In search of a novel and epic Kangaroo Island itinerary? From fascinating wildlife to breathtaking landscapes, brace your self for an unforgettable three-day Kangaroo Island journey.
Kangaroo Island is likely one of the hottest locations in South Australia. It’s lower than an hour by boat from Cape Jervis in Adelaide, however appears a world aside.
Recognized for its pure wonders and rugged magnificence, Kangaroo Island is a haven for native wildlife, each on land and sea.
For sand-loving, sun-worshipping guests, Kangaroo Island has dozens of gorgeous seashores. There’s the 5-km white-sanded Emu Bay Seaside, the well-known Seal Bay, and the pristine Stokes Bay, hailed as Australia’s finest seaside in 2023.
Past its gorgeous surroundings, Kangaroo Island affords delectable meals and wine. Suppose catch-of-the-day seafood, farm-to-table native produce, and a well-curated checklist of award-winning wines.
There’s a lot to see on the island, so it’s simple to overlook out on some sights. We’ve created a Kangaroo Island itinerary that can assist you make one of the best of your journey.
It covers must-do actions, get round, the place to remain, and one of the best time to go to Kangaroo Island.
Discover extra actions with our checklist of the Finest Issues To Do on Kangaroo Island!
What number of days is sufficient for Kangaroo Island?
A 3-day Kangaroo Island itinerary provides you ample time to discover versus a day journey. Nonetheless, many travellers are quick on time so day excursions are handy and inexpensive.
However in case you have time for two and even 3 days on Kangaroo Island, positively do it!
Spanning over 4,400 sq. kilometers, Kangaroo Island is the biggest island in South Australia and the third-largest in the complete nation.
After wildlife recognizing, seaside bumming, and meals tasting on Kangaroo Island, you’re left with little to no downtime. So an action-packed day tour can nonetheless work for these quick on time.
However for a leisurely go to, the candy spot is three days. It’s the proper size of time to see Kangaroo Island’s prime spots.
The way to Spend a Good 3 Days on Kangaroo Island Itinerary
Kangaroo Island has no nightlife or high-end procuring choices, so that you’ll spend your time actually immersed in nature. Plus, there may be extra to Kangaroo Island than its wealthy wildlife and wild magnificence. And we imply a lot extra! That mentioned, let’s delve into this three-day island itinerary.
Day 1
The primary day will contain a variety of touring. It consists of your journey to get to Kangaroo Island from Cape Jervis. Then, from the ferry port in Penneshaw to your lodging on the island.
We recommend you keep in Kingscote, the island’s greatest city — no less than to your first day. It’s centrally positioned and simple to entry. For those who favor some beachfront vibe, try Emu Bay, about 20 minutes from Kingscote.
Morning: Dudley Wines, Pennington Bay, Prospect Hill
Once you arrive on the Kangaroo Island ferry terminal in Penneshaw, make a beeline for Dudley Wines for among the best wine tasting experiences on the island.
This family-run vineyard is barely quarter-hour from the port. Its cellar door opens to pretty ocean views, so you possibly can sip very good blends whereas having fun with placing surroundings.
After, head to Pennington Bay, half-hour from the vineyard. Right here, you possibly can climb the five hundred steps to the height of Prospect Hill, the best level on Kangaroo Island.
There’s an outlook on the summit of Prospect Hill the place you possibly can gaze down on the Pelican Lagoon and the encircling areas.
Alternatively, go to Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, about 18 minutes from Dudley Wines.
Cape Willoughby is residence to the oldest lighthouse in South Australia and affords sweeping views of the Kangaroo Island shoreline.
Various: Penneshaw Coastal Safari or Kangaroo Island Coast tour
For those who’re touring with kids or favor wildlife watching over wine, take into account occurring a 75-minute coastal safari the place you possibly can spot dolphins and seals within the wild.
For avid snorkelers, the Kangaroo Island Boat Tour helps you to swim with these marine creatures.
