Getting to Kangaroo Island
by air:
Travellers can fly to Kingscote Airport on Kangaroo Island direct from Adelaide airport, departing twice daily (AM and pm) and arriving at the island's only airport just out of Kingscote.
by boat: Kangaroo Island Sealink
For more than 30 years SeaLink has provided a ferry service to and from Kangaroo Island for residents, businesses, and visitors.
island information
TourISM kangaroo island
the kangaroo island Tourism alliance is a great resource for all things kangaroo island. Find a great interactive map and regional attractions all in one spot.
Visitor centre
Kick start your visit to Kangaroo Island with a visit to the Kangaroo Island Visitor Information Centre. Their friendly team are here to help you to best enjoy your time on the island.
Ki beaches: DUDLEY PENINSULA
ANTECHAMBER bay
Located on the north coast of Dudley Peninsula on Kangaroo Island overlooking Backstairs Passage. Antechamber Bay is a 4.2 km long, northeast facing beach around 30 minutes FROM PENNESHAw, in Lashmar Conservation Park. Antechamber Bay is A favourite for beach lovers with a long, sandy AND OFTEN deserted beach.
pENNESHAW BEACH
Penneshaw Beach (Hog Bay) is 600 m long and faces the northeast. There is a reserve and low dune running along the beach, with toilets and picnic facilities at the western end, and a monument to French explorers at the eastern end. A road provides good access and parking. The town's beach is a great place for a swim and a picnic, making it a great family beach.
PENNINGtON bay
Pennington Bay sits on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island, off hog bay road. It is a stunning bay famous for surfing due to powerful swells. Caution should be taken when swimming as the waves can be rough, HOWEVER A SMALL BAY WITH a SHELTERED LAGOON is ACCESSIBLE just BEFORE YOU REACH THE MAIN beach. The bush landscape is stunning and dolphins are often sighted.
Ki beaches: SOUTH COAST
vivonne bay
Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island is known for its stunning beach and crystal-clear waters. Ideal for swimming and surfing, it's also close to The Vivonne Bay General Store with its iconic whiting burgers. a great spot for those looking to enjoy natural beauty and tranquility, Whether you're into water sports or just want to relax on the beach.
Seal Bay
at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island visitors can observe Australian sea lions in their natural environment. guided tours allow visitors to safely walk among sea lions as they bask on the beach or frolic in the waves. seal bay is also a beautiful spot for nature walks and photography, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
d’estrees bay
D'Estrees Bay is a picturesque location, ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. with its long, sweeping coastline, the bay is perfect for fishing, kayaking, walking and bird watching. The Bay’s clear waters and rich marine life make it a favorite spot for anglers and nature lovers. d’estrees bay is perfect for relaxing or exploring.
hanson BAY
This small, secluded bay sits along the south coast of Kangaroo Island just west of the Kelly Hill Conservation Park. accessible via (unsealed) West River Road, off of South Coast Road. A popular surf-fishing area with a spectacular sandy beach with a path that leads to the second section of the beach. Hanson Bay is moderately safe for swimming at the river mouth.
ki beaches: NORTH COAST
snellingS beach
Snellings Beach is one of the most popular on the north coast. North Coast Road runs right past the beach, providing parking and beach access. a lookout on the hill provides an excellent view of the 660 m long, northwest facing beach. sand dunes back the beach, with Middle River meandering through and exiting across the northern end of the beach.
Stokes Bay
voted best beach in australia, Stokes Bay offers visitors a secluded setting and stunning natural rock pool. Accessible through a rocky tunnel is a sheltered bay with calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Nearby, visitors can enjoy local seafood at Stokes Bay’s rockpool cafe. perfect for families and those looking for a peaceful natural retreat.
