KANGAROO ISLAND
Kangaroo Island is a pristine natural haven, often called a “zoo without fences,” offering unparalleled close-up encounters with Australia’s native wildlife. Its rugged cliffs, sweeping dunes, and protected wilderness showcase a dramatic and beautiful landscape.
This South Australian gem is defined by its wild heart, with over a third of its land protected in parks and reserves. It’s a destination for true nature lovers, offering stunning coastal scenery, unique local produce, and unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic National Parks & Coastal Formations:
Flinders Chase National Park: The large, wild national park at the island’s western end, famous for its dramatic coastal landmarks and wildlife.
Remarkable Rocks: Gigantic, wind-sculpted granite boulders perched dramatically on a clifftop, a signature photographic location.
Admirals Arch: A spectacular natural rock arch carved by erosion, providing a viewing platform for a colony of New Zealand fur seals.
Cape du Couedic: A prominent headland within Flinders Chase, home to a historic lighthouse and a breeding colony of fur seals.
Kelly Hill Conservation Park: An area known for its unique limestone karst caves, offering guided tours to explore the underground formations.
Wildlife Encounters & Conservation Sites:
Seal Bay Conservation Park: The only place in the world where you can walk among a wild colony of endangered Australian sea lions on the beach.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park: A sanctuary and rehabilitation center where visitors can hold a koala (for a fee), feed kangaroos, and meet diverse native animals.
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: A great spot to see koalas in the wild on a designated walk and participate in evening nocturnal tours to spot other wildlife.
Raptor Domain: An environmental, educational, and rehabilitation center specializing in birds of prey and reptiles, featuring popular daily “In-Flight” shows.
Penneshaw Penguin Centre: Offers guided evening tours to watch Little Penguins (fairy penguins) return to their burrows after a day of fishing.
Beaches, Dunes & Scenic Lookouts:
Vivonne Bay: Often voted one of Australia’s best beaches, featuring a long, U-shaped sandy bay ideal for swimming, fishing, and surfing.
Little Sahara: A privately owned area of spectacular, vast inland white and golden sand dunes perfect for sandboarding and tobogganing.
Stokes Bay: A secluded, pristine beach accessed through a rock-tunnel maze, featuring a natural rock pool safe for children.
Emu Bay: A long, beautiful white-sand beach where vehicles are permitted, making it easy to drive down to the water’s edge.
Pennington Bay: A stunningly beautiful and wild stretch of coast popular for surfing and photography, offering dramatic views.
Prospect Hill: A vantage point climbed via a staircase, offering incredible 360-degree panoramic views across the island’s landscapes and bays.
Local Produce & History:
Kingscote: The island’s largest town and first European settlement in South Australia, with a historic wharf, jetty, and the Reeves Point Settlement Site.
Clifford’s Honey Farm: Home to the world’s only pure strain of Ligurian bees, offering tastings of honey and delicious honey ice cream.
Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS): Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery, offering award-winning small-batch spirits, liqueurs, and tasting experiences.
Dudley Wines Cellar Door: A clifftop winery offering stunning views back to the mainland, known for its fine wines and picturesque location.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery: The island’s only eucalyptus oil distillery, offering tours, local products, and a rustic farm cafe.
The Oyster Farm Shop (American River): A spot to sample and purchase locally farmed, fresh oysters and other seafood with beautiful bay views.
Cape Willoughby Lightstation: The oldest lighthouse in South Australia, located on the eastern tip of the Dudley Peninsula, offering daily tours.
Activities & Experiences
Walk with Australian Sea Lions at Seal Bay: Take a guided tour right on the beach among a wild colony of Australian Sea Lions. This is one of the most accessible sea lion colonies in the world.
Explore Flinders Chase National Park’s Icons: Visit the spectacular natural rock formations of Remarkable Rocks and the impressive coastal archway of Admiral’s Arch, where you can also spot New Zealand Fur Seals.
Sandboard or Toboggan at Little Sahara: Experience the vast, pristine white sand dunes near Vivonne Bay by hiring a board or joining a buggy tour for an adrenaline rush.
Spot Koalas in the Wild: Take a guided walk at a sanctuary or conservation area, or simply look up into the Eucalyptus trees along the western side of the island to see these iconic animals.
Taste Artisan Gin and Spirits: Visit Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS), Australia’s first boutique gin distillery, for a tasting paddle of their award-winning gins and other unique spirits.
Hike the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: For ambitious travelers, tackle parts of or the entire five-day, 61-kilometer trail through protected wilderness, pristine coastline, and fire-affected regrowth.
Savor Local Wines at a Clifftop Cellar Door: Visit one of the island’s many cellar doors, like Dudley Wines, to sample cool-climate wines with breathtaking views back towards the mainland.
Discover the Hidden Beach of Stokes Bay: Follow the path through a natural rock tunnel to emerge onto this spectacular, sheltered white-sand beach, often voted one of Australia’s best.
Learn about Ligurian Bees and Honey: Tour Clifford’s Honey Farm to learn about the island’s pure strain of Ligurian honey bees (the world’s only pure-bred colony) and sample the local honey products.
Go Quad Biking or Kayaking: Join a quad bike tour for an off-road adventure or rent a kayak to explore the peaceful waters of the Harriet or Chapman Rivers.
See Little Penguins at Dusk: Join an evening tour in Penneshaw to quietly observe the smallest species of penguin returning to their burrows after a day of fishing.
Local Tips & Transport
Self-Drive is Essential: There is virtually no public transport or taxi service on the island. A rental car or bringing your own vehicle on the ferry is the best way to see the island, which is seven times the size of Singapore.
Roads and Driving: The main roads between the major townships (Penneshaw, American River, Kingscote, Parndana, and Flinders Chase National Park) are sealed. However, many beautiful, remote attractions are accessed via unsealed gravel roads. Drive slowly, keep left (as in all of Australia), and be cautious on corners. A conventional 2WD car is generally sufficient but requires care.
Fuel Availability: Fuel is available in the main towns like Kingscote, Penneshaw, Parndana, and Vivonne Bay, but stations often have limited hours and can be spread far apart. Always fill up your tank before heading out for a day of touring.
Getting to K.I.: You can take the SeaLink ferry (about 45 minutes) from Cape Jervis (on the mainland) to Penneshaw, or fly via QantasLink to Kingscote Airport (KGC). Booking the ferry well in advance, especially if taking a vehicle, is highly recommended.
Shuttle: A limited shuttle bus service (Peninsula Coaches) connects the ferry terminal in Penneshaw with American River and Kingscote, typically linking up with ferry services.
Wildlife at Night: Avoid driving between dusk and dawn. This is the most important local tip. Native animals, including kangaroos and wallabies, are most active at night and pose a serious collision risk. Plan your sightseeing so you are off the roads before sunset.
“Island Time”: The pace of life is relaxed. Embrace the slower, laid-back atmosphere. Stores and cafes, especially outside of Kingscote, may have limited or seasonal hours.
Food & Wine: Kangaroo Island is a food-lovers paradise, famous for its regional produce. Look for local honey, sheep’s milk cheese, marron (a freshwater crayfish), King George whiting, oysters, and premium wines and spirits. Be prepared for higher prices than on the mainland due to the isolated location.
Conservation: The island is a major conservation area. Respect the wildlife by viewing them from a distance and never feeding them. Many areas, especially within National Parks, require an entry pass. Check for current fire danger warnings or park closures, particularly during the summer.
Hidden Gems:
- The Enchanted Fig Tree: A unique, seasonal dining experience where you dine beneath the sprawling canopy of an ancient fig tree. Bookings are essential.
- Kelly Hill Caves: Explore the limestone caves at the Kelly Hill Conservation Park, known for their rare helictites and stalactites.
- Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery: Australia’s only commercial eucalyptus oil distillery, where you can tour the process and buy a range of health and beauty products.
- Cape Willoughby Lightstation: South Australia’s first lighthouse, offering historic tours and stunning views from the easternmost tip of the island.
Water Safety: While the beaches are stunning, be mindful of rips and strong currents, particularly on the south coast. Swim only at patrolled beaches and follow all local safety signs.
Top Restaurants
Sunset Food and Wine [$50-$80] – Widely considered one of the island’s premier restaurants, offering a modern bistro experience with stunning views over American Beach and a focus on premium, seasonal Kangaroo Island and South Australian produce.
Samphire Restaurant [$85-$125] – Located at the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, this fine dining restaurant focuses on a seasonal tasting menu that highlights the best local seafood and meats, often cooked using charcoal and fire for a unique flavour profile.
The Enchanted Fig Tree (Gastronomo) [$120-$150] – A truly unique, seasonal wilderness dining experience (typically open December to April) where the meal is served inside the magnificent limbs and canopy of a 120-year-old fig tree. (Booking well in advance is essential.)
Reflections Restaurant [$40-$70] – The a la carte dining experience at the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge in American River, offering Modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and a beautiful water’s edge setting.
Glossy Black Restaurant [$40-$70] – Situated in American River, this modern Australian dining destination offers beautiful views and a menu that often features local seafood and meats.
The Feast (Gastronomo) [$120-$150] – A sister dining experience to The Enchanted Fig Tree, often utilizing a historic woolshed and focusing on interactive, open-fire cooking techniques using pristine local ingredients. (Seasonal and must be booked in advance.)
Ozone Bistro (Aurora Ozone Hotel) [$30-$50] – Overlooking Nepean Bay in Kingscote, this restaurant provides a modern take on pub classics, focusing on steak, schnitzels, and fresh seafood in a relaxed, yet elegant hotel setting.
The Oyster Farm Shop [$15-$30] – Located right on the American River wharf, this is the essential stop for incredibly fresh, local oysters, which you can enjoy shucked to order, or on a seafood platter.
Vivonne Bay General Store [$10-$20] – Famous for its legendary Kangaroo Island Whiting Burger, this is a quintessential local takeaway shop and a great spot for a casual, hearty meal on the way to or from Flinders Chase National Park.
Kangaroo Island Fresh Seafoods and Takeaway [$15-$30] – Located in Kingscote, this is the best place to find the island’s largest range of locally caught seafood, perfect for a quality fish and chips or taking fresh catch home to cook.
Cactus Kangaroo Island [$15-$30] – A popular, local-favourite cafe in Kingscote known for excellent specialty coffee, fresh Asian-inspired brunch and lunch options, and their famous Portuguese custard tarts.
Millie Mae’s Pantry [$15-$30] – Located in Penneshaw in a 100-year-old fruit orchard, this high-end cafe and grocer serves breakfast and lunch focused on seasonal, local produce, great coffee, and cold-press juices.
Emu Bay Lavender Farm [$10-$25] – A popular farm-gate cafe and shop known for its iconic lavender-infused scones served with house-made lavender jam and cream, as well as light meals and a unique setting.
The Deck Cafe [$15-$30] – A lovely cafe on the American River wharf, offering a relaxed environment for breakfast, lunch, and coffee, with beautiful waterfront views.
Fat Beagle Coffee Shop [$10-$20] – A cozy cafe in Kingscote beloved by locals for barista-made coffee, hearty breakfast/lunch options, and their highly-rated vanilla slice.
Bella Cafe & Pizza Bar [$20-$40] – Located in Kingscote, this spot is known for its beautiful views and delicious wood-fired pizzas, including a unique and highly-recommended Whiting Pizza.
Rabbit Warren Bakery [$10-$20] – A local Kingscote bakery offering a great range of fresh-baked goods, including traditional Australian meat pies, pasties, and cakes—perfect for a takeaway lunch.
