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In case you’re a nature lover, then you definitely’re going to fall in love with Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Likelihood is you’ll spot a koala dozing up a tree, seals enjoying on the seashore, dolphins swimming within the sea, and naturally, kangaroos bouncing round.
At 155km in size, it’s Australia’s third largest island, although it feels removed from populated. Kangaroo Island, often known as Karta Pintingga in aboriginal language, is encompassed with hovering cliffs and rugged coastlines, dense nationwide parks, towering sand dunes, and untouched seashores.
A lot of the island is preserved and guarded, providing you with an opportunity to glimpse nature at its most interesting.
In case you’re planning to go to this pure paradise simply 13km off the coast of mainland, this 4 day Kangaroo Island highway journey itinerary packs in one of the best of one of the best!
We visited Kangaroo Island on a highway journey for 4 nights and ticked off loads of the primary sights. I’d have appreciated one further night time to expertise the west coast in additional depth, however 4 days was loads to see the highlights.
The Final Kangaroo Island Itinerary: How To Get There
On this Kangaroo Island itinerary, we’ll start in Penneshaw and do a loop across the island. You may attain Kangaroo Island by catching the Sealink ferry from Cape Jervis on the mainland (about 2 hour’s drive from Adelaide) to Penneshaw, which is the route we took after we visited.
There are numerous routes you may tackle the Sealink, however we advocate you catch the earliest ferry attainable because the journey takes about 45 minutes and also you’ll need as a lot time exploring Kangaroo Island as attainable.
Nevertheless, in case you plan to fly to Kangaroo Island, you may nonetheless do that itinerary in the identical order, as Kangaroo Island’s small airport in Kingscote is a couple of 30-minute drive from Penneshaw. You will get direct flights from Adelaide to Kingscote with Qantas, and decide up a rent automotive from the airport.
In case you catch the ferry, we advocate you e book your tickets upfront to keep away from lacking out, because the ferry typically will get booked up. See timetables and costs for the Sealink ferry right here.
SeaLink even have coach transfers in case you are leaving from Adelaide, which we caught.
It’s also possible to rent automobiles from Penneshaw, the place the ferry arrives. They are going to be costlier than hiring from the mainland. When selecting a rental automotive, remember the fact that lots of the roads are unsealed so make sure you additionally test with the automotive rental firm as as to if you may drive on them or not.
I loved the commentary alongside the way in which and the gorgeous surroundings of the Fleurieu Peninsula, at instances it felt such as you have been in Eire with the rolling inexperienced hills and shoreline.
The ferry was very calm and flat. There’s a small cafe on board promoting espresso and sandwiches and snacks and free Wi-Fi. And naturally, resident dolphins!!
Craig was fortunate to be standing exterior having fun with a espresso and testing the surroundings and captured these dolphins enjoying out the entrance of the ferry.
There aren’t any public transport choices on the island. You may both get round on a tour or with a rental automotive. You may e book your rental automobiles for Kangaroo Island right here.
Be sure to test with the automotive supplier in case you are renting from Adelaide as some automotive rent firms don’t insure you for the ferry journey over to Kangaroo Island.
Day 1: The Dudley Peninsula to Kingscote
In case you arrive in Penneshaw on the morning Sea Hyperlink ferry, escorted by the native dolphins, we advocate driving straight all the way down to benefit from the Dudley Peninsula.
The Dudley Peninsula is a ravishing and various area on the jap finish of Kangaroo Island and is the place you’re going to get your first style of the island’s wealthy pure magnificence, wildlife alternatives and historical past.
Cease 1: Dudley Wines
- Distance: 13km
- Drive time: quarter-hour
- How lengthy to remain? 1-2 hours
Moroccan lamb pizza and a glass of award profitable Shiraz with probably the most stunning winery views I’ve ever seen will presumably be the visible I now affiliate with the identify Kangaroo Island.
What a first-day introduction! We could have lingered right here somewhat longer than anticipated, however that’s what journey is for proper? Stopping the place the guts feels referred to as to take action.
We walked out with a bottle of chardonnay and Shiraz, each excellent wines.
