
Kangaroo Island is an amazing island located off the coast of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide. It is home to amazing scenery, breathtakingly beautiful national parks, soaring cliffs, and rugged coastlines and lots and lots of Australian wildlife.
Most of this stunning island is preserved and protected giving you a natural and pure experience for years to come.
I visited Kangaroo Island on a road trip for three nights and I would have liked a few more nights so that we could have enjoyed the island a bit more. Unfortunately, our campervan couldn’t survive without electricity long enough, so we had to leave the island a bit too soon.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect summer jail-break to the island of kangaroos.
things to see on kangaroo island
Underneath are some of the highlights of the island and some of the stops that I think you should make when visiting this incredible island.
SEAL BAY – THE BEST EXPERIENCE
Just look at this Kah-u-tie 🙂 Australian sea lions are just the cutest and at seal bay, you get the opportunity to come close with these wild animals.
Seal Bay has the third largest colony of Australian sea lions in the world. You can enjoy watching the sea lions in their natural habitat on the beach from the boardwalk, which is ideal for those short on time or have tighter resources.
Or, you can pay extra to join a guided tour and walk down on the beach with them. As these are wild animals there are some rules that you need to follow. So you are guided by a tour guide who ensures that everything is safe and that the animals are not disturbed. You do get to come pretty close to them as they do their thing: from sleeping on the beach to full-on fights between adults seal lions, you get to experience it all up close.
Look at this gorgeous guy/girl LOL acting proud as punch! Nawww
CAPE DU COUEDIC TOWER
This is a lovely lighthouse with light brown bricks and yellow and red at the very top. One of 3 lighthouses to see on the island but no tours or anything is given here. Just a great photo opportunity and stunning views.
There is a nice walk through the bush (approximately 800 meters return, pretty easy) on a well marked, but sand track, to a lookout that gives you sweeping views of the western coastline of Kangaroo Island.
The lighthouse is located on the road to Admiral’s Arch so it is hard not to miss.
I kinda fell in love with this lighthouse for some reason so make sure to check it out.
ADMIRAL’S ARCH
This is one of the most impressive and unusual natural landmarks on the island and is therefore in one of the most photographed places.
The Admirals Arch viewing platform is also an ideal place to observe the New Zealand fur seal colony that has established itself below the landmark. ADORABLE.
REMARKABLE ROCKS 
The Remarkable Rocks are one of the best-known icons of Kangaroo Island. Perched 200 feet above a roaring sea are these unlikely formed granite builders. You don’t think these are going to be amazing, but you’ll be surprised at how unique and cool these bolders are.
The “Remarkable” part about these huge rocks is where they are located – on a barren headland. Very cool.
PAUL’S PLACE (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
I just found online that this place is currently closed. When I visited the islands it was still in business and you could feed some kangaroos there. This was such an amazing experience for tourists.
And they are just too darn cute.
WILDLIFE
Everywhere you go on the island you will see lots and lots of Australian wildlife. From seals too porcupines, birds and Koala’s, you can freely see them roam around. Underneath are some pictures of the wildlife that we have encountered. (I am not going to add them all, cause the blog will be endlessly long)
BASIC INFORMATION ON KANGAROO ISLAND
Size | 4,405 km² |
Population | 4,259 (2006) |
Slogan or nickname | Karta (“island of the dead”) |
Languages | English/Aussie |
Currency | $ AUD |
Getting there | By ferry only |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
August tends to be the coolest month of the year and February is the hottest, while from May to September is when Kangaroo Island experiences its rainy season.
Due to its mild temperatures, the Island can be visited throughout the entire year, though summer is the most popular time to visit.
GETTING TO KANGAROO ISLAND BY FERRY
SeaLink is a fast and easy way to get to and from the Island. It departs from Cape Jervis and arrives in Penneshaw 45 minutes later. In peak season make sure you reserve a spot, especially if you want to come with a vehicle.
Along the way, you will see some amazing scenery and if you are lucky you get to encounter some wild dolphins.
Standard Ferry Fares
Passengers | One Way – book online and save $2 | Return – book online and save $4 |
---|---|---|
Adult | $49 | $98 |
Child | $25 | $50 |
Australian Student | $40 | $80 |
Australian Concession | $40 | $80 |
Infant | Free of Charge |
Vehicles | One Way | Return |
---|---|---|
Passenger Motor Vehicle (up to 5 metres) |
$98, book online and save $4 | $196, book online and save $8 |
Caravan, Trailer (up to 4 metres) |
$98 | $196 |
GETTING AROUND KANGAROO ISLAND
There are no public transport options on the island. You can either get around on a tour or with a rental car/campervan.
Make sure you check with the car provider if you are renting from Adelaide as some car hire companies don’t insure you for the ferry ride over to Kangaroo Island. (or don’t even allow the car to go to the island)
You can also hire cars from Kingscote or Penneshaw, where the ferry arrives. They will be more expensive than hiring from the mainland.
And keep in mind that many of the roads to some of the best spots are unsealed so ensure you also check with the car rental company as to whether you can drive on them or not.
I hope you have enjoyed this post on things to see on kangaroo island! If you have any questions or would like to know some more information, feel free to contact me below.
Additional Kangaroo Island Resources
- Melbourne to Adelaide | 7-day road trip including the Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island
PLANNING TO GO TO AUSTRALIA? THEN CHECK OUT SOME MORE TRAVEL TIPS HERE:
- Sydney
- Victoria
- Queensland
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This place looks like wildlife heaven! Added to my next Aus trip for sure!!
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It is incredible! The island got affect pretty badly by fires this year, but I am certain it is still amazing (And needs tourism even more to recuperate) xx