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If you happen to’re a nature lover, then you definately’re going to fall in love with Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Chances are high 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, also called Karta Pintingga in aboriginal language, is encompassed with hovering cliffs and rugged coastlines, dense nationwide parks, towering sand dunes, and untouched seashores.
Many of the island is preserved and guarded, supplying you with an opportunity to glimpse nature at its best.
If you happen to’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 a whole lot of the principle sights. I’d have favored one additional 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’ll be able to 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 suggest 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.
Nonetheless, if you happen to 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 few 30-minute drive from Penneshaw. You will get direct flights from Adelaide to Kingscote with Qantas, and decide up a rent automobile from the airport.
If you happen to catch the ferry, we suggest you e-book your tickets prematurely to keep away from lacking out, because the ferry usually will get booked up. See timetables and costs for the Sealink ferry right here.
SeaLink even have coach transfers if you’re leaving from Adelaide, which we caught.
You may also rent automobiles from Penneshaw, the place the ferry arrives. They are going to be dearer than hiring from the mainland. When selecting a rental automobile, take into account that lots of the roads are unsealed so make sure you additionally test with the automobile rental firm as as to if you may drive on them or not.
I loved the commentary alongside the way in which and the attractive 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 trying out the surroundings and captured these dolphins enjoying out the entrance of the ferry.
There are not any public transport choices on the island. You’ll be able to both get round on a tour or with a rental automobile. You’ll be able to e-book your rental automobiles for Kangaroo Island right here.
Be sure you test with the automobile supplier if you’re renting from Adelaide as some automobile rent firms don’t insure you for the ferry experience over to Kangaroo Island.
Day 1: The Dudley Peninsula to Kingscote
If you happen to arrive in Penneshaw on the morning Sea Hyperlink ferry, escorted by the native dolphins, we suggest driving straight all the way down to benefit from the Dudley Peninsula.
The Dudley Peninsula is a good looking and numerous area on the japanese finish of Kangaroo Island and is the place you’ll 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 successful Shiraz with probably the most stunning winery views I’ve ever seen will presumably be the visible I now affiliate with the title Kangaroo Island.
What a first-day introduction! We might have lingered right here slightly longer than anticipated, however that’s what journey is for proper? Stopping the place the center feels referred to as to take action.
We walked out with a bottle of chardonnay and Shiraz, each excellent wines.
I practically misplaced each of them to the again of the airplane after we aborted touchdown coming again to Sydney. I used to be extra fearful 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 soppy 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 typically 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 every day excursions. You may also 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 aspect of Kangaroo Island may be fairly calm and flat, the surf right here at Pennington Bay is top-notch! You’ll be able to see why surfers like it.
If browsing isn’t 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 attributable to our scheduling.
However, the purple, orange and yellow cliffs certain have been fairly within the golden hour mild.
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 engaging to observe. So, after all, we went to the pelican feeding that’s at Kingscote each afternoon at 5 pm.
The pelican feeder has an entertaining and informative discuss and has been doing it for years. He’ll ask you for a donation of $5 per grownup and $3 per little one 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 aspect 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 they’d killed him, however he was simply mendacity deathly nonetheless in order that they’d depart him be.
The place to Keep: American River Area
You’ll be able to 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 if you happen to’re after serenity. It’s not a river, however was named that method for the American sealers and camped alongside the slender inlet of water they mistook for a river.
It’s straightforward to see why they thought it was a river.
There’s not lots to do right here – a few waterfront walks and wonderful calm water for boating. Kangaroo Island Shellfish, the most important business oyster farm on Kangaroo Island, is situated right here and a preferred 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 favored the peacefulness of it.
If you happen to want to remain in Kingscote, we stayed on the Aurora Ozone Lodge in Kingscote. It’s a motel with an excellent place on the waterfront.
Day 2: Kingscote to Flinders Chase Nationwide Park
Kingscote is the capital of Kangaroo Island and the most important city on Kangaroo Island. Relaxation assured it’s not too large or busy.
Cease 1: Swim with the dolphins with Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures
Soar out of the automobile 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 an especially uncommon day when the dolphins didn’t present up.
Andrew can depend on one hand what number of instances this has occurred, and the excursions run nearly every day. It’s the wild, so that you’re working round their groove.
We did see dolphins – slightly out into the open waters of the bay after we first began the tour. A mom was educating 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 residence!!
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 may be fairly heat, and the dolphins like to play.
We beloved zipping across the bay, studying in regards to the marine life from Andrew and the beautiful 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 stated, “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 arduous white sand good for seashore driving! Strategy to change up the extent of your highway journey on Kangaroo Island.
It’s one among solely two seashores on the island you may drive on – the opposite is Snellings Seaside. It’s as arduous as a highway so no have to let stress out of your tyres. We had slightly cruise up and down.