I almost misplaced each of them to the again of the airplane after we aborted touchdown coming again to Sydney. I used to be extra apprehensive about stopping them rolling than what was occurring with the airplane.
Kangaroo Island is a rising notable wine area with over 15 wine growers and round 15 hectares of vines.
Dudley Wines produce a 100% Kangaroo Island product – all their wine is grown and handcrafted on the island.
Cease 2: Antechamber Bay
- Distance: 8.2 km
- Drive time: 10 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1 hour
Antechamber Bay was our first seashore expertise on Kangaroo Island. A little bit of a stunner, isn’t she?
The bay is understood for its lengthy stretch of sentimental white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, good for swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely walks.
It’s attainable to see kangaroos and wallabies hopping round, and generally sea lions come up from the shore.
It’s a haven of peace and quiet. Keep so long as you want!
Cease 4: Cape Willoughby Lighthouse
- Distance: 8.2 km
- Drive time: 8 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 45 minutes
Who doesn’t love a white lighthouse perched on the sting of a cliff?
The lighthouse, inbuilt 1852 is on the easternmost level of the island and is open for day by day excursions. It’s also possible to keep on the lighthouse keeper’s cottages.
Cease 3: Pennington Bay
- Distance: 40.1 km
- Drive time: 35 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1 hour
The place the seashores on the north facet of Kangaroo Island will be fairly calm and flat, the surf right here at Pennington Bay is top-notch! You may see why surfers like it.
If browsing will not be your factor, there’s a large expansive white sandy seashore to play on and rocks to scramble round.
We stopped right here for a day play and had the seashore all to ourselves.
Cease 6: Redbank Cliffs
- Distance: 18.9km
- Drive time: 20 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1 hour
The very best-hidden secret of Kangaroo Island is simply up the highway from American River. Pay cautious consideration and it it to your Kangaroo Island highway journey itinerary.
Alongside the coast is a stretch of colored cliffs. Sundown is supposed to be one of the best time to go to Redbank Cliffs, and we simply missed it on account of our scheduling.
However, the pink, orange and yellow cliffs positive have been fairly within the golden hour gentle.
A pod of dolphins swam by us near shore whereas we have been right here. Oh, and the drive in by the tress from American River is spectacular!
Cease 7: Pelican feeding in Kingscote
- Distance: 34.7 km
- Drive time: half-hour
- How lengthy to remain? half-hour
We grew up in a city with loads of pelicans and have seen numerous pelican feedings. I used to work in a restaurant the place we threw them the fish scraps each afternoon at 3 pm.
Pelicans are the funniest animals and interesting to look at. So, in fact, we went to the pelican feeding that’s at Kingscote each afternoon at 5 pm.
The pelican feeder has an entertaining and informative speak and has been doing it for years. He’ll ask you for a donation of $5 per grownup and $3 per baby after it.
These pelicans have been hilarious.
The women and I couldn’t cease laughing on the one grasping fella who held an enormous stash of fish in his beak. The mob attacked him, and he ran over the facet of the jetty and caught his head down over in between the rocks in order that they couldn’t get to his stash.
At first, I assumed that they had killed him, however he was simply mendacity deathly nonetheless in order that they’d go away him be.
The place to Keep: American River Area
You may both keep in Kingscote, or you may cease someplace alongside the American River area of Kangaroo Island. It’s midway between Penneshaw and Kingscote, so a pleasant inbetweener.
It’s very quiet and a stunning place to remain in case you’re after serenity. It’s not a river, however was named that approach for the American sealers and camped alongside the slender inlet of water they mistook for a river.
It’s simple to see why they thought it was a river.
There’s not rather a lot to do right here – a few waterfront walks and beautiful calm water for boating. Kangaroo Island Shellfish, the biggest industrial oyster farm on Kangaroo Island, is positioned right here and a well-liked place to seize your native seafood.
We stayed on the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge in American River, which is a a lot quieter place to remain. I appreciated the peacefulness of it.
In case you favor to remain in Kingscote, we stayed on the Aurora Ozone Resort in Kingscote. It’s a motel with place on the waterfront.
Day 2: Kingscote to Flinders Chase Nationwide Park
Kingscote is the capital of Kangaroo Island and the biggest city on Kangaroo Island. Relaxation assured it’s not too large or busy.
