How to plan a holiday to Kangaroo Island

Whether you are visiting Adelaide and want to spend a couple of nights on the island or if you want to extend your time to a longer stay, we’ve got all the knowledge to help you plan a holiday to Kangaroo Island.

How to get to Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is very easy to get to. Adelaide will always be your starting point - from here you can either fly, self-drive and take the ferry, or join a tour that will go by ferry. 

It’s so easy to fly to Kangaroo Island and is definitely my recommended way to travel. A 40 minute flight will take you to directly to Kingscote Airport, where you can either pick up your own hire car or be picked up by your hotel and taken straight to the property. There are a couple of flights a day each way, so it’s always accessible no matter how long you want to stay.

You can also hop on the ferry from Cape Jervis over to Penneshaw. It’s very easy and we can book all of this for you, but can be a bit rough if the weather isn’t perfect. You can either do this as a self drive, where you hire a car in Adelaide and drive down through the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis, or you could take a one-way tour from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, spend the day being shown the sites before your guide drops you at the ferry terminal. If you go for the tour option, then you’ll need to make sure your touring in Kangaroo Island is organised, as you can’t see the island without a car or a guide driving you.

Where to stay

There are lots of options of where to stay on Kangaroo Island, whether you’re looking for a luxurious lodge experience, a boutique hotel or relaxed 3* accommodation.

Sea Dragon Lodge

I stayed at beautiful Sea Dragon Lodge, right on the tip of the eastern shore of Kangaroo Island. This secluded property is a real haven, nestled in 250 acres of coastal land with ocean views and its own beach that looks out towards the sunrise. Boutique and intimate, you’ll see kangaroos grazing between the villas each morning before heading to breakfast to tuck into some delicious food, all sourced from local suppliers. Touring is included in your stay, shared with other guests, and is the perfect way to see the island and make some new friends before returning to Sea Dragon for an impressive dinner.

Southern Ocean Lodge

This luxury lodge is the most iconic in Australia, made even more famous when the entire property burnt to the ground during the 2020 bushfires on Kangaroo Island. After three years of building, it has just reopened in 2023, better than ever. With unreal views over the Southern Ocean, this lodge is perfectly situated, with each suite having separate areas to relax, with a big deck to watch the scarlet sunsets. Upgrade to the Osprey Suite to have your own plunge pool or just head to the main pavilion to relax with a drink by the pool. Expert guiding is included in your stay here, as well as sensational food from produce-driven menus and the best of South Australian wine.

Glamping at Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park

In the heart of Penneshaw, just steps from the ferry terminal, is the Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park, which has recently built some glamping tents overlooking the sea. These luxurious tents are in a great spot – an easy walk from the pub and restaurants of Penneshaw while still feeling a bit special when you get back to your room each evening. Delightfully furnished, with comfortable beds and modern style, it’s a really good option if you’re looking for something low key but lovely.

Oceanview Eco Villas

Set right on the edge of the island, you’ll find Oceanview Eco Villas, two villas each with two bedrooms that are perfect for those looking for an off-grid and eco experience, whilst maintaining the 5 star personal experience. The hosts are Tim and Tamsin, who go out of their way to provide guests with a unique stay, soaking up the views and dining on wonderful food and wine. It’s a remote and beautiful area and a great way to experience of Kangaroo Island, especially for families or groups looking for a more private space.

Touring – guide or no guide?

There is so much to see in Kangaroo Island but it’s especially fantastic for wildlife. Everywhere you drive there will be something hidden in the forests and fields around you, you just need to keep your eyes peeled! We really recommend seeing Kangaroo Island with a guide – they are so good at spotting wildlife and know all the best spots where koalas and kangaroos like to hang out. It really will enhance your experience here – we can help you book a guided experience if your hotel doesn’t offer it.

You can definitely do a self-drive here, the island is easy to explore but don’t forget that it is huge. Kangaroo Island is 7 times the size of Singapore! So make sure you plan your days properly and don’t stretch yourself too thin when organising your route.

Exploring Kangaroo Island

There are so many highlights of Kangaroo Island but here are a few of my favourites. Whether you are enjoying a guided experience or exploring yourself, you’ll be sure to have a wonderful time here.

Seal Bay

Walking amongst the gorgeous sea lions on the vast beaches of Seal Bay is a brilliant experience. There are large boardwalks all the way down to the beach, with endless views over the sand below. These Australian sea-lions are some of the rarest in the world – they breed year round so no matter when you visit you might be lucky enough to spot some gorgeous pups on the beach!

Remarkable Rocks

Perched just above the ocean in Flinders Chase National Park are Remarkable Rocks, the giant boulders that are balanced upon the flat granite landscape. Each one is so different – some almost entirely hollowed out from the combination of wind, sea and rain over millions of years, others huge blocks that you can climb right onto. The views from the rocks across the ocean are just stunning.

Admiral’s Arch

At the far end of Flinders Chase National Park, you’ll find Admirals Arch, a natural rock arch created by the weathering of the sea. Walking down winding boardwalks to the arch is so scenic – you can look out for fur seals playing amongst the rock pools and coves, as well as the sea crashing up against the rugged coastline. You can stay in the nearby lighthouse cottages which have been restored – it’s a remote and beautiful part of the island to visit.

Kangaroo Island Gin Distillery

Dotted about the island you’ll find little artisan producers, honey farms and cellar doors but one of my favourites has got to be the Kangaroo Island Gin Distillery. Here you can learn all about the gin making process, stroll through the garden where they grow the botanicals needed for their delicious spirits or even join a cocktail class or gin blending lesson.

Stokes Bay

On the north coast of the island you’ll find the secluded Stokes Bay, a tiny haven of perfect sand and turquoise water. To reach the beach you have make your way through a labyrinth of paths through the rock, emerging on the spectacular sands which is the perfect place for a beach picnic or a sunset bottle of champagne.

Wildlife

The best thing about Kangaroo Island, has got to be the wildlife. Although there are several specific places you can find wildlife, a lot of the best viewings just happen spontaneously when you are out and about exploring. It’s one of the reasons I’d so recommend having a guide on Kangaroo Island because they will spot koalas in the trees and echidnas in the long grasses that are almost impossible to see yourself.

When to go to Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is one of those lucky destinations that is great visit all year round, depending on what experiences you are looking for. The most popular time to visit is between December and February, the middle of the Australian summer. If you’re looking for water-based activities then it’s a great time to explore – you can head out kayaking, snorkelling and swimming from one of the islands many beautiful beaches. Autumn (between March and May) is a great time to visit, with fewer tourists and cooler nights that are perfect for spotting wildlife in the milder evenings. Wildflowers blossom in the bush and make it a great time for hiking.

Winter (June – August) brings colder temperatures that are perfect for cosying up in your lodge and enjoying the delicious local wine and food from around the island. You can keep an eyeout for southern right whales as you hike along the beaches and admire waterfalls that will be at their peak. Spring (September – November) is full of the taste of spring lamb, fresh lavender honey and other seasonal produce. It’s also great for photographers as the days get lighter and misty mornings make for atmospheric photos of kangaroos and koalas.  

Looking to plan a holiday to Kangaroo Island?

If you’re looking for a trip to Kangaroo Island and South Australia, then look no further. Whether you want to plan an Australian wildlife safari or a luxurious stay on Kangaroo Island we can help you plan your trip. If you want to start to plan, give us a call on 1273 320 580 or request a quote.

We are experts in planning tailor-made holidays to Australia, so if you want to expand your trip to visit other areas of South Australia and some of the other fantastic Australian states as well as round the world flights, so we can work together with you until we’ve created your perfect holiday.