The Kiosk Penneshaw [$15-$30] – A casual dining spot in Penneshaw offering simple, satisfying meals like pizza, pasta, BBQ meats, and other takeaway favorites.
The Rockpool Cafe (Andermel Marron Cafe) [$25-$45] – Located on Harriet Road near Newland, this unique cafe specializes in marron (freshwater crayfish), a local delicacy, serving it in various forms.
Island Beehive [$10-$20] – While primarily a honey shop, their cafe is an essential stop for a taste of Ligurian honey, famous for its purity, especially their honey ice cream and other bee-themed treats.
Dudley Wines [$30-$50] – A must-visit family-owned winery known for its spectacular cliff-top setting overlooking the coast. It offers wine tasting, cheese boards, and a delicious, substantial lunch menu (like their famous Moroccan lamb pizza).
Penneshaw Pub (The Penny) [$25-$45] – The historic Penneshaw Hotel has uninterrupted views over the Backstairs Passage. It’s a classic local favorite for traditional pub grub, fresh coastal dishes, and a great place to mingle with locals.
Kangaroo Island Brewery [$20-$40] – A boutique brewery near Cygnet River that is a perfect spot for craft beer, a casual bite (like pizza or burgers), and a relaxed atmosphere, often with live music.
False Cape Wines [$25-$45] – A newly opened cellar door near Penneshaw offering premium wines, a relaxed lunch featuring grazing boards or homemade pies, set beautifully amongst the vineyard.
The Pick and Shovel [$25-$45] – Created by the owners of KI Brewery, this quaint “hole in the wall” venue in Kingscote is a wine, whiskey, beer, and cocktail bar offering charcuterie and share plates with a great street-side view.
Emu Ridge Cafe & Cellar Door [$20-$35] – Located at the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, this unique spot offers a quiet breakfast or lunch and serves as the cellar door for local Kangaroo Island Ciders.
Amadio’s Vino e Cucina [$30-$50] – Sitting on Kingscote’s main street, this spot channels authentic Italian trattoria vibes with a focus on anti-pasti, wood-fired pizza, and pasta, complemented by a great local wine list.
The Islander Estate Vineyards Tasting Rooms [$20-$40] – The tasting room for this premium winery (owned by a 5th-generation French winemaker) is a great stop for serious wine connoisseurs to sample their distinguished French-style wines with small share plates.
Queenscliffe Hotel [$20-$40] – Located in Kingscote, this is another historic pub offering simple, classic pub meals and a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) [$15-$30] – While not a full restaurant, this multi-award-winning boutique gin distillery near Cygnet River is a perfect spot for an afternoon visit, offering tastings and expertly crafted cocktails in their charming outdoor gin garden.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Winch Bar (Ozone Hotel): Perched on the waterfront in Kingscote, this refined bar at the historic Ozone Hotel offers breathtaking ocean vistas over Nepean Bay. It features a curated selection of Kangaroo Island gins, local wines, craft beers, and artfully crafted cocktails in a stylish, sophisticated setting.
The Pick and Shovel: A boutique wine, whiskey, beer, and cocktail bar located in the heart of Kingscote. This new venue blends old and new, situated in a former shearer’s quarters, offering classic cocktails and showcasing the best of Kangaroo Island’s produce alongside world-class drinks.
Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) Cellar Door: Found near Cygnet River, KIS is Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery. While primarily a cellar door, they offer expertly crafted cocktails using their award-winning gins and spirits, providing a true ‘taste of the island’ experience in a beautiful, rustic setting.
Penneshaw Pub (Penneshaw Hotel): The historic “home of beer and cheer” for over 100 years, located on a cliff-top in Penneshaw with uninterrupted ocean views. The Front Bar offers a relaxed, rustic atmosphere, perfect for a classic beer or glass of wine, a yarn with locals, and staying cozy by the fireplace in winter.