Cease 1: Swim with the dolphins with Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures
Leap out of the automotive and into the boat in your Kangaroo Island highway journey to swim with wild dolphins for a few hours within the morning.
This tour with Andrew and Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures is price doing in your go to to Kangaroo Island. We didn’t even get to swim with the dolphins and we nonetheless suppose it’s worthwhile.
Sadly, for us, we had a particularly uncommon day when the dolphins didn’t present up.
Andrew can rely on one hand what number of instances this has occurred, and the excursions run nearly day by day. It’s the wild, so that you’re working round their groove.
We did see dolphins – somewhat out into the open waters of the bay after we first began the tour. A mom was instructing her child to fish. They swam proper behind the boat and later surfed and jumped out of the waves.
We contemplated leaping in to swim with these however since we had simply began the tour, it was actually chilly, and we have been out within the much less protected waters, we determined we’d wait to get to the shallower calmer waters close to the shore on the dolphin’s house!!
Bugger.
However, the dolphin’s house is spectacular! I can solely think about how unimaginable the expertise can be swimming with them right here. It was chilly after we visited, however in summer time the water temperature will be fairly heat, and the dolphins like to play.
We liked zipping across the bay, studying in regards to the marine life from Andrew and the gorgeous surroundings. We noticed loads of sea lions as nicely.
Cease 2: Emu Bay
- Distance: 17.5 km
- Drive time: 17 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1-2 hours
We nearly didn’t go to Emu Bay. It was the final seashore on our checklist to see and we nearly mentioned, “Oh, it couldn’t be higher than what we’ve seen.” I’m so glad we brushed that thought apart.
Turquoise water and an enormous seashore of laborious white sand good for seashore driving! Strategy to change up the extent of your highway journey on Kangaroo Island.
It’s considered one of solely two seashores on the island you may drive on – the opposite is Snellings Seashore. It’s as laborious as a highway so no must let strain out of your tyres. We had somewhat cruise up and down.
Cease 3: Stokes Bay
- Distance: 39.7 km
- Drive time: 40 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1 hour
When you have a whole day to spend on the seashore, and the climate is nice, Stokes Bay can be the proper place for households to hang around.
Your youngsters will love the thrilling stroll to the seashore, by a slender walkway and cave from the automotive park which opens out to an expansive hidden secret seashore.
There are many rocks for them to climb over and caves to discover. There’s a pretty sheltered, shallow swimming space and a few little waves as nicely for individuals who need to a wild play.
Pack a picnic. There’s a small cafe earlier than you get to the key seashore. It was closed after we visited, however many locals raved as it being the place for lunch, a espresso and a chill to dwell music. Bummer we missed it.
Cease 4: Western River Cove
- Distance: 31.8 km
- Drive time: 40 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1 hour
Western River Cove was probably the most stunning seashores on Kangaroo Island for us. It’s somewhat off the traditional vacationer path, however nicely price becoming it into your Kangaroo Island highway journey itinerary.
The drive to the seashore by rolling inexperienced farmlands is spectacular and so completely different to the remainder of Kangaroo Island.
Driving again out of Western Cove the surroundings turned to pink clay and fairly Outback trying showcasing the variety of the island and why you need to spend a while driving round it.
The place to Keep: Hanson Bay
In case you really feel like luxurious, then keep on the Southern Ocean Lodge with its secluded cliff-top location on Hanson Bay, only a 20 minute drive from Western River Cove and positioned on the South coast.
This seashore is gorgeous, and it’s additionally near the West and South finish of Kangaroo Island which provides you quick access to discover this area.
When you have extra time, you might go to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, however since there’s a lot wild wildlife, I really feel like this needs to be elective.
Day 3: Flinders Chase Nationwide Park
- Distance: 19 km
- Drive time: 25 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 3-4 hours
Flinders Chase Nationwide Park deserves loads of your time. It’s on the opposite facet of Kangaroo Island, so it will likely be fairly a drive – with loads to see in between.
In case you try to do the South and West Coast in a day like we did, you’ll solely scratch the floor.
