Famous of its prolific native wildlife and dramatic coastal scenery, Kangaroo Island is a popular holiday destination among South Australians. Sitting 14 kilometres off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island and is home to approximately 4,200 residents.
I went on a magical trip to Kangaroo Island last year and I was blown away by the white sand beaches and unique wildlife on the island. Kangaroo Island was named after the abundance of kangaroos found here by Matthew Flinders in 1803 and the Seal Bay is home to the third largest breeding colony of this species in the world!
Getting to the island is super easy! Take the short two-hour drive from Adelaide is Cape Jervis before hopping on a 50-minute ferry to the eastern part of the island, Penneshaw. You can also fly directly from Adelaide to the township of Kingscote and hire a car from there. However you may choose to reach Kangaroo Island, here are 10 epic spots on Kangaroo Island you won’t want to miss.
10. Prospect Hill
The highest point of Kangaroo Island can be reached by climbing up the 500 steps to the top of Prospect Hill on Mt Thisby. Located on the road between Penneshaw and Kingscote, this lookout features rewarding views of Pelican lagoon and Pennington Bay. The lookout also has interpretive signage describing Matthew Flinders visit to the island back in 1802. Once you’ve made it to the top, be sure to check out the nearby Pennington Bay for a relaxing swim in the crystal-clear water.
9. Cape Willoughby Lighthouse
Situated in the easternmost point of Kangaroo Island, Cape Willoughby was the first lighthouse to be erected in South Australia. Built in 1852, the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse lights the Backstairs Passage between Kangaroo Island and the mainland Australia. Pop by the visitor centre to tour the lightstation facilities or pay a small fee to embark on the 1.9km return heritage hike for stunning views of the lighthouse.
8. Vivonne Bay
Vivonne Bay is spectacular, with white sandy cliffs, gently lapping waves and breathtaking sweeping views. Vivonne Bay stretches six kiloemtres long and was once voted as Australia’s best beach and it’s not hard to see why. Soak in the best of the island life by laying down a towel and soaking in the crystal clear water. Want to know the best part? Due to the secluded nature of the beach, you should have this place all to yourself!
7. Stokes Bay
Welcome to Australia’s best beach, Stokes Bay! Located on Kangaroo Island’s serene north coast, the secluded Stokes Bay is a hidden paradise waiting to be uncovered. After pulling up to the car park, weave through a little labyrinth of caves before emerging onto some of the whitest sand and clearest water in Australia. Throw down a towel and take a dip in the picture-perfect rock pool located on the other side of the caves.
6. Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari
During my last visit to the island, I booked the Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari and it remains as one of my favourite experiences in Australia. Starting at Christmas Cove Marina, the helpful crew will take you on board one of the vessels with the opportunity to see dolphins, seals and other sea life! This tour went for about 75 minutes and we spotted countless seals sun bathing on the cliffs as well as three pods of dolphins, one which swam right past me!
5. Penneshaw Beach
Your first glimpse of the island’s beauty when travelling by ferry will be the pristine Penneshaw Beach. Located right next to the ferry dock, this 600-metre-long beach features white sand and crystal-clear water which is perfect for swimming and relaxing. The beach is also home to a little penguin colony which you can spot waddling up to the beach to their holes at night.
4. Little Sahara
Experience the beauty of Little Sahara, a naturally occurring inland dune field located on the South coast of the island near Vivonne Bay. This site stretches 2.5 square kilometres with the tallest dune being 70 metres above sea level. Drop by the Little Sahara Adventure Centre to hire a sandboard or toboggan and slide down these massive sand dunes. You can also book a guided buggy or e-bike tour via their website.
3. Seal Bay
Located on the south coast of the island, The Seal Bay Conservation Park is only place in the world where you can see Australian sea lions at close quarters. Book the 60 minute Seal Bay Boardwalk Tour to walk on a beach where pups play, bulls fight for supremacy and resting mothers suckle their young. The entire boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and there are interpretive signs along the way where you will learn about the habits and behaviours of the Australian seal lion.
2. Remarkable Rocks
No Kangaroo Island trip would be complete without a visit to the world famous Remarkable Rocks. Located within the rugged Flinders Chase National Park, these giant granite boulders were formed by 500 million years of the wind, rain and pounding waves. Leave your car at the car park and take the short 30 minute (wheelchair friendly) return boardwalk to admire this stunning geological wonder up close.
1. Admiral’s Arch
Located within the Flinders Chase National Park and only a short drive from the Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch is natural rock arch created by amazing forces of nature. Carved over thousands of years by erosion, this stunning geological monument is a brilliant place to visit when exploring Kangaroo Island. Leave your car at the famous Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and follow the 800 metre boardwalk to this stunning lookout. Lookout for the fur seals colony which frequently occupy the cliffs below.
Leave a Reply