EMU bay
A beautiful beach, Emu Bay is just a brief drive west of Kingscote and ranks among the most popular on the island due to its clear waters and long shoreline. it is also one of few Kangaroo Island beaches with direct vehicle access. The unique Emu Bay shale geological formation is another signature landmark, and the small fishing jetty dates back to 1918.
western river cove
Western River Cove is well worth the winding drive to the coast. The cove has a car park and picnic area, and the beach is accessed by A foot bridge across the creek. The main north facing sand beach has a small river flowing down its eastern side, and On that side of the cove is a boulder beach. worth visiting for a picnic, or to swim or to fish off the rocks.
ki Food & Drink: East End
dudley wines
Dudley Wines is a must-visit destination on the dudley peninsula, just 2km from the secluded Grass Tree retreat, This boutique winery offers a spectacular cliff-top setting with breathtaking views of the ocean and mainland. Visitors can sample premium wines crafted from grapes grown on the island, and wood oven pizza, in their beautifully designed Cellar Door. Dudley Wines provides a memorable place to enjoy the island’s vibrant wine culture.
fire & smoke
this Family owned and operated italian eatery is CLOSE TO the ferry and Offers an extensive menu including seafood, traditional brick oven pizzas, ribs and steaks, pasta, burgers, schnitzels, desserts & more. Fully Licensed, Dine in and Take away available. can cater for Gluten free, Vegan and Vegetarian needs on request.
Enjoy indoor or alfresco dining looking back over the ocean to the Australian mainland.
penneshaw PUB
Penneshaw Pub offers stunning views over the coastline and Backstairs Passage. in the heart of Penneshaw, this iconic pub is a favorite among locals and visitors. Known for fresh, local seafood and hearty dishes, the pub provides an inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy a meal or drink. With its deck overlooking the sea, Penneshaw Pub is a great spot to catch a spectacular sunset.
Millie Mae’s Pantry
Millie Mae's Pantry in Penneshaw is a charming café known for its cosy ambiance, delightful garden and selection of homemade treats. This quaint spot specialises in fresh, locally-sourced foods, offering everything from hearty breakfasts to light lunches. Whether you're starting your day with a nourishing breakfast or indulging in a sweet afternoon treat, Millie Mae's Pantry provides a taste of local hospitality and culinary delight.
ki Food & Drink: East End
mooncake ki
at Mooncake restaurant you can enjoy the best of Asian cuisine with a stunning view of the ocean. chefs Kate sumner (founder of award-winning KI Source Catering) and Kate McCabe have been working together for years and both share a deep appreciation and admiration for the diverse and delicious flavours of Asia, especially Vietnam.
ki tru thai
KI Tru Thai brings Thai flavors to a farm location. This casual eatery is known for its warm atmosphere and traditional Thai dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Whether you're craving spicy Pad Thai or a tasty Green Curry, KI Tru Thai serves up thai flavours with a touch of local charm. check facebook for opening days AND times.
false cape wines
False Cape WINES was established in 1999. Located on ki’s Dudley Peninsula between Penneshaw and Cape Willoughby, its location has ideal soil and conditions for quality fruit. Today the vineyard is the largest on ki. it has produced two ki Wines of the Year, the Captain Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Chardonnay.
THE deck cafe AT THE river
a renovated café on the water’s edge in American River, the deck offers local produce and giftware. the café is fully licensed, so can serve a glass of Dudley Bubbly or False Cape white over lunch. it is a popular place to dine outdoors looking across “the river’s'“ calm waters during the warmer months.
ki Food & Drink: Central & north - west
cactus cafe
Cactus KI is a welcoming café in the heart of Kingscote, offering indoor and alfresco seating and friendly service. the menu is filled with simple fresh options, featuring island produce. House made cakes, fair-trade coffee, fresh pressed juices and a large selection of local wines, cider and craft beer are also available, 7 days a week from 7.30am – 2.30pm.
islander estate
Discover French-style cool climate wines handcrafted on Kangaroo Island by Bordeaux's Jacques Lurton. enjoy a hosted wine tasing at the intimate Cygnet River Cellar door, stay for a regional platter on the deck, and take your favourite wine home to family and friends. For something special, book a full food & wine experience.
kangaroo island spirits
Kangaroo Island Spirits’ distillery is set within beautifully landscaped gardens filled with native botanicals.