Ideally, spend a night within the West or South facet so you may have two days to discover comfortably. There are numerous hikes to do on this area, and we have been upset to not expertise them.
The hikes I had anticipated doing have been the 4.5 km return Platypus waterhole stroll and the 3km return Snake Lagoon Hike.
Based mostly on my analysis, these appeared like probably the most scenic and best to do with youngsters given our quick time-frame to discover.
Cease 1: Cape du Couedic Lighthouse
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is positioned within the coronary heart of Flinders Chase Nationwide Park, and stands 25 meters excessive.
It’s authentic buildings are nonetheless in tact, and you’ll even keep at one of many three keeper’s cottages if you need a particular expertise.
The lighthouse is listed on the SA Heritage Register.
Cease 2: Admiral’s Arch
Convey your coat for this go to to Admiral’s Arch in your Kangaroo Island highway journey. It was blowing an icy gale after we arrived.
No marvel the New Zealand fur seals who reside there like it. You’ll see a lot of them sleeping on the rocks particularly within the sheltered a part of the Arches.
The Arches is a pure archway sculptured by wind and rain and is in probably the most photographed locations on Kangaroo Island.
Don’t neglect to look again up the coast. Perched on the sting of the cliff within the distance are the Exceptional Rocks.
It’s an enchanting perspective and lets you see simply why they’re fairly outstanding. It appears like a sculpture you’d see on the cliffs of Bondi in October.
Cease 3: Weirs Cove
Not removed from Admiral’s Arch is a flip off for Weirs Cove. Take it. There are walks you are able to do round right here, or just simply benefit from the view.
Cease 4: Exceptional Rocks
I used to be apprehensive these have been going to be only a bunch of rocks, and to be trustworthy, they’re. However, the granite boulders are attention-grabbing rocks and really stunning.
The women had enjoyable exploring the completely different naturally carved sculptures, climbing out and in of holes, hiding within the caves and sleeping on the rock hammocks.
Be diligent together with your youngsters. Across the entrance of the rocks are very harmful circumstances – excessive winds and slippery surfaced into the depths of the pounding ocean under.
Cease 5: Vivonne Bay
- Distance: 30.7 km
- Drive time: 19 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1 hour
Vivonne Bay is usually mentioned to be one of many finest seashores in Australia. It’s spectacular, though I used to be anticipating somewhat extra Wow. Observe, I don’t suppose we visited on one of the best climate or time of day, which everyone knows modifications issues.
Observe, I don’t suppose we visited on one of the best climate or time of day, which everyone knows modifications issues.
Top-of-the-line vantage factors is from the westernmost level close to the jetty trying again on the seashore. When you have time, there may be additionally a small sheltered seashore that could be good for swimming. Do test with the locals although for one of the best spots.
Cease 6: Little Sahara Sand Boarding
- Distance: 7.5 km
- Drive time: 7 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1-2 hours
Who doesn’t like white rolling sand dunes in the midst of nowhere to play on?
We have been tossing up whether or not to tackle the problem of sand boarding down the dunes at Little Sahara, however the thrill of the promised journey flipped our head from a shake to a nod.
We’re so glad we did it was considered one of our favorite actions on the island and an awesome alternative for a exercise. I by no means realised strolling up small sand dunes at the least twenty instances would wipe you out a lot.
It was the primary time any of us had tried sand boarding. Kalyra, the pure surfer, blitzed it after a few warmups. It took Craig a number of extra tries and me much more. I feel I managed a couple of four-second get up.
It positive was a heap of enjoyable attempting. You’ll want to add it to your checklist of issues to do on Kangaroo Island.
It was great to look at our cautious Savannah transfer from the sidelines to tandem with me on the toboggan to using along with her wilder sister after which braving all of it on her personal. She owned the dunes. I liked her beaming face!
The one approach we obtained the ladies to depart was once they each face planted on the similar time – Savannah on the toboggan and Kalyra on the sand board.
Earlier than that, they weren’t budging from only one extra flip. Nothing like a face stuffed with sand to finish an epic journey.