Afternoon: American River, Kangaroo Island Brewery, Emu Bay Lavender
American River is one among Kangaroo Island’s best-kept secrets and techniques. This idyllic city overlooks the calm waters of American Bay and lies on the financial institution of the Pelican Lagoon, a hotspot for birdwatching, boating, and kayaking.
It’s the seafood capital of Kangaroo Island, and for those who stroll down the wharf, you may discover sheds promoting the freshest catch.
Cease subsequent at Kangaroo Island Spirits. Situated in Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island Spirits produces vodka, brandy, and gin from native juniper berries.
For beer lovers, Kangaroo Island Brewery could be the higher selection. This cellar door is the island’s first microbrewery and affords craft beer. There’s additionally tea, espresso, and smooth drinks for non-beer drinkers.
Tip: Don’t have sufficient time for a three-day journey to Kangaroo Island? You may nonetheless benefit from the island’s tasty treats in a guided meals and wine tour.
Proceed to Emu Bay, a 15-minute drive from Kangaroo Island Brewery. This quaint city is understood for its swimming seaside and native produce.
Its important draw is the artisanal lavender merchandise on the Emu Bay Lavender Farm. Make sure to strive the lavender scones and handmade ice cream on the Emu Bay Lavender Cafe.
By this time, you should have arrived at your lodging. You may relaxation and put together for subsequent day’s actions or enterprise out to Stokes Bay.
Sundown: Stokes Bay
Finish your day at Stokes Bay, a hidden seaside about 40 minutes from Emu Bay and fewer than an hour from Kingscote.
For the proper sundown spot, stroll by means of the rocky tunnel that opens to the shore. From there, you have got a full view of the ocean and the horizon.
Day 2
Day two abounds with extra journey and mesmerizing landscapes.
No three-day itinerary to Kangaroo Island is full with out a journey to the enduring Flinders Chase Nationwide Park. Alongside the best way, make a cease at Vivonne Bay and Little Sahara.
Morning: Vivonne Bay and Little Sahara
Head to Vivonne Bay on the south coast of Kangaroo Island. It’s about an hour from Emu Bay and 45 minutes from Kingscote.
Drop by Vivonne Bay Common Retailer (opens at 9:00 AM.) Its famed Whiting Burger is considerably of an establishment on Kangaroo Island. You can even purchase provides like water, snacks, espresso, or lunch on the store, as meals in Flinders Chase is pricier.
Head to Vivonne Bay Seaside. Formed like a crescent, it boasts sugar-fine white sand and glassy waters. It’s widespread for brief walks, picnics, swimming, and even browsing.
Subsequent, go to the well-known Little Sahara, a two-square-kilometer dune system a 10-minute drive from Vivonne Bay seaside.
If you wish to discover Little Sahara, you possibly can strive a two-hour buggy tour. For one thing extra thrilling, go sandboarding or tobogganing down the dunes, which takes round an hour.
Then begin your drive to Flinders Chase Nationwide Park, which is roughly half-hour away.
Discover Kangaroo Island on a Melbourne To Adelaide Drive Itinerary
Afternoon: Flinders Chase Nationwide Park
Flinders Chase is likely one of the most lovely locations on Kangaroo Island. Its prime sights are the Outstanding Rocks, the Admirals Arch, and the Cape Du Couedic Lightstation, a historic landmark constructed between 1906 and 1909.
The park covers 326 sq. kilometers and will take days to discover totally. Fortunately, most of its highlights are a brief distance from one another.
Begin exploring at Outstanding Rocks, a cluster of orange-lichen-covered, oddly-shaped granite boulders on the island’s edge.
Ramble across the Outstanding Rocks and take a photograph or two earlier than going to Weirs Cove, an nearly abandoned bay with dramatic coastal views.
From the cove, head to Admirals Arch, a pure rock bridge shaped 1000’s of years in the past.
Admirals Arch shouldn’t be solely well-known for its surreal form but in addition for its colony of long-nosed fur seals.
