Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is Australia’s answer to the Galapagos Islands, an enchanting combination of surreal rock formations, untouched sandy beaches and pristine national parks teeming with the most iconic species of the Australian bush.

Kangaroo Island’s wilderness has remained largely unchanged over millennia for two major reasons: half of its landmass has never been cleared, and the island is geographically isolated from continental Australia. Distance-wise, the mainland is merely 14km from Kangaroo Island at its closest point, yet the latter’s lonely lighthouses, abundant wildlife and rugged landscapes make it feel a million miles away.

The island has two fantastic geological features; the Remarkable Rocks, a Salvador Dali-esque collection of weather-sculpted granite boulders and the Admirals Arch, a stalactite-studded cavern carpeted with rock pools, forming a natural nursery for New Zealand fur seal pups.

As Kangaroo Island’s attractions are mostly outdoors, all that fresh air is bound to make you hungry – luckily, the region’s pure waters and pristine soils produce some of the highest quality foods in Australia. Look for “Eat Local” signs at dining establishments to sample the best seasonal fare on offer.

Activities

Enjoy informative ranger-guided walks amongst rare wild Australian sea lions at the rather inaccurately named Seal Bay. A night tour of Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary uncovers shy nocturnal species such as Tammar wallabies. At Kingscote Wharf, don’t miss the daily pelican feeding. Spot the island’s namesake animal all over Flinders Chase National Park, and visit the lonesome but photogenic Cape Borda and Cape du Couedic lighthouses. Sate your hunger with fresh Penneshaw oysters, handmade cheeses and Parndana marron, washed down with fine wines from Cape Willoughby on the Dudley Peninsula.

Highlights

Australia’s third largest island
Remote and rugged wilderness
The lonely lighthouses of Cape du Couedic and Cape Borda
A rich maritime heritage
Bountiful wildlife including echidnas, wallabies and platypus
The surreal Remarkable Rocks
Dramatic Admirals Arch
Wild Australian sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park
Delectable gourmet produce including cheese, oysters, seafood and wines
Mobs of kangaroo at Flinders Chase National Park

Getting there

Australia’s third-largest island can be reached by ferry with daily services running between Cape Jervis on the mainland and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Alternatively, Regional Express operates 30-minute flights departing twice a day from Adelaide to Kingscote.

Combine with

Visit the Barossa Valley, just outside of Adelaide, to add more epicurean edge to your South Australian adventure. The primeval Flinders Ranges around 400km north of Adelaide offer a slice of South Australian early pioneer history combined with a huge helping of native wildlife and untouched wilderness – a highly recommended add-on to your holiday.

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