Kangaroo Island

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Aerial view of Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island, showcasing magnificent rock formations and ocean scenery.
Simeon Pitukolo, Pexels

Kangaroo Island is a pristine natural sanctuary off South Australia, offering abundant native wildlife encounters, stunning coastal landscapes, and diverse outdoor activities. Visitors can experience a unique blend of adventure and relaxation amidst unspoiled beaches and remarkable geological formations.

While not a party destination, Kangaroo Island offers limited opportunities for social interaction, primarily at accommodations such as Kangaroo Island Central Backpackers in Kingscote, which provides common facilities for guests. Larger towns like Kingscote and Penneshaw serve as hubs where visitors arrive and can find dining options.

Top 5 Things to do in Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island offers a remarkable array of experiences, primarily centered around its pristine natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique geological formations, catering to visitors seeking wildlife encounters, outdoor adventure, and tranquil retreats.

1. Explore Flinders Chase National Park (Remarkable Rocks & Admirals Arch)

Visitors to Kangaroo Island will find Flinders Chase National Park an essential destination, showcasing the island's raw, natural beauty. Within the park, one can marvel at the Remarkable Rocks, a collection of granite formations sculpted over 500 million years by wind and sea, offering stunning photographic opportunities, particularly at sunrise or sunset. Further along the rugged coastline, Admirals Arch provides an impressive natural rock archway, serving as a natural nursery and haven for a colony of playful New Zealand fur seals, which can be observed from a boardwalk leading down to the arch. These sites offer a deep connection with the island's wild essence.

Cost: An entry fee applies to Flinders Chase National Park. A day pass for an adult is approximately AUD 14.40, a child (4-15 years) is AUD 8.30, a concession is AUD 11.40, and a family (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children) is AUD 38.00. A two-day pass is also available.

Transport: Flinders Chase National Park is located on the western end of Kangaroo Island, approximately 110 km west of Kingscote. There is no public transport to the park, so renting a car is essential for independent travel. Rental cars are available from around AUD 85-109 per day from Kingscote Airport or Penneshaw ferry terminal.

2. Encounter Sea Lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park

A visit to Seal Bay Conservation Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe Australian sea lions in their natural habitat. One can choose to take a guided beach tour to walk among these endangered animals, observing mothers resting, pups playing, and males interacting. Alternatively, a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk meanders through the dunes to viewing platforms, providing a self-guided experience. It is a profound experience to witness these marine mammals up close as they frolic and laze on the sand.

Cost: Accessing Seal Bay has different pricing options. A guided beach tour, which includes boardwalk access, costs approximately AUD 42.00 for an adult, AUD 23.70 for a child, AUD 33.50 for a concession, and AUD 110.00 for a family. For boardwalk access only (self-guided), the cost is approximately AUD 20.00 for an adult, AUD 12.00 for a child, AUD 16.00 for a concession, and AUD 54.50 for a family.

Transport: Seal Bay Conservation Park is situated on the south coast of Kangaroo Island, approximately a 45-minute drive from Kingscote. As there is no public transport or taxi service directly to the park, a rental car is necessary for transportation.

3. Visit Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

At the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, visitors can engage with a wide variety of native Australian animals in a fun and educational setting. It offers the chance to hand-feed friendly kangaroos and wallabies, and even cuddle koalas. Observing penguins, wombats, dingoes, reptiles, and echidnas provides an immersive wildlife experience. Daily talks and displays enhance the understanding of these unique creatures, making it an enjoyable outing for all ages.

Cost: Entry to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is approximately AUD 35.00 for an adult (17+), AUD 20.00 for a child (3-16 years), and AUD 30.00 for a concession (students/seniors). Family packages are also available.

Transport: The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is located at 3115 South Coast Road, near Seal Bay. Due to the limited public transport on the island, a rental car is required to reach the park.

4. Sandboarding at Little Sahara

For an adventurous experience, the spectacular sand dunes of Little Sahara offer thrilling sandboarding or tobogganing. This dynamic dune system covers over two square kilometers, with varying sizes and steepness to suit all levels of adventurers. Equipped with a board and Ligurian beeswax for maximum slide, one can glide down the dunes, creating unforgettable moments of fun and excitement. It's a unique opportunity to interact with Kangaroo Island's diverse natural landscape.

Cost: Hiring a sandboard or toboggan costs approximately AUD 37.00 for one hour, with the second hour often free. Helmets are recommended and can be hired for an additional AUD 10.00.

Transport: Little Sahara is located on South Coast Road in Vivonne Bay. Access is best by rental car, as public transport is not available for this attraction.

5. Relax at Stokes Bay

Stokes Bay, recognized as Australia's best beach in 2023, is a hidden gem that rewards those who seek it out. Accessing the beach involves navigating a fun, rocky maze of caves, which opens up to a stunning expanse of soft white sand and inviting blue waters. A large, sheltered rock pool provides a safe and calm area for swimming, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the pristine coastal environment. One might also spot kangaroos on the beach itself.

Cost: Access to Stokes Bay is free.

Transport: Stokes Bay is located on the north coast of Kangaroo Island. A rental car is necessary to reach this beach, as public transport options are not available.

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