Kangaroo Island is a must-visit destination in Australia. It’s not one of the typical bucket listers like Fraser Island or the Whitsundays but when you see the landscapes on offer in this Kangaroo Island blog post, you’ll see why it’s a fantastic contender.
This captivating island off the south coast boasts rugged coastlines, dreamy turquoise waters, native Aussie wildlife, and great wines. If you’re not convinced yet, leave that with us. In this blog post, we will uncover the best things to do on Kangaroo Island.
Whether you’re planning your visit as a solo traveller like me, travelling with a partner, friends, or family… Kangaroo Island will cater for your adventure.
From the Remarkable Rocks to observing seals in their natural habitat at Seal Bay, get your notepad at the ready to plan a memorable island adventure here in Australia!
Where is Kangaroo Island?
Located off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is a gorgeous island escape. Accessible by a short ferry ride from Cape Jervis or a quick flight from Adelaide, this island paradise is easily within reach for those seeking a retreat from the mainland’s hustle and bustle.
Surrounded by the waters of the Southern Ocean, Kangaroo Island boasts diverse landscapes, from rugged cliffs to serene beaches, making it the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
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Where To Stay on Kangaroo Island
If you’re looking for the ultimate Kangaroo Island base, my top pick is Kingscote. Sure, it’s still on the quieter side, but trust me, it’s as lively as it gets around here!
With a cluster of cafes, restaurants, petrol stations, and shops, Kingscote offers just the right blend of convenience and charm.
Aurora Ozone Hotel
I chose to stay at Aurora Ozone Hotel Kangaroo Island located in Kingscote just a short drive from the airport. It’s a great place for solo travellers, couples, and families with a range of rooms on offer.
With free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, comfy beds, a small fridge, and kitchen basics, it had everything I needed. The daily room cleaning was a sweet touch for that holiday pampering. Expect to pay around $200-$300AUD per night here which isn’t bad considering travelling to Australia can be expensive.
The onsite restaurant has fantastic beach views and served up a fantastic $25AUD buffet breakfast, while lunch and dinner offered typical bistro fare at a fair price considering the prime beach location. Overall, I would highly recommend checking out Aurora Ozone for a comfortable and convenient stay on the island.
Let’s now dive straight into the absolute best things to do on Kangaroo Island! Below are my top 10, which honestly was pretty hard to narrow down as there is so much to do and see on the island!
1. Visit Flinders Chase National Park
Flinders Chase National Park is an absolute must-visit gem, just an hour’s scenic drive southwest of Kingscote. Trust me, it’s worth every mile!
From the iconic Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arches to the Weirs Cove Ruins Lookout Flinders Chase is without a doubt one of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island.
Once you hit the national park entrance and pay a small fee follow the signs for about 15-20 minutes, and voila – the Remarkable Rocks await at the first turn-off.
Shaped by Mother Nature herself some 500 million years ago, these granite rocks are truly remarkable. Pro tip: Visit early morning or evening to dodge the crowds and catch the sunset, it’s a stunning sight.
Once you’ve soaked in the Remarkable Rocks’ glory, the next stop is Weirs Cove Ruins Lookout. I nearly skipped it, unsure if it was worth the stop but let me tell you it has a knockout view of two-toned turquoise waters awaits.
And the last stop is Admirals Arches where you can see the epic natural arches that frame the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for seals lying on the rocks too!
2. Watch Seals on the Beach at Seal Bay
Now, let’s talk about Seal Bay – a slice of paradise on Kangaroo Island that’ll tug at your heartstrings.
Just a short pitstop from Flinders Chase, Seal Bay is where you’ll find yourself in the company of the island’s most adorable residents – sea lions.
Not only will you see a sea lion colony just living their best life, but the scenery is also stunning. I could seriously watch the seals hanging by the beach all day, definitely a must-see experience on Kangaroo Island!
3. Soak in The Scenery at Vivonne Bay Jetty
You simply cannot miss the breathtakingly pale blue and turquoise waters of Vivonne Bay – and no, those stunning photos you’ve seen aren’t heavily edited; it’s the real deal!
Just a 45-minute drive from Kingscote, Vivonne Bay will make your jaw drop as you approach it. Whether you’re after a unique fishing experience on Vivonne Bay Jetty or a photo enthusiast like me, this spot is a winner. Take a seat on the pier with a packed lunch for a perfect seaside moment.
While at the jetty, explore the rocks near the main car park to find hidden rock pools with vibrant blue water – just be cautious near the edges due to strong waves.
And if you’re up for some beach time, throw on your swimmers, grab a towel, and bask in the beauty of Vivonne Bay’s main beach. Take a refreshing dip, but stay close to the shore; those great white sharks might be cruising nearby!