Cease 3: Stokes Bay
- Distance: 39.7 km
- Drive time: 40 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1 hour
When you’ve got a complete day to spend on the seashore, and the climate is sweet, Stokes Bay can be the right place for households to hang around.
Your children will love the thrilling stroll to the seashore, by a slender walkway and cave from the automobile 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 slightly off the conventional 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 purple clay and fairly Outback trying showcasing the range of the island and why you need to spend a while driving round it.
The place to Keep: Hanson Bay
If you happen to 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 situated 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’ve got extra time, you possibly can go to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, however since there’s a lot wild wildlife, I really feel like this must be non-obligatory.
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 a whole lot of your time. It’s on the opposite aspect of Kangaroo Island, so it will likely be fairly a drive – with loads to see in between.
If you happen to 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 aspect so you may have two days to discover comfortably. There are numerous hikes to do on this area, and we have been disillusioned 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.
Primarily based on my analysis, these appeared like probably the most scenic and best to do with children given our brief time-frame to discover.
Cease 1: Cape du Couedic Lighthouse
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is situated within the coronary heart of Flinders Chase Nationwide Park, and stands 25 meters excessive.
It’s unique buildings are nonetheless in tact, and you’ll even keep at one of many three keeper’s cottages if you’d like a particular expertise.
The lighthouse is listed on the SA Heritage Register.
Cease 2: Admiral’s Arch
Carry 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 surprise 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 Outstanding Rocks.
It’s an enchanting perspective and lets you see simply why they’re fairly exceptional. It appears to be like 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: Outstanding Rocks
I used to be fearful these have been going to be only a bunch of rocks, and to be trustworthy, they’re. However, the granite boulders are fascinating 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 along with your kids. Across the entrance of the rocks are very harmful situations – excessive winds and slippery surfaced into the depths of the pounding ocean beneath.
Cease 5: Vivonne Bay
- Distance: 30.7 km
- Drive time: 19 minutes
- How lengthy to remain? 1 hour
Vivonne Bay is usually stated to be one of many greatest seashores in Australia. It’s spectacular, though I used to be anticipating slightly extra Wow. Notice, I don’t suppose we visited on one of the best climate or time of day, which everyone knows modifications issues.
Notice, I don’t suppose we visited on one of the best climate or time of day, which everyone knows modifications issues.
Probably the greatest vantage factors is from the westernmost level close to the jetty trying again on the seashore. When you’ve got time, there’s 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 one among our favorite actions on the island and an awesome alternative for a exercise. I by no means realised strolling up small sand dunes not less than 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 just a few extra tries and me much more. I feel I managed a few four-second arise.
It certain was a heap of enjoyable attempting. You’ll want to add it to your checklist of issues to do on Kangaroo Island.
It was fantastic to observe our cautious Savannah transfer from the sidelines to tandem with me on the toboggan to using together with her wilder sister after which braving all of it on her personal. She owned the dunes. I beloved her beaming face!
The one method we bought the women to go away 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 disappointment is that every 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. You may also get fairly up near them once you go to Seal Bay.
Australian sea lions’ numbers are very small in comparison with sea lions. It’s not identified why in the mean time, however scientists are researching to search out out.
Seal Bay has the third largest colony of Australian sea lions on the earth (learn extra details about Australia right here).
You’ll be able to get pleasure from watching the ocean lions of their pure habitat on the seashore from the boardwalk, which is right for these brief on time or funds.
Or, you may pay additional to hitch a guided tour and stroll down on the seashore with them. Notice, the tour guides do make sure 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 answerable 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 surroundings.
It was so cute to observe 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 needed 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 observe 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 offers you a self-contained villa with a sizzling tub, stunning backyard views, and BBQ amenities.
Every villa is nicely geared up with a kitchen and washer, in addition to free WiFi and free non-public parking, so you may make it your property away from residence for the night time.
Day 4: Seal Bay to Penneshaw
The final day of this itinerary you’ll be leaving Kangaroo Island in 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 residence.
So, we gained’t be visiting many stops in the present day as you have got a ferry or flight to catch!
Nonetheless, in your method again to Penneshaw or Kingscote, you should definitely cease by…
Cease 1: Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
On the very uncommon event once you don’t encounter wildlife on Kangaroo Island, there’s all the time Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, which I like to recommend as an non-obligatory 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 stand up near the animals if you happen to 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 some 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 strive 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 homeowners and is now referred to as Sundown Meals and Wine. The restaurant is supposed to be pretty.
Our buddy, Spencer Spellman, beneficial Kangaroo Island Spirits, South Australia’s solely boutique distillery. He says their gin is phenomenal 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 have got it, that is an motion packed 4 day itinerary of Kangaroo Island! As you may see, there’s lots to see and do right here, and a whole lot 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 children. You’ll want to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
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What are you most trying ahead to seeing on a Kangaroo Island highway journey? Tell us within the feedback!
