Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is one of the world’s great nature-based destinations, the third largest island in Australia and by no means small.  It offers its visitor a relaxed vibe, a boutique selection of local food and beverages and one of the greatest opportunities to see wildlife in its natural environment. 

Read our guide below, or CLICK HERE to download the Almanac with a full guide for Kangaroo Island and other South Australian regions.

Kangaroo Island can be navigated easily with seven distinct regions. Each region offers up something different and unique, from rolling hills and secluded bays to a vast array of attractions such as Seal Bay, Little Sahara and Kelly Hill Caves. So, whether getting up close and personal with an Australian Sealion is your thing or sampling an award-winning gin, Kangaroo Island has something for everyone.

Kangaroo Island beckons visitors all year round. It has four distinct seasons, with each one offering a vastly different experience:

• Summer offers a beach to suit every mood from crashing waves to rocky fishing outcrops. Surfing, swimming, snorkeling or beachcombing all popular activities.
• Autumn is when the island hits production mode and a great time to sample and taste your way around.
• Winter is luscious and green and perfect for discovering the bushland teeming with wildlife.
• Spring on the island is captured in brilliant farming landscapes, the abundance of native animal babies and the best season for hiking, birdwatching and fishing – you can even run a marathon! 

Kangaroo Island is made up of small towns which are spread across the island:

DUDLEY PENINSULA

Penneshaw and the Dudley Peninsula have great food and wine offerings, including cellar doors, fine dining restaurants, cafes and is home to some of the island's most historical sites. These include the oldest lighthouse in South Australia, Frenchman’s Rock and the Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum. The Dudley Peninsula is also home to some pristine beaches and waterways including Hog Bay, Antechamber Bay and Chapman River.

AMERICAN RIVER

‘The river’ is a quiet little fishing village about half an hour's drive from Penneshaw. A birdwatcher’s paradise it’s a great place to sample an array of products from the sea. Its calm waters make it great for sailing, boating and fishing. American River also offers great walking trails which encapsulate the island's heritage and culture.

KINGSCOTE AND DISTRICTS

Kingscote is Kangaroo Island’s largest town and home to several shops and other key facilities. Located on the beautiful Nepean Bay, the township overlooks the harbour and is renowned for its seafood producing jetty for the keen angler. Some of Kangaroo Island's key food and beverage offerings are in and around Kingscote including a craft brewery, premium wine, cellar doors and tasting rooms, honey farms, eucalyptus distilleries and boutique distilleries. 

PARNDANA AND DISTRICTS

Commonly referred to as the heartland of Kangaroo Island, Parndana is home to the Soldier Settlers Museum. This district is where ex-soldiers and their families settled and developed Kangaroo Island's central plateau in the 1940s and the community today still supports many descendants of the original farming families.

THE WEST END

Wild, rugged and naturally beautiful, the western end of Kangaroo Island is all about the iconic natural attractions.

Home to Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks and Admiral Arch, this is home to so much of the Island’s wildlife. 

The West End is home to amazing breathtaking hikes and walks.

NORTH COAST

Hugging the coast, the winding road takes you along some of the most pristine beaches on the island. Stop in at the stunning 2 kilometre long Emu Bay, the only beach on the island which allows vehicles and explore Kangaroo Island's secret beach at Stokes Bay and take in the beauty of Snellings Beach.

SOUTH COAST

The south coast is Kangaroo Island's activity centre. Home to Seal Bay, it's here you can walk amongst the Australian Sealions in their natural habitat.

Stop at Raptor Domain, just down the road for an interactive birds of prey show or if you are daring, hold a snake in their venom pit.

Just a bit further on is the spectacular Little Sahara – giant sand dunes ready and waiting to be surfed, tobogganed or ridden around on fat-tyred bicycles. 

Need more information on Caravan Parks, Campsites, Attractions and Events
Download the SA Let's Go Caravan and Camping Almanac for your complete self-drive guide to travelling South Australia HERE >

Looking for more to do around Australia?
Download the Let's Go Caravan and Camping 99 Experiences guide FREE from our website HERE >