Don’t be fooled by its name—the springy creature isn’t the only thing you’ll see on Kangaroo Island. It’s also home to various wildlife species as well as stunning natural bodies of water and land. Located 13 kilometres off the coast of South Australia, the island is only a 45 minute ferry ride away from Penneshaw.
Teeming with wildlife sanctuaries, artisanal food, and nature views, Kangaroo Island offers plenty of things to do for the day tourist. Hop on a ferry and go on an ocean safari or marvel at the amazing natural coastal rock formations. You can also go on one of the Kangaroo Island tours with expert guides to acquaint you further with the place. No matter what you choose, your camera will be filled with the most stunning photos!
There are lots of options to choose from, so we’re helping you out with this list of what to do on Kangaroo Island. Here are our top picks:
- Take a chill cruise ride from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island
- Discover the sea life of Kangaroo Island on an ocean safari
- Go on a Kangaroo Island Day Tour
- Explore the sites of Flinders Chase National Park
- Check out the Remarkable Rocks
- Admire the Admirals Arch
- Walk on the white sands of Vivonne Bay
- Discover the wildlife at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Go on a cave tour at Kelly Hill Conservation Park
- Visit the first lighthouse in Australia - Cape Willoughby Lighthouse
1. Take a chill cruise ride from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island
The vehicle ferry that will take you from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw. Image credits: @authentickangarooisland on Instagram
Riding a ferry from Cape Jervis to the island is a great way to start your Kangaroo Island experience. Take a chill 45-minute chill cruise ride from Cape Jervis while sipping some coffee, hanging out on deck, and updating your Instagram with the free WIFI. As you gaze out on the incredibly blue waters, you’ll feel like this ride is already part of your tour.
Pro tip: if you want to drive around the island, you can rent a car or bring your own by boarding it on the vehicle ferry. After the 45-minute cruise, you’re free to drive around and explore what Kangaroo Island has to offer.
2. Discover the sea life of Kangaroo Island on an ocean safari
View of the dolphins via the Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari Experience
Aside from its native creatures, Kangaroo Island’s coastline is also home to diverse marine wildlife. It’s teeming with numerous dolphins, whales, seals, and even eagles flying overhead.
Watch majestic sea creatures do their thing in their natural habitat, right in the comfort of a safe and secure boat with friendly and informed staff. You can even experience close encounters with cute and friendly seals! If you don’t know what to do on Kangaroo island yet, then going on an ocean safari is a great way to start.
Here’s a treat for the whole family: you can avail of a discount when you book for 2 adults and 3 children.
3. Go on a Kangaroo Island Day Tour
A tour group marvelling at the wildlife of Kangaroo Island
Marvel at the wildlife, go on a beach tour, gaze at the rock formations.
With this day tour, you’ll be able to do it all - all you need to sit back and relax! . It’s inclusive of round-trip coach transfers to and from Adelaide. Just follow the guide’s lead and take in all the sights.
Marvel at the sight of Admirals Arch and the Remarkable Rocks, which truly lives up to its name. You’ll also meet the most popular Australian native animals such as the wallabies, echidnas, and - you guessed it - the kangaroos.
4. Explore the sites of Flinders Chase National Park
Taking a walk at Cape du Couedic Road, Flinders Chase National Park. Image credits: @authentickangarooisland on Instagram
When you visit Flinders Chase National Park, you definitely won’t be at a loss for what to do on Kangaroo Island. The park itself is filled with several iconic landmarks such as the iconic Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and Weirs Cove.
The is a protected area in Kangaroo Island, however, it was affected by the 2019-2020 summer bush fires, and is now on the road to recovery and is open for the public to see. Simply giving Flinders Chase a visit could help out in the recovery efforts. You can visit the landmarks, drive along the re-opened roads, such as the Cape du Couedic Road, go camping at West Bay and Harvey’s Return,
You can also visit Flinders Chase as part of the Kangaroo Island Day Tour, which you can easily book on Klook.
5. Check out the Remarkable Rocks
The stunning Remarkable Rocks formation. Image credits: @authentickangarooisland on Instagram
Situated in Flinders Chase, this remarkable (see what we did there?) rock formation is proof that nature is an incredible artist. Formed with precariously balanced granite rocks and shaped by of 500 million years of erosion, you can’t miss the natural beauty of Remarkable Rocks when you visit Kangaroo Island.
There is a wooden boardwalk that leads to the Remarkable Rocks, which you can safely trek to see the rocks up close. For the best viewing experience, you can visit during sunrise or sunset to see how the rust-colored splatters are highlighted by the sun.
The rock formation is also part of the itinerary of the Kangaroo Island Day Tour, so you can check it out when you join.
6. Admire Admirals Arch
The admirable Admirals Arch ready for you to marvel at. Image credits: @authentickangarooisland on Instagram
Admirals Arch is another artwork displayed in the nature museum that is Flinders Chase National Park. It’s carved by centuries of natural forces such as sea sprays, winds, rain, and more, creating a distinct arch. You’ll often catch fur-seals playing among the rocks.
To get to the arch, you have to take a scenic walk from the Flinders Chase National Park Visitors Centre to the lush park that leads to the jagged coastline, then follow the boardwalk leading to the arch. There you'll have the best view of Admirals Arch, the stalactites that formed centuries ago, and the fur-seal colony below.
This is also part of the itinerary of the Kangaroo Island Day Tour, so make sure to check that out!
7. Walk on the white sands of Vivonne Bay
Bird’s eye view of the stunning Vivonne Bay. Image credits: @authentickangarooisland on Instagram
Don’t miss the chance to check out what once was voted Australia’s best beach: Vivonne Bay. Half an hour away from Flinders Chase, this beach is known for its unmatched cleanliness and serenity, making it an ideal spot for some rest and relaxation after going on a few adventures on the island.
One of the best things to do in Kangaroo Island is to feel the white sands sifting through your feet and marvel at the beauty of this picture-perfect beach.
8. Discover the wildlife at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Posing at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary sign. Image credits: @hansonbaywildlifesanctuary on Instagram
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a conservancy that aims to preserve the native Australian flora and fauna. Unfortunately, the sanctuary was also affected by the bushfires, taking the lives of many animals and leaving some injured. Luckily, they are on the road to recovery and would love it if you visited them.
There you’ll see Australian famous native animals such as koalas, kangaroos (no shock here!), tammar wallabies, possums. You’ll also meet the Rosenburg’s goanna, the only gonna or monitor lizard on the island, and the bush stone curlew, a large ground dwelling bird endemic to Australia.
9. Go on a cave tour at Kelly Hill Conservation Park
The stunning view of the caves in Kelly Hill Conservation Park. Image credits: @thebelletraveller on Instagram
Kelly Hill Conservation Park is home to magical underground caves with incredible rock formations. If you want a bit more thrill, you can even crