Kangaroo Island

Overview

Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s most incredible wilderness destinations, packed with stunning coastal landscapes, unique wildlife, and rugged national parks. Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, this island is an unspoiled paradise where you can spot sea lions lounging on the beach, explore dramatic rock formations, and taste some of South Australia’s best local produce. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Kangaroo Island is the ultimate nature escape.

Explore Kangaroo Island Your Way

At The Road Trip Oz, we make it easy to explore Kangaroo Island without the stress of planning. Whether you want a self-drive adventure, a small group tour, or a private guided experience, we’ll handle the details so you can enjoy the journey.

• Self-drive tours – We’ll map out the best stops, routes, and hidden gems for you.
• Small group tours – Travel with like-minded adventurers and a knowledgeable guide.
• Private guided tours – The most relaxed way to explore, with a local expert leading the way.

Seasonal Highlights

Summer (Dec–Feb): Beach days and wildlife spotting

• Swim at Emu Bay and Stokes Bay.
• Best time to see dolphins on a boat tour.
• Expect warm days and long evenings.

Autumn (Mar–May): Fewer crowds and perfect hiking weather

• Mild temperatures make for ideal conditions to explore Flinders Chase National Park.
• Amazing sunsets over Remarkable Rocks.
• Excellent time for visiting local wineries and distilleries.

Winter (Jun–Aug): Rugged landscapes and dramatic coastal views

• See wild seas crashing against Admirals Arch.
• Spot newborn kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas.
• Cooler temperatures make for refreshing walks.

Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers and baby wildlife

• Flinders Chase National Park is full of blooming wildflowers.
• Great time for birdwatching and seeing koalas in the wild.
• Seal Bay is at its most active, with pups learning to swim.

Best Things to See & Do on Kangaroo Island

Iconic Highlights

• Flinders Chase National Park – A must-visit for stunning rock formations, wildlife, and coastal scenery.
• Remarkable Rocks – Ancient, sculpted granite formations with unbelievable ocean views.
• Admirals Arch – A natural rock bridge where you can watch New Zealand fur seals playing on the rocks below.
• Seal Bay Conservation Park – Walk right onto the beach with a guide to see wild sea lions up close.
• Stokes Bay – A hidden beach accessed through a narrow rock passage, with calm, clear waters.
• Vivonne Bay – One of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for a picnic or a quiet walk.
• Little Sahara – A stretch of massive sand dunes where you can go sandboarding or tobogganing.
• Kelly Hill Caves – Explore an incredible underground cave system full of stalactites and stalagmites.
• Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park – Meet koalas, kangaroos, and even rare albino wallabies.
• Cape Willoughby Lighthouse – The island’s oldest lighthouse, with panoramic coastal views.

Photo Hotspots

• Remarkable Rocks at Sunset – The golden light makes the rocks glow against the ocean.
• Admirals Arch – A stunning natural arch with seals playing in the background.
• Seal Bay – Get an incredible close-up shot of sea lions on the sand.
• Stokes Bay – The rock passage leading to the beach is an iconic photo spot.
• Little Sahara – The rolling sand dunes look like something out of a desert landscape.

Hidden Gems

• Western River Cove – A secluded beach with dramatic cliffs and turquoise water.
• Duck Lagoon – A peaceful spot for birdwatching and short bushwalks.
• Reeves Point – One of South Australia’s oldest European settlements, with historic ruins.
• Snellings Beach – A quiet, picture-perfect beach away from the main tourist spots.
• Harveys Return Hike – A lesser-known walking track with stunning views over the island’s coastline.

Choosing the Right Rental Car for Self-Drive Road Trips

Kangaroo Island is mostly accessible with standard vehicles, but some of the best spots are down gravel roads. Picking the right car depends on how adventurous you want to be.

• Standard car – Suitable for sealed roads and main attractions.
• SUV – Ideal for comfort and accessing more remote areas.
• 4WD – Recommended if you’re planning to explore deeper into the island’s rugged landscapes.

Need help choosing the right vehicle? We can make sure you’re set up for a smooth ride.

Where to Stay

Mid-Range Comfort

• Aurora Ozone Hotel (Kingscote) – A great base with ocean views and easy access to local attractions.
• Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel – Comfortable beachfront accommodation near the ferry terminal.
• Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge (American River) – A relaxed stay in a peaceful setting.

Luxury Stays

• Sea Dragon Lodge & Villas – A private, eco-luxury retreat with breathtaking coastal views.
• Southern Ocean Lodge – One of Australia’s most exclusive stays, perched above the wild coastline.
• Ecopia Retreat – A secluded eco-retreat surrounded by nature.

Want something special? We can help find the perfect place for your stay.

Combining Kangaroo Island with Other Destinations

Kangaroo Island is an incredible coastal wilderness escape, but it also fits perfectly into a broader South Australian adventure. If you’re heading back to the mainland, consider adding a stop in Adelaide to explore its vibrant food scene, cultural attractions, and coastal charm. From there, continue to the Barossa Valley to swap rugged coastlines for rolling vineyards, where you can indulge in world-class wine and gourmet dining.

For those craving more stunning landscapes, combine Kangaroo Island with a drive along the Limestone Coast. Stop at Mount Gambier to see the famous Blue Lake, explore the surreal Umpherston Sinkhole, and visit the region’s dramatic coastline before continuing your journey along the South Australian section of the Great Ocean Road.

Why Travel with The Road Trip Oz?

Kangaroo Island is an adventure, and we make sure it’s one you’ll never forget. Whether you prefer a private guided tour, a self-drive itinerary, or a small group experience, we take care of the details so you can focus on the experience.

• Private guided tours – Sit back, relax, and let an expert show you the best of the island.
• Self-drive tours – Explore at your own pace with a fully planned itinerary.
• Small group tours – A fun, social way to see all the highlights without the hassle of planning.

We know the best spots, the best times to visit, and the hidden gems most travellers miss.

Book Your Kangaroo Island Adventure

Ready to explore South Australia’s wildest island? Whether you’re looking for a beach escape, an epic road trip, or a wildlife-packed adventure, we’ll craft the perfect trip for you.

Contact The Road Trip Oz today and start planning your Kangaroo Island experience!