“We’re passionate about creating more than just spirits. We want our gin to embody the character and ingenuity of the Island’s inhabitants, creating spirits that bring people together to share in a special moment.”
enchanted fig tree
long ago, a fig sapling was planted as a food source for the island’s first settlers. 120 years later, its gnarled limbs and shimmering leaves form an enchanting dining location. On arrival, be greeted with a ki Spirits cocktail and canapes. then venture through the leafy entrance to the natural “living rooms” of the fig tree to experience a magical feast.
things to do on kangaroo island
national parks of kangaroo island
The natural, rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island (KI) is preserved through a number of national and conservation parks that cover almost one third of the island. many of the island’s best bushwalks and greatest attractions can be found within these national parks. entry fees may apply to some (you can pay online before you go, or buy a ‘parks pass’ to access multiple sites).
Parks in this region (and key attractions):
baudin conservation park
cape borda lightstation (cape borda lighthouse)
cape gantheaume conservation park and wilderness protection area
cape willoughby conservation park (cape willoughby lighthouse and walks)
flinders chase national park and ravine des casoars wilderness protection area (remarkable rocks, admirals arch, snake lagoon to rocky river mouth hike, platypus waterholes, ravine des casoars wilderness trail hike)
kelly hill conservation park (kelly hill caves, kelly hill to hanson bay hike)
lashmar conservation park (antechamber bay and chapman river mouth)
lathami conservation park
seal bay (seals!)
raptor domain
an amazing Wildlife Experience on Kangaroo Island, Raptor Domain is passionate about the protection and conservation of birds and reptiles through rescue, rehabilitation, education and research.
daily presentations are educational and inspiring. Raptor Domain rescues many orphaned, injured and sick birds AND REPTILES. Unfortunately not all are able to go back to the wild so some remain at Raptor Domain AS ambassadors helping to create awareness and appreciation for their species and habitats.
kangaroo island wildlife park
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is one of Kangaroo Island’s favourite attractions With around 100 species and over 500 animals.
The park has a wide and exciting range of animals for every age. From cuddly koalas to slithery snakes; the adorable penguins and the bouncing kangaroos, you can see it all. at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park you can even hold a koala! This unforgettable experience is a true must-do when visiting this beautiful island.
Emu bay lavender farm
Emu Bay Lavender Farm offers a tranquil and aromatic experience, inviting visitors to explore its vibrant lavender fields and picturesque gardens ON THE WAY TO EMU BAY ON KANGAROO ISLAND’S NORTH COAST. This family-run farm features a café where guests can enjoy delicious, lavender-infused dishes and refreshments, a range of homemade lavender products usE lavender harvested from the fields AND The farm also provides educational tours. Emu Bay Lavender Farm offers a soothing and sensory-rich experience, ideal for a relaxing day out in scenic surroundings.
EMU RIDGE EUCALYPTUS DISTILLERY
EMU RIDGE IS A family-owned BUSINESS AND TOURIST ATTRACTION WHICH PRODUCES 100% PURE AUSTRALIAN EUCALYPtUS ESSENTIAL OIL FROM THE KANGAROO ISLAND NARROW LEAF MALLEE. Visitors can learn about THE HISTORY OF EUCALYPTUS OIL production AND PURCHASE A RANGE OF NATURAL PRODUCTS THROUGH THE FARM GATE SHOP AND CRAFT GALLERY, OR ONLINE.
EMU RIDGE IS SITUATED CENTRALLY BETWEEN KINGSCOTE, PARNDANA AND AMERICAN RIVER AND OFFERS TOURS, PRODUCE, GIFTS AND GOOD FOOD FROM THE café.
kangaroo island LIVING HONEY
kangaroo island living honey is a family-owned and operated bee farm which produces raw organic honey and honey products. the farm manages around 250 productive hives, yielding up to 26 ton of organic honey per year.
guests can book a bee keepers’ experience to lear more about bees and bee keeping. even the farm animals and wildlife welcome guests to the honey farm.
Clifford’s honey farm
Clifford's Honey Farm is a family-owned farm renowned for producing pure Ligurian honey, made by the world's only pure strain of this bee found on the island. Visitors can learn about honey production through informative displays and demonstrations and purchase a variety of honey and honey-derived products, including sought-after Honey Ice Cream.