NewsBite

Things to do in Kangaroo Island

It’s the idyllic spot off the coast of South Australia famed for its rugged beauty and sapphire blue waters. And with borders closed, now is why you should visit.

Here’s the best way to see and experience the wonders of Kangaroo Island.
Here’s the best way to see and experience the wonders of Kangaroo Island.

These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more

It’s the idyllic spot off the coast of South Australia famed for its rugged beauty and sapphire blue waters.

Following the catastrophic fires that ripped through Kangaroo Island in the summer of 2020, the wilderness that covers the island is finally regenerating, with animals recovering and reproducing in abundance, new tourism experiences launching and even the national park is open again.

Here’s some of the best ways to enjoy Kangaroo Island. Picture: Gab Rivera/ Department of Environment and Water
Here’s some of the best ways to enjoy Kangaroo Island. Picture: Gab Rivera/ Department of Environment and Water

The island, which is most popular with international tourists and interstate travellers, has traditionally struggled to attract visitors from South Australia.

But with border closures and more Australians looking to holiday in their own backyard, the pandemic has helped more locals rediscover the unique island off the South Australian shore, and the next step is to let the rest of the country know that Kangaroo Island is thriving — and full of amazing things to see and do.

DISCOVER THE BEST TOURS TO DO IN KANGAROO ISLAND

Best Kangaroo Island one day tour

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Discovery from Adelaide

You won’t be competing with any crowds on this intimate small group adventure from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island.

The personalised 4WD tour of the island will guide you on an unforgettable nature experience and show you sights that regular coach tours do not visit.

Come face-to-face with some of the friendly locals. Picture: SATC
Come face-to-face with some of the friendly locals. Picture: SATC

This tour starts with a collection from your hotel in Adelaide, and take you on a journey down the Fleurieu Peninsula, to Cape Jervis for the ferry journey across to Kangaroo Island.

After 45 minutes on the ferry, where you will pass the Backstairs Passage and the white sands of Penneshaw, you will arrive at the ferry docks.

Once meeting with your guide, the day tour will go through several island habitats where you will see plenty of wildlife — so keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles and wildflowers.

Explore some of the best bits Kangaroo Island has to offer.
Explore some of the best bits Kangaroo Island has to offer.

During your visit to the Seal Bay Conservation Park, and a memorable walk along the beach, enjoy your adventure walking among the sea lions as they bask on the beach or among the sand dunes and watch them at play. Enjoy a delicious gourmet style picnic lunch with South Australian wine, followed by a trip inland where you might spot more kangaroos — and even a koala or two — so keep your eyes peeled!

Discover more

Best Bike Tour Kangaroo Island

Guided E-Bike Tour with Gin, Wine and Lunch

Enjoy the fresh air and all Kangaroo Island has to offer with this e-bike tour unlike any other. Pedal without really breaking a sweat (thanks to the high-spec Kalkhoff e-bike) as you explore Kangaroo Island’s stunning Cygnet Valley on a guided tour.

The group will meander across winding trails and past koala, kangaroo and wallaby habitats — so keep your eyes peeled for any cute locals.

Jump on a bike and explore some of the sites around Kangaroo Island.
Jump on a bike and explore some of the sites around Kangaroo Island.

Savour a divine seafood lunch in the bush and enjoy tasting at Islander Estate Vineyards and a gin tasting a Kangaroo Islands Spirits.

It’s truly the perfect experience for those who like a smidge of exercise — and a whole lot of fun.

Discover More

Best Kangaroo Island Quad Biking

All Terrain Quad Bike Adventure

This best-selling tour will leave even the biggest thrillseeker satisfied.

Feel the thrill of riding on board an all terrain quad bike on a two-hour adventure around Kangaroo Island. This amazing adventure means you don’t need a licence or experience to hit the trails and experience the excitement of all terrain driving, with kids as young as six able to take part.

No better way to see Kangaroo Island than on a quad bike.
No better way to see Kangaroo Island than on a quad bike.

Wearing safety goggles, gloves and full-face helmets following a safety briefing and a few laps around the practice track you’ll be off on the adventure of a lifetime. Swerving through native bush trails, open grasslands, sandy berms and rocky hills, this adventure is an exciting scenic journey, but also one where you will learn about the unique surrounds while you ride.

Discover More

Best Kangaroo Island Ocean Tour

Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari Experience

Pack your sea legs because this tour will have you on the water all day to explore all the best sealife Kangaroo Island has to offer.

The sea safari tour will have guests on board travelling along the stunning coastline of Kangaroo Island to witness beautiful wildlife including dolphins, seals & eagles at play.

Hop on a safe, secure, and comfortable boat and be accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable staff who know all there is about the region.

If you want to experience sealife in their natural habitat, this is how you do it.
If you want to experience sealife in their natural habitat, this is how you do it.

Guests will observe the islands playful and friendly dolphins, seals, and eagles as you cruise through the island’s pristine waters

There really is no better way to experience the aquatic life than on one of these boats — and it’ll be a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Discover More

Vanessa Brown
Vanessa BrownTravel editor

After graduating with a degree in Media and Broadcast, Vanessa landed a job with the Today Show working across the country and the world on entertainment, news and lifestyle stories before starting at news.com.au in 2016. In her current role as travel editor, Vanessa has travelled both domestically and abroad writing and filming content for the site, including yearly coverage of the Birdsville Races in outback Queensland and swimming with whale sharks off the coast of Cabos in Mexico.

Read related topics:Adelaide

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/checkout/life/travel/best-destination-guides/things-to-do-in-kangaroo-island/news-story/4450c02a3daa992a6e046f83344d09e1