alt="Kelly Hill Caves: Things to do on Kangaroo Island">Atlas & BootsKelly Hill Caves

The Kelly Hill Caves are part of an intricate cave system of stalactite, stalagmite, shell, helictite and pillar formations. The caves can only be visited as part of the guided Show Cave tour, which takes visitors underground to explore the formations. It contains one or two silly gimmicks, but is still a lot of fun. Tours depart at specific times, so plan ahead (first departure at 10:30 a.m., then quarter past every hour until 4:15 p.m.; more available in high season).

Further information: environment.sa.gov.au

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse

alt="Cape Willoughby Lighthouse">DreamtimeCape Willoughby Lighthouse

Located on a rocky headland at the eastern end of the island, Cape Willoughby began glowing in 1852, South Australia's first lighthouse. Today the picturesque white tower serves as a weather station. Inside, visitors can learn about the region's rich maritime history and watch for whales from above.

Further information: environment.sa.gov.au

wildlife

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

alt=“A Koala in Hanson Bay: Things to do on Kangaroo Island “>Atlas & BootsA koala in Hanson Bay

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the western end of Kangaroo Island between Kelly Hill Caves and Flinders Chase National Park. Surrounded by protected wilderness and the choppy Southern Ocean, Hanson Bay is home to grazing kangaroos and wallabies, sleepy koalas high in its trees and spiny echidnas waddling across the ground.

We spent an afternoon wandering around the sanctuary and found it to be one of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island.

Further information: hansonbay.com.au

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

alt="We decided not to visit Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park">Atlas & BootsWe decided not to visit Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

We decided not to visit this park as we wanted to see the island's wildlife in a more natural setting. Still, it's a big hit with tourists and offers wildlife encounters, including cuddly koalas and hand-feeding kangaroos. Given Australia's strict conservation laws, we're sure this wouldn't harm the animals, but we felt it was less than natural.

Further information: kangarooislandwildlifepark.com

Seal Bay

alt="Seal Bay is home to the largest colony of Australian sea lions">DreamtimeSeal Bay is home to the largest colony of Australian sea lions

Seal Bay in the nature reserve of the same name is home to the largest colony of Australian sea lions. Visitors can watch seals frolicking on the beach, basking in the sun, or swimming in the sea. The beach is accessed via a footpath that winds past dramatic cliffs and sand dunes. Tours start every hour. For a less crowded experience, visit before 11 a.m. or after 1 p.m.

Further information: sealbay.sa.gov.au

Beaches

Emu Bay

alt="The White Sands of Emu Bay">Atlas & BootsThe white sands of Emu Bay

Emu Bay, on the island's north coast, is the only beach that allows cars. Despite the shared access, the beach remains pristine. With fine white sand lapped by gentle waves, it's the perfect spot for a morning swim or late afternoon lounging.

Stokes Bay

alt="Stokes Bay is one of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island">Atlas & BootsStokes Bay is one of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island

Stokes Bay beach is absolutely stunning. You may be overwhelmed when you arrive, but don't be fooled: the main attraction is just a short walk from the parking lot on a rocky footpath. Follow the signs to the beach (if in doubt, ask a local for directions). We emerged from the rocks and discovered one of the best beaches on Kangaroo Island - practically deserted! Combine your visit with dinner at nearby Table 88, the restaurant that finally convinced us that tapas were worth the splurge.

Vivonne Bay

alt="A seal lounges at Vivonne Bay">Atlas & BootsA seal lounges at Vivonne Bay

Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island's south coast offers a tranquil spot for a stroll after a long day of exploring. The swimming didn't look good, but the wide, deserted sandy beaches make this a stop, not least for the pot-bellied seals lounging in the bay.

Antechamber Bay and Pennington Bay

alt="Pennington Bay on Kangaroo Island">DreamtimePennington Bay on Kangaroo Island

We didn't make it to Antechamber Bay or Pennington Bay on the east side of the island, but locals assured us that these are two of the best beaches on Kangaroo Island. If you find yourself at this end of the island and can't get to Stokes Bay (our favorite beach on the island), take a break at one of these bays.

Things to do on Kangaroo Island: Map

Things to do on Kangaroo Island: the essentials

What: Things to do on Kangaroo Island, Australia.

Where: We stayed at the Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn in Kingscote on the north coast of the island. The rooms are bright and spacious with exposed brick walls and large windows offering expansive views of Nepean Bay.

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Atlas & Boots

Kingscote itself is the largest town on the island and is well located for reaching the main attractions. It also offers the largest selection of cafes and restaurants. Some of these close early, so check opening times before you head out.

Parking is included in the room rate and is usually easy to access. When we inquired about parking restrictions at a local cafe, the owner smiled and said, "Don't worry about a ticket; this is AI," which is all you really need to know about Kangaroo Island!

When: Thanks to its mild temperatures, Kangaroo Island is a year-round destination, although summer (December to February) is the most popular. The best time to visit Kangaroo Island is February to March, when the weather is still warm and the children are back in school.

How: The Kangaroo Island Tour Pass provides access to Finders Chase National Park for 12 months, as well as access to several other attractions on the island. Visitors can book online and pay entrance fees before arrival.

To get to Kangaroo Island, the SeaLink Kangaroo Island Ferry operates daily (except Christmas Day) between Cape Jervis (two hours south of Adelaide) and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. The ferry takes 45 minutes and accommodates vehicles and pedestrians. Coffee, snacks, WiFi and a fully licensed café are available on board. Check fares and timetables and book online.

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Atlas & Boots

To get around Kangaroo Island, we recommend renting an SUV from Hertz Australia. Our Toyota Rav4 provided a super comfortable way to get around the island. We appreciated the freedom to set our own itinerary - and change it up if we wanted to stay in Stokes Bay a little longer! In addition to the latest offerings, Hertz Together offers a range of travel guides, articles and destination ideas.

Book domestic flights to Adelaide or international flights to Australia with Skyscanner at the best prices.

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Australia is a huge country. If you'd rather hand off the planning, we recommend G Adventures and their small group Australia tours.

Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide to the country, ideal for those who want to both explore the top attractions and take the road less traveled.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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