Kangaroo Island Travel Guide
25 Best Things To Do on Kangaroo Island
Whether you're arriving by ferry, cruise ship or flying in from Adelaide - here's everything worth doing on the island, and we can take you to all of it.
A World Untouched,
Waiting to be Explored
Kangaroo Island packs more into a relatively small area than almost anywhere else in Australia. World-class wildlife encounters, award-winning food and wine, dramatic coastal scenery, hidden beaches and fascinating history - it takes more than one visit to do it justice. To help you plan the perfect day tour, half-day excursion, or longer stay, here are the 25 best things to do on Kangaroo Island. We can take you to any of them.
25 Things To Do
Plan Your Perfect Kangaroo Island Experience
SCENERY
Dudley Peninsula
The gateway to Kangaroo Island. Visit Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, kayak the Chapman River, taste wines at Dudley and False Cape wineries, and stock up in the charming township of Penneshaw.
WILDLIFE
Little Penguins
Penneshaw is home to one of Australia's most accessible little penguin colonies. Join a guided night tour to watch the world's smallest penguins emerge from their burrows and head to the sea.
SCENERY
Chapman River
A peaceful river traversing the Dudley Peninsula to the pristine white sands of Antechamber Bay. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching and a picnic lunch.
FOOD & WINE
Oyster Farm
The only oyster farm on Kangaroo Island. Taste freshly shucked oysters and farmed abalini straight from the island's pristine waters.
SCENERY
Cape Gantheaume
A wild and rugged south coast headland. Home to Murray Lagoon — a large bird-filled lagoon with bush walks and a campground — and D'Estrees Bay, a beautiful white sand beach popular for fishing and surfing.
FOOD & WINE
Clifford's Honey Farm
A family-run honey farm established in 1973. Tour the farm, taste wildflower, citrus and creamed honey, and treat yourself to a honey ice cream. The farm shop also sells honey beauty products and local art.
FOOD & WINE
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus
A family-owned distillery producing 100% pure Australian eucalyptus oil from native KI mallee trees since 1991. Tours, tastings, and a range of natural soaps, lotions and candles. Set in a beautiful bush setting.
WILDLIFE
Seal Bay
Home to Australia's third-largest Australian sea lion colony. Walk the 800m boardwalk and watch sea lions sunbathe, play and nurse their pups just metres away. Most active in the mornings and late afternoons.
WILDLIFE
Raptor Domain
A wildlife sanctuary near Seal Bay with free-flight bird shows, reptile presentations and the chance to hold a wedge-tailed eagle — one of Australia's largest birds of prey. Educational and genuinely thrilling.
ADVENTURE
Little Sahara
A system of brilliant white sand dunes covering over 2 square kilometres near Vivonne Bay. Sandboarding, tobogganing, mountain biking and quad bike tours through the dunes. A surprise for most visitors.
SCENERY
Vivonne Bay
A long, white sand beach on the south coast with swimming, surfing, fishing, whale watching in winter and kayaking on the Harriet River. Don't miss the famous whiting burger at the Vivonne Bay General Store.
SCENERY
Kelly Hill Caves
A system of limestone caves in Kelly Hill Conservation Park, with stalactites, stalagmites and cave pearls formed over millions of years. Largely rebuilt after the 2020 bushfires. Check website for current opening times.
SCENERY
Admirals Arch
A dramatic natural rock arch in Flinders Chase National Park, home to a colony of long-nosed fur seals. Take the boardwalk down to the viewing platform or use the wheelchair accessible lookouts above. Spectacular at sunset.
SCENERY
Remarkable Rocks
Kangaroo Island's most iconic sight — a cluster of ancient granite boulders sculpted by wind and rain over millions of years. The colours at sunrise and sunset are extraordinary. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and white-bellied sea-eagles.
HISTORY
Cape Borda Lighthouse
One of the most remote locations on the island, Cape Borda's short, square lighthouse has stood since 1858. Self-guided tours around the lighthouse and historic buildings, plus a walking trail to Harvey's Return and the lightkeepers' cemetery. Magnificent cliff views.
