With its pristine beaches, natural wildlife and gourmet food and wine, Kangaroo Island is the perfect place for your next holiday. Being Australia’s third largest island, Kangaroo Island is wonderfully diverse, showcasing its natural, rugged beauty and abundance of Australian wildlife.

Located 16kms off South Australia’s mainland, KI (as the locals call it) is home to around 4,700 people.

Now it may be an island, but don’t underestimate its size. KI is definitely not a location you can explore in just a day.

How do I get there?

By ferry

Kangaroo Island is a 45 min ferry ride from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula (2 hours south of Adelaide). The SeaLink ferry has at least four departures per day carrying both passengers and vehicles to the island.

By air

If you prefer not to arrive by sea, KI is a 30 minute flight from Adelaide airport. Rex Regional Express operates daily flights to and from the island. Qantaslink operates flights from both Adelaide and Melbourne, however, services are not as frequent, operating 3 times per week from each location.

The island itself does not have any public transport or taxi services so the best way to get around is by coach or car. There are numerous touring companies who put together Kangaroo Island holiday packages, showcasing the islands top sites.

If you’re more of an independent traveller, you can hire a car from Kangaroo Island airport. Or if you prefer to drive your own car, take it over on the ferry!

Kangaroo Island truly has something to suit every traveller. Whether you’re an adventurist at heart or prefer to sit back, relax and take in the views, KI has no shortage of activities to guarantee a perfect trip away.

If you like nature

The remarkables

The Remarkable Rocks are one of Kangaroo Island’s signature landmarks. The fascinating shapes took over 500 million years to form through rain, winds and waves. If you’re into nature photography, you need to put this spot on your list.

Admirals arch

Another one of KI’s most impressive natural landmarks, Admirals Arch is a distinctive rock bridge in the Flinders Chase National Park. The arch, which was actually a former cave, was created over thousands of years of erosion. Not only does it feature some absolutely stunning stalactites hanging from the ceiling but it is also home to a large colony of New Zealand fur seals.

If you like animals

Kangaroo Island has an abundance of wildlife and actually retains close to 50% of its natural flora and fauna. Over a third of the island consists of nature reserves and conservation parks that strive for the protection of the furry creatures that call KI home

Seal bay conversation park

Seal Bay Conservation Park is a protected area of Kangaroo Island home to 1000’s of Australian Sea Lions. In fact, Australian Sea Lions are one of the rarest species in the world. Kangaroo Island is actually the only place in the world where visitors can get up close and see the animals in their natural habitat.

Raptor domain

If you’re looking for a more exhilarating wildlife experience, then you cannot miss Raptor Domain. Raptor Domain is an environmental rehabilitation centre that cares for injured and sick birds of prey. The centre puts on an incredible bird of prey in-flight presentation where visitors can get up close and personal and have the chance to hold owls, vultures and wedge tail eagles.

KI wildlife park

There are wild animals everywhere on Kangaroo Island. It is not uncommon to see kangaroos, emus, echidnas, goannas, snakes and wombats in their natural habitat. But if you want a more interactive experience, you can’t look past Kangaroo Island Wildlife park. Cuddle up with a koala, hold a baby crocodile or handfeed the kangaroos.

If you like adventure

Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action Park

If you’re seeking an outdoor adventure, Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action is your one-stop shop. Located in Vivonne Bay, KI outdoor action offer activities such as quad biking, sand tobogganing, kayaking, and guided bike tours that allow you to explore areas of KI that are otherwise inaccessible.

Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari

If a sea safari sounds like your kind of thing, why not take the ocean and do a wildlife cruise. KI Ocean Safari operates a wildlife cruise that departs from Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. The cruise goes for just over an hour and gives you the opportunity to see dolphins, seal colonies and seabirds up close in their natural environment.

Snorkelling

With its abundant marine life, shallow shores and crystal clear water, Kangaroo Island offers some incredible locations for snorkelling. If you’re brave enough, you can explore some of KI’s coastal areas on your own. For those who are new to snorkelling, a number of companies on the island offer group snorkelling tours or one-on-one lessons.

If you like food and wine

KI gin distillery

KI spirits was Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery, started by a local couple on Kangaroo Island. The craft distillery is open to visitors for tastings, sales and light refreshments. The gorgeous garden is the perfect place to unwind on Kangaroo Island (with a drink in hand of course).

Kangaroo Island Source

Kangaroo island source specialises in gourmet food production using local Australian produce. KI source also has a cooking school for those masterchefs at heart who wish to create their own feast.

Dudley’s Cellar Door

Premium wines and incredible views. Dudley’s cellar is located on a clifftop in Penneshaw, boasting incredible views of the ocean below. The multi-award winning cellar offers a number of wine tasting experiences as well as gourmet pizzas made from locally sourced produce. If you’re not a wine drinker, the spectacular views back to mainland Australia are enough to wow anyone.

If you’ve been to Kangaroo Island I’d love to hear about your travels. 
Leave me some recommendations in the comments below!

Until next time,
Jetsetter Soph