Sunset Food and Wine: A modern bistro-style restaurant and bar in Penneshaw overlooking American Beach. While a dining destination, its bar offers fabulous local wines and is the perfect place for a sophisticated evening aperitif with stunning sunset views.
Dudley Wines Cellar Door: Located on the Dudley Peninsula with stunning views, this cellar door doubles as a relaxed bar where you can unwind with a glass of their regional wine and platters of local produce while taking in the magnificent coastal scenery.
Kangaroo Island Brewery: Kangaroo Island’s first cellar door microbrewery, located near Kingscote. A great casual spot focusing on artisan beer, but also offering a selection of local spirits and wines in a laid-back, welcoming setting.
False Cape Wines Cellar Door: Situated on the Dudley Peninsula, nestled amongst the vineyard and gum trees. It’s a picturesque spot to savour their acclaimed wines with a cheese board, enjoying a relaxing countryside drinking experience.
The Shed (American River Sports and Community Club): A casual and traditional Australian “pub” experience in American River. Run by volunteers, this bar is open late and is a popular local gathering spot for a friendly, unpretentious beer and a chat about the day’s activities.
Kangaroo Island Lodge Bar & Lounge: Located at the Kangaroo Island Lodge in American River, this bar and lounge offers a relaxing setting with exquisite local flavours and stunning views, perfect for a tranquil evening drink.
Tirage on Kangaroo Island: A neighbourhood wine bar in Kingscote, offering a curated selection of local and international wines. A great spot for wine enthusiasts looking for an intimate tasting experience.
Cactus Kangaroo Island: Located in Kingscote, this cafe/restaurant is licensed and offers local KI beers and wines. It’s a great spot for an early evening drink in a charming, cozy setting that showcases local produce.
Grasshopper Brewing: The newest brewery on the island, located in Parndana. Stop by the tasting room to enjoy their artisan beer, featuring local produce, in a relaxed inland setting.
Bay of Shoals Wines Cellar Door: Located in Kingscote, offering an authentic tasting of their estate-grown wines right where they are made, with beautiful views over the bay.
Amadio’s Vino e Cucina: This Italian restaurant in Kingscote features an extensive list of local Kangaroo Island and South Australian wines, making it a wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.
Fire and Smoke KI: A family-friendly restaurant in Penneshaw, straight off the ferry, that also has bar facilities. Known for its retro decor and a range of local beverages.
Millie Mae’s Pantry: A charming cafe and grocer in Penneshaw. While a daytime spot, it is licensed and an excellent place for a casual afternoon wine or local beer in its beautiful courtyard setting.
Beach Day Emu Bay: A beachside cafe and licensed bar at Emu Bay. The perfect casual spot for a drink with your feet in the sand (or close to it) after a day on the beach.
Zone Restaurant & Bar: Located within the Ozone Hotel in Kingscote, next to the Winch Bar, this offers another option for a comfortable drink with stunning views of Nepean Bay.
The Kiosk Penneshaw: A laid-back, coastal-friendly spot in Penneshaw offering coffee and food, and is a licensed venue for a casual drink near the beach.
The Rockpool Cafe: Open seasonally (warmer months) in Stokes Bay, this cafe is licensed and is a great reward for visitors after exploring the area, perfect for a casual drink.
The Fig Tree: Located at Snellings Beach, this unique location (often used for pop-up dining events by Gastronomo) is an atmospheric spot where an evening drink under the colossal fig tree can be a magical experience.
Parndana Hotel: A traditional hotel in the central town of Parndana, offering a local pub experience with bar service, popular with locals and travelers passing through the heart of the island.
KI Ciders Cellar Door (at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery): Located near Cygnet River, this unique attraction features a cellar door for locally crafted ciders, offering a different local beverage experience.
Glossy Black: A modern Australian restaurant in American River that also features a bar. A quality dining spot that offers a comfortable place for pre or post-dinner drinks.