A picket boardwalk results in a viewing platform wanting over the craggy archway. From there, you possibly can watch fur seals sunbathing on the rocks or enjoying within the swimming pools.
For those who love mountain climbing, strive the two-hour Platypus Waterhole Stroll. This 4.7-kilometer path meanders round wetlands and waterholes, the place platypuses are identified to hang around.
Even for those who don’t see a platypus, the route remains to be nice for recognizing echidnas, wallabies, and kangaroos.
Sundown: Return Drive with a Scenic Cease at Hanson Bay
The drive from Flinders Chase to Kingscote is about two hours. Earlier than heading again, make a aspect journey to Hanson Bay, a six-minute drive from the park.
The small, secluded bay is known for its serene sunsets.
For those who’re not in a rush, keep till darkish. Hanson Bay has an uninterrupted view of the Nice Southern Skies, with its vivid stars and constellations that by no means rise or set.
Learn subsequent: The Final Australia Bucket Record
Various: Camp at Flinders Chase Nationwide Park
After the solar units, Flinders Chase preps for its enjoyable nighttime actions like stargazing, strolling excursions, and nocturnal wildlife recognizing.
For those who don’t wish to drive after an extended day of exploration or plan to affix one of many after-dark adventures, take into account spending the evening at Flinders Chase.
The park has campgrounds and self-catering cottages for many who wish to keep in a single day or a number of days.
Day 3
Day three is a mixture of wildlife encounters (we will’t get sufficient of these), scenic drives, and maybe a little bit of procuring earlier than departing for Cape Jervis within the night.
Morning: Seal Bay
Like the day prior to this, begin early to cowl as a lot as doable. Earlier than beginning your journey, chances are you’ll wish to eat breakfast or have espresso.
In Kingscote, try So Sando or Cactus Kangaroo Island. Each cafes open at 7:30 AM.
After a fast breakfast, drive to Seal Bay Conservation Park. It takes round an hour to achieve Seal Bay from Kingscote.
Seal Bay Conservation Park is the pure habitat of an estimated 800 Australian sea lions. These animals are one of many rarest seal species on this planet and nearly went extinct.
If you wish to enterprise into the center of the ocean lions colony (the third-largest on the planet), you possibly can be a part of a 45-minute guided tour.
You can even go for a self-guided strolling tour on the park’s 900-meter-long boardstroll that winds round towering limestone cliffs. You may watch the ocean lions from a distance whereas having fun with the stunning surroundings.
Afternoon: Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park or Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
After Seal Bay, take a fast drive to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park or the 30-minute drive to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Each are implausible locations for wildlife encounters however supply totally different experiences.
Kangaroo Island Wild Park covers 50 acres and homes 500 animals, together with kangaroos, koalas, seals, and even dolphins. Right here, the actions are extra interactive, akin to feeding kangaroos or cuddling with koalas.
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary sits on 5000 acres of protected land. It’s residence to numerous animals, however primarily koalas. These tremendous cute creatures freely roam within the wild, so it’s tougher to identify them.
To go to Hanson Bay, you have to pre-book a guided tour.
Late Afternoon: Journey to Penneshaw
After your wildlife journey, it’s time to go to Penneshaw to your journey again to Adelaide.
The corporate, SeaLink, providers Kangaroo Island with every day journeys from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw and again.
The final ferry leaves Kangaroo Island at 7:30 PM every day for many days. You have to be on the port half-hour earlier than departure. Finances your time fastidiously to keep away from lacking your journey.
The journey from Hanson Bay to Penneshaw is one hour and half-hour. We recommend you allow for the ferry terminal no later than 4:30 PM. This fashion, you’ll have a calming drive and further time to cease at native retailers for last-minute memento procuring.
If time permits, try Clifford’s Honey Farm for his or her Ligurian honey merchandise or Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for his or her eucalyptus oil and crafts.
For those who favor a 3 day tour that’s guided with all lodging and transport, try this 3 day Kangaroo Island journey!