4. Taste Wine at Bay of Shoals Winery
Just a short drive from Kingscote, Bay of Shoals is the perfect place to kick back with a wine and relax after a day of exploring.
One of the most beautiful wineries I’ve visited, the views of the vineyards in front of the ocean are simply stunning.
Grab a tasting paddle to taste some wine or why not grab a bottle and some cheese and find a picnic table in the vineyard?
5. Explore Kelly Hills Caves
Dive beneath the surface of Kangaroo Island with a visit to the Kelly Hill Caves – a hidden gem that’s a must for those craving a break from the hot sun.
Leave any claustrophobic fears at the entrance and head underground to delve into the history of cave exploration on the island.
To visit the caves you need to book a 45-minute guided tour, costing around $22 through the National Park.
The guided tour will cover everything from its discovery to caving by candlelight and the interesting naming of rocks.
Just a 15-minute drive from Flinders Chase or an hour from Kingscote, I recommend you book your tour online a couple of days in advance to snag your preferred day and timeslot.
6. Discover Stokes Bay Hidden Beach
Now, let’s talk about one of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island– the secretive Stokes Bay beach!
Just a word of warning as you pull into the car park, your first glimpse will not knock your socks off. But, just you wait! Weave through a maze of rocks on the far end of the beach, and suddenly, voila a white sandy beach with turquoise waters.
Believe me, the WOW factor is real!
Spend your time here sunbaking, swimming, or getting lost in a good book.
7. Surf at Pennington Bay
Rolling in at number 7 on our list of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island is visiting the picturesque Pennington Bay.
Situated on the south coast, this spot is a surfer’s paradise, renowned for its fantastic waves. But, hey, it’s not just about hanging ten – the water here isn’t just perfect for surfing or swimming; it’s also a dreamy backdrop for taking beautiful photos. Picture this:
Boasting the iconic bright blue waters Kangaroo Island is known for, you too will fall in love with Pennington Bay.
Keep your eyes peeled, because if you’re lucky and look closely, you might just spot some dolphins or even whales!
8. Visit Penneshaw
When exploring Kangaroo Island, a visit to Penneshaw is a fantastic coastal experience not to be missed, especially for wine enthusiasts.
Tucked away on the island’s eastern tip, this charming town has a blend of seaside tranquillity and local charm.
Dive into the island’s maritime history at the Maritime and Folk Museum, then savour the local flavours at Penneshaw’s eateries.
Then explore the nearby wineries, indulging in Kangaroo Island’s finest wines amidst beautiful scenery.
9. Go Sandboarding at Little Sahara
Up next on the list of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island is a stop at Little Sahara. Located around the corner of Vivonne Bay, this spot is a hub of adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Whether you fancy sandboarding, buggy tours, or bike excursions, Little Sahara has you covered.
And if extreme sports aren’t your cup of tea, the visit is still worthwhile to explore the naturally formed inland dunes. Brace yourself for the tallest dune towering 70 meters above sea level!
Swap out the snowboard and challenge your skills on these sandy slopes for a thrilling experience.
10. Drink Gin & Tonic at Kangaroo Island Spirits
Lastly, an absolute must on your Kangaroo Island adventure is a visit to Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS)! This fantastic boutique gin distillery is perfect for spending an afternoon with friends, family, or even solo like myself!
Head to the cool tasting room to sample their handcrafted gins, vodka, liqueurs, and more – they’ve got some seriously impressive flavours going on!
They infuse all sorts of botanicals, herbs, and native Aussie ingredients, giving their gins a unique island twist.
My personal favourite was the mulberry gin – incredibly fresh and vibrant! With a diverse lineup, ranging from classic London dry gin to mind-blowing experimental blends, you can grab tasters starting at $5 per shot.
Sit back in the beautiful gardens, sip away, and if you’ve got some spare cash, don’t miss the distillery tour! It’s an awesome peek behind the scenes to see the magic in the making.
The Wrap-Up: The Best Things To Do on Kangaroo Island
As we wrap up our Kangaroo Island travel guide, you can now see exactly why this location is so worthy of being on your bucket list. This Australian gem is filled with breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife and offers something such a diverse set of activities and things to explore.
From the stunning bays and beaches to the captivating national parks, we hope you are inspired to go ahead and see the island. These were our 10 best things to do on Kangaroo Island. Thank you for reading!
Have you been to Kangaroo Island?
Anything you’d add to this Kangaroo Island bucket list?
Love as always and happy adventuring…
Olivia is the founder of the travel blog Defining Decade. Follow Olivia’s adventures on Instagram here @olivia_mcdonald
