Kangaroo Island | South Australia
I recently moved back to Adelaide, South Australia. Last year I spent 5 months in Adelaide and never had the chance to visit Kangaroo Island. This time around, Kangaroo Island was at the top of my to do list. After only a week of being back in Australia, I was anxious to go visit Kangaroo Island. It only took a day trip to realize how absolutely stunning KI is. The Island has gorgeous beaches, landscape that will blow your mind, hiking, incredible food, real dirt roads, sand dunes, wildlife and so much more! If you visit Australia, I would 100% put KI on your must visit list. Below is a compiled list of my adventures on KI + things I didn’T get a chance to get to but would have if I had more time. As always, if you have any question feel free to drop me a note.
XO, Ky
Places to See:
Sunrise at Prospect Hill
A quick drive from the Penneshaw Ferry Port, this is the perfect first stop once you are on the Island. There are quite a few steps to the top, however, it will only take you 10 minutes and the view is worth it.
Hidden behind a rock path, this beach is a hidden gem with beautiful landscapes.
Browns Beach
A gorgeous quick stop, this beach is right off the road and the calm waters are breathtaking. No need to make this stop long as there is so much to see on the Island.
This beach was voted one of Australia’s top beaches. Vivonne Bay is one long stretch of beautiful clean beach paired with crystal clear water.
** Things to note: the following places below are Currently Closed due to Bushfires, however stay up to date with closures here.
Things to Do:
Sand Dune Sledding / Sand Boarding @ Little Sahara
Grab a friend sled/sand board and head for the sand dunes! It’s not for the fearful but it’s the best way to get a workout in on a travel day. On a hot day, you’ll be lucky to make it an hour on the dunes with all the climbing you have to do. Don’t let that scare you though, because its 100% do able! I opted for the sand sled and after some coaxing I finally made it down!
Choose a self guided or guided tour to visit the seals of seal bay. The self guided tour leads you on a boardwalk down to see the seals from above where as, the guided tour allows you to go onto the beach to see the seals. We opted for the self guided tour.
Other things to do:
Where to eat:
Enjoy a delicious cold brew + corn fritters at Cactus Cafe in Kingscote. The coffee was so good and the food even better.
This gorgeous on the water restaurant has all your favorite seafood or for the more daring you can even try kangaroo!
Other places to eat:
Getting to/from KI:
If you prefer to fly, KI is a quick 40 minute flight from Adelaide, South Australia and 100% doable.
If you prefer not to fly, the SeaLink Ferry from Cape Jervis is your other option. You will need to book your ticket ahead of time, especially when booking during a holiday or busy season. You will have the option to bring your car on the ferry as well. I highly recommend bringing your car as getting around KI without a car is near impossible. There are specific
If you opt to fly to KI or simply don’t want to take your car over on the ferry, I highly recommend renting a car. Day tours are possible but if you really want to take advantage of all KI has to offer and see it on your own time, traveling via car is essential. Keep in mind that some of the roads can be really rocky aka not just your typical “dirt roads.”
Day Trip Itinerary:
I only had a day to explore Kangaroo Island, however, there is so much to see so this is just a guideline that can be stretched over a few days if you have more time.
4:00am: Leave Adelaide, South Australia for Cape Jervis Ferry Terminal
5:30am: Arrive at Cape Jervis Ferry Terminal
6:00am: take the first ferry available from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw Ferry Terminal
6:45am: arrive in Penneshaw; if you took your car on the ferry then you won’t need to rent one, however, if you need to rent one the car rental services are walkable.
7:20am - 7:45am: drive to Prospect Hill. Hike to the top of the stairs to catch an incredible sunrise
7:45am - 8:15am: drive to Kingscote, KI
8:15am - 9:15am: enjoy brekky at Cactus in Kingscote
9:15am - 10:30am: drive to Stokes Bay
10:30am - 11:00am: enjoy Stokes Bay
Pro tip: Check to make sure things are open before you try to visit. We tried to go to Cape Borda Lighthouse and google maps led us astray. Also Cape Borda ended up being closed anyways. Total fail. But it was an experience on the back roads. LOL We lost two hours here, however, there are plenty other beaches around to substitute getting lost during this time :)
1:00pm - 2:30pm: go sand sledding / sand boarding at the Little Sahara sand dunes
2:30pm - 3:30pm: check out and explore Vivonne Bay
3:30pm - 4:30pm: see the seals at Seal Bay Conservation Park
4:30pm - 5:30pm: drive back towards Penneshaw, stop at Browns beach on the way back
5:30pm - 6:30pm: enjoy exploring and dinner in Penneshaw
7:00pm: board the ferry
7:30pm: take the last Ferry out from Penneshaw back to Cape Jervis
8:15pm: arrive back at Cape Jervis Ferry Terminal
10:00pm: arrive back home in Adelaide, South Australia