FOOD & WINE
The Enchanted Fig Tree
A uniquely magical dining experience set inside a 120-year-old fig tree at Snelling Beach. The Gastronomo tasting menu is an eight-course journey cooked over open flame in a candlelit historic hut. Summer months only — check website for bookings.
SCENERY
Stokes Bay
A secluded north coast beach voted Australia's best beach in 2022. The "hidden beach" is accessed through a cave in the rocks — one of KI's most memorable moments. Swimming, snorkelling, fishing, the Rockpool Cafe and a campground.
WILDLIFE
KI Wildlife Park
Home to around 100 species and over 500 animals. Feed and interact with kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, reptiles and dingoes. Self-guided tours, a cafe and picnic areas. Great for families.
HISTORY
Parndana
The heartland of Kangaroo Island, settled in 1948 by returned soldiers and their families. The Soldier Settler Museum tells this important chapter of the island's history alongside historic farm machinery. A great lunch stop too.
SCENERY
Emu Bay
A beautiful north coast bay with a long white sandy beach, a fishing jetty and a dolphin-watching tour operator nearby. Swimming, sunbathing, boating and fishing — and the lavender farm is just minutes away.
FOOD & WINE
Emu Bay Lavender Farm
A 51-acre working lavender farm in Wisanger. Visit during the summer harvest, browse the gift shop, and enjoy lavender-infused food at the cafe. A genuinely beautiful and fragrant stop.
SCENERY
Bay of Shoals
The bay that fronts Kingscote, KI's main town. Walking trails along the waterfront, birdwatching at Reeves Point, fishing from the jetty, and the Bay of Shoals Winery overlooking the water.
FOOD & WINE
Kangaroo Island Spirits
South Australia's first boutique distillery, established in 2006. Award-winning botanical gins, locally inspired vodkas and liqueurs, a beautiful garden cellar door, and experiences including gin blending and cocktail masterclasses.
WILDLIFE
Nocturnal Tours
After dark, KI comes alive. Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, possums and — if you're lucky — little penguins. Our nocturnal tours run in climate-controlled minibuses with torches provided. One of the most memorable things you can do on the island.
TOWN
Kingscote
Kangaroo Island's main township and a great base for exploring the island. Restaurants, cafes, shops, the Kingscote jetty, waterfront walks and the Bay of Shoals winery on the edge of town. The perfect place to start or end your day.
We Can Take You to Any of These
Planning Your Kangaroo Island Itinerary
If you're visiting for the first time, deciding what to include can be difficult because many of the island's attractions are spread across different regions. Wildlife experiences like Seal Bay and Raptor Domain are best combined with the south coast, while Emu Bay, Stokes Bay and local wineries are ideal for exploring the north.
Whether you're arriving by ferry, cruise ship or plane, planning your route in advance will help you make the most of your time. If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, our guided tours visit many of Kangaroo Island's most popular attractions in a single day.
Whether you want to tick off a few highlights or build a full custom day around your list - get in touch and we'll sort the transport and the itinerary.
FAQs
What are the best things to do on Kangaroo Island?
Some of the most popular attractions include Remarkable Rocks, Seal Bay Conservation Park, Admirals Arch, Stokes Bay, Raptor Domain and Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. If you're short on time, a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to see several highlights in a single day.
How many days do you need on Kangaroo Island?
You can see many of Kangaroo Island's highlights in a full day, but most visitors spend two to three days exploring the island's wildlife, beaches, food and wine experiences. If you're planning your visit, read our guide on how to get around Kangaroo Island.
What is Kangaroo Island most famous for?
Kangaroo Island is famous for its wildlife, including Australian sea lions, kangaroos and koalas, as well as natural landmarks like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. The island is also known for its wineries, fresh seafood, Ligurian honey and beautiful beaches.
Can you visit Kangaroo Island without a car?
Yes. Many visitors explore Kangaroo Island without hiring a car by joining guided tours or arranging private transfers from the ferry terminal or airport. If you're planning your trip, see our guide on getting to Kangaroo Island.
Quick Links
Explore
Connect
© 2026 Kangaroo Island Tours & Bus Charters