Our solely unhappiness is that each one our cool footage was misplaced someplace within the digital world. There’s a large area in our Kangaroo Island movies
Cease 7: Seal Bay Conservation Park
- Distance: 18.4 km
- Drive time: 18 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1 hour
Australian sea lions are the cutest. We found this getting nostril to nostril with them in Port Lincoln after we noticed within the wild with them. It’s also possible to get fairly up near them if you go to Seal Bay.
Australian sea lions’ numbers are very small in comparison with sea lions. It’s not identified why in the meanwhile, however scientists are researching to seek out out.
Seal Bay has the third largest colony of Australian sea lions on the planet (learn extra information about Australia right here).
You may get pleasure from watching the ocean lions of their pure habitat on the seashore from the boardwalk, which is good for these quick on time or price range.
Or, you may pay further to hitch a guided tour and stroll down on the seashore with them. Observe, the tour guides do be certain that you don’t get too shut nor disturb the peace of the ocean lions.
As I’m now again to being Mrs Makepeace and liable for the woman’s studying, we determined to pay the additional for the tour.
We checked off many outcomes studying about life cycles, conservation, habitats and the way the ocean lions hunt, eat, swim, play and work together with the setting.
It was so cute to look at the infants work together with their Mammas. The poor mums have been worn out after 4 days at sea with no sleep, however bubs didn’t care. They wished to play and continued to leap throughout them.
Sound acquainted mums?
A few them have been out enjoying within the surf. It was enjoyable to look at the ocean lions browsing, similar to younger youngsters having a ball!
The place to Keep: Seddon
For a singular expertise, keep at Ecopia Retreat in Seddon, only a 20 minute drive from Seal Bay.
This eco-friendly lodging provides you a self-contained villa with a sizzling tub, stunning backyard views, and BBQ amenities.
Every villa is nicely outfitted with a kitchen and washer, in addition to free WiFi and free non-public parking, so you may make it your property away from house for the night time.
Day 4: Seal Bay to Penneshaw
The final day of this itinerary you’ll be leaving Kangaroo Island to your onward journey, whether or not you’re persevering with your highway journey on to Adelaide or in direction of Melbourne on the Nice Ocean Street, leaving Aus, or simply going house.
So, we gained’t be visiting many stops at this time as you’ve a ferry or flight to catch!
Nevertheless, in your approach again to Penneshaw or Kingscote, you should definitely cease by…
Cease 1: Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
On the very uncommon event if you don’t encounter wildlife on Kangaroo Island, there may be at all times Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, which I like to recommend as an elective cease.
It has over 150 species of Native Australian wildlife, together with wallabies, echidna, dingos, kangaroos and koalas, in addition to a rescue heart for orphaned animals.
It’s a great way to rise up near the animals in case you weren’t in a position to see them within the wild.
From Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, it’s 56 minutes drive to Penneshaw or half-hour to Kingscote.
Kangaroo Island Wineries and Distilleries
We didn’t go to every other wineries whereas on Kangaroo Island, which in hindsight, we missed out on!
Kangaroo Island is understood for its wine and spirits, notably Dudley Wines and Jacques Lurton.
I did attempt a few wines in eating places from Bay of Shoals Vineyard and Sundown Vineyard, each wines have been excellent, specifically, the Bay of Shoals wines stood out, notably the Shiraz.
Sundown Vineyard has re-branded with new house owners and is now referred to as Sundown Meals and Wine. The restaurant is supposed to be pretty.
Our pal, Spencer Spellman, beneficial Kangaroo Island Spirits, South Australia’s solely boutique distillery. He says their gin is outstanding and he nonetheless has some left in his bottle all the way in which over in Reno.
And for craft beer followers, there’s the Kangaroo Island Brewery.
Map of this 4 Day Kangaroo Island Itinerary
Remaining Ideas
So there you’ve it, that is an motion packed 4 day itinerary of Kangaroo Island! As you may see, there’s rather a lot to see and do right here, and loads of magnificence to unpack!
What are you most trying ahead to? Tell us within the feedback!
Kangaroo Island Movies
Take a look on the enjoyable we had on our Kangaroo Island vacation with youngsters. You’ll want to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Widespread Kangaroo Island Excursions
Extra South Australia Journey Ideas
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What are you most trying ahead to seeing on a Kangaroo Island highway journey? Tell us within the feedback!