Kangaroo Island Journey Information
Now that you recognize what to do on Kangaroo Island, right here’s some useful info on one of the best time to go to, get round, and the highest locations to remain on the island.
When to Go to Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a year-round vacation spot. The very best time to go to is determined by your pursuits.
Autumn (March-Could): Finest Total
Autumn boasts gentle climate, thinner crowds, and calm oceans. It’s additionally the nesting season for Little Penguins and the uncommon black cockatoos.
The Kangaroo Island Fringe Competition, part of the larger Adelaide Fringe, occurs in March, including a cultural contact to your journey.
Summer season (December-February): Peak Season
Heat, vivid days make summer season the preferred season to go to Kangaroo Island. Anticipate thicker crowds and better costs.
The island buzzes with seaside actions and out of doors adventures. Summer season can be the breeding season for fur seals, making wildlife recognizing thrilling.
Spring (September-October): Wildflowers and Wildlife
In spring, Kangaroo Island erupts with colours as flowers bloom, from tiny orchids to lavenders.
Chook-watching is at its peak, with many migratory birds arriving on the island.
Spring is one of the best time to see younger joeys depart their mom’s pouches to begin exploring the world.
Winter (June-August): Finest for Finances Vacationers
With fewer vacationers and decrease costs, winter is nice for the budget-conscious. It additionally attracts wildlife lovers hoping to see the elusive echidna mating practice or southern proper whales feeding alongside the coast.
The way to Get to Kangaroo Island
To get to Kangaroo Island, take the Cape Jervis ferry to Penneshaw. Journey takes 45 minutes.
Journeys are from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM nearly every day. Make sure to test the schedule for adjustments.
You can even fly from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport.
Getting Round Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island has no public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing providers. The easiest way to get round is to self-drive.
You may drive your individual automobile or rent one if you arrive.
Some lodging supply shuttle providers to and from the pier or the airport.
For those who’re not eager on a self-driving itinerary, take into account reserving a small-group, organized Kangaroo Island tour as an alternative.
The easiest way to get round is to hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Vehicles, which has the biggest vary of automobiles for one of the best worth in the marketplace.
The place to Keep in Kangaroo Island
Kingscote is a superb base for exploring Kangaroo Island. It additionally has loads of eating places and cafes you possibly can discover.
However if you wish to immerse your self in nature, you possibly can break up your time between two locations, one on either side of Kangaroo Island. It lets you discover the island with out spending an excessive amount of time driving round.
Tenting in Flinders Chase on the western aspect of Kangaroo Island is thrilling, particularly for those who don’t thoughts roughing it out.
The Finest Finances Resort in Kangaroo Island – KI Dragonfly Guesthouse
For inexpensive however snug lodging, try KI Dragonfly Guesthouse.
Situated in Kingscote, this newly renovated property has two sections – the principle home and a self-contained cottage (visitor home) within the yard.
The primary home options 4 rooms, a totally outfitted kitchen, shared bogs, a separate lounge, and barbeque amenities. The visitor home is ideal for {couples} or solo vacationers who need privateness.
Different facilities embrace free parking, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, and a espresso maker for each room.
Finest Mid-Vary Resort in Kangaroo Island – Villas on the Bay Kingscote
Situated in a gated neighborhood, Villas on the Bay overlooks a clifftop reserve and is a brief stroll to the city heart and the seaside.
The property has self-contained two and three-bedroom villas with totally outfitted kitchenettes, non-public bogs, and lounge areas with flat-screen TVs. Some models have a terrace.
Different facilities embrace free parking, Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, and grocery supply.
Finest Luxurious Resort in Kangaroo Island – Ecopia Retreat
Located in Seal Bay, Ecopia Retreat helps you to expertise final luxurious and privateness amidst nature.
The property options two cozy villas with a well-appointed kitchen, eco-friendly home equipment, a fire to maintain you heat in winter, and full-height home windows from the place you possibly can benefit from the greenery outdoors.
Better of all, it’s powered by an off-grid photo voltaic power system and makes use of 100% pure rainwater.
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