Kangaroo Island, south of Adelaide, offers a chance to see many of Australia’s wonders within a relatively short distance, making it one of the best places to visit in South Australia. Kangaroo Island is also Australia’s third-largest island at almost 160km long. With several national parks, abundant wild animals, and a landscape mostly untouched by tourism. So if you’re wondering what to do in Kangaroo Island, here are our best recommendations.
Flinders Chase National Park
From the Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch to the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, there is so much to see in the Flinders Chase National Park. Spend an afternoon exploring the park and it’s iconic natural landmarks. We recommend booking your entry with National Parks SA prior to visiting. Click Here how we spent the morning at the National park. Although many of the walks are closed due to recent bushfires in 2020. The park is still worth spending the morning or Afternoon here.
Prospect Hill Lookout
Take a walk up the 500 steps at Prospect Hill to reach the highest point on Kangaroo Island. You’ll enjoy a panoramic view over the most narrow section of KI and read the interpretive signage at the top to find out how the hill was named.
Visit the beaches
We visited many or the Beaches on Kangaroo Island being an Island the beach is never too far away. The beaches on Kangaroo Island are absolutely beautiful. Squeaky white sand and crystal clear water.
Vivonne Bay
Vivonne Bay was once voted as Australia’s best beach. The beach is six-kilometre-long and has a U-shaped bay. The jetty framing the south-end and distant dunes in the north.
Emu Bay
The beautiful Emu Bay has a beautiful stretch of white sand and the picture perfect blue water is protected from the elements.
Stokes Bay
After pulling up in the carpark, you’ll weave through a little labyrinth of caves before emerging onto some of the whitest sand and clearest water in Australia.
Snelling’s beach
Located 10 minute drive from Stokes Bay. The perfect beach to watch the sunset and see if you can spot the pod of Dolphin’s.
Western River Cove
Is protected by steep headlands on either side, boasting white sands and picture perfect blue water. It is one of the smaller beaches on the island but the drive down is picture perfect and worth heading out to if your in the area. Once at the beach head down and over the bridge and follow the river down to the beach.
Other beaches to visit. Hanson Bay, Penneshaw beach, Antechamber Beach, Baudin Beach and Island Beach. Click Here to see the best beaches to visit while on Kangaroo Island.
Red Bank’s
Located a 10 minute drive from American river is these beautiful red cliff’s looking out to the ocean.
Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail
The Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail is 1.5 kms of trails winding through the native bush land. The trail follows the ravine cliff faces, tree bridges and beautiful spots to sit and enjoy the views. The trail is free to use and is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Trail markers with maps indicating your location are situated within the trail to help you select your route. A donation box is located at the entrance on Frenchman’s Terrace. The trail is solely a community based project.
Little Sahara
Little Sahara’s two-kilometre stretch of sand dunes have been created across the last 7,000 years from coastal winds. Hire a sandboard or toboggan from Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action for some excitement, or you can take a walk to the top and enjoy the views.
Georges Castle
George Turner is a 3rd generation islander who is retired and has a hobby for all visitors and locals to the island to enjoy. Located near Emu Bay on the North Coast Road. A castle with Vikings, Kangaroos, Boomerangs, Witches, a Christmas Display and more. Lights will be turned on by appointment from Dusk. Just ring George either as you’re driving by or make an appointment. If the gate is open your welcome to drive in and have a look around the ground’s.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
If your after one shop stop for all your local produce, This is the place to go on Kangaroo Island. Inside you can learn about the processing of making the eucalyptus oil. You then can then head to the Kangaroo Island Ciders and get a tasting paddle for $8, you can also purchase a variety of food and eucalyptus oils. They also sell locally made honey out of there 2 beehives.
De Tong Ling Stupa
De-Tong Ling is a Tibetan name meaning “place of bliss and emptiness”. The place is also a retreat Buddhist center which is located on Kangaroo Island near Flinders Chase National Park. They offer individual retreat accommodation in four self-contained earth-walled houses. They currently hold two annual group meditation retreats, 4 days over Easter and 10 days in October. Click Here for more information about the retreats.
Cape Willoughby Lighthouse
Cape Willoughby lighthouse was the first to be built in South Australia in 1852. It stands 27 meters high with 102 steps to the lookout tower, and offers stunning panoramic view across Backstairs Passage and the Kangaroo Island coastline. There is also a 1.9km loop walk from the visitors information center. Entrance is $5.50, Express Tour $10.50 and the Historic Tour $17.50 per adult.
Kingscote
Is one of the major towns on Kangaroo Island and is a beautiful little down to stop in. We visited the Island Beehive, Flagstaff hill, the silo art and Reeves Point. we also walked along the coastal track in the town. We camped at a Hipcamp site on a paddock only 3km from the town. Also either while your in the town or heading towards Emu Bay stop past the salt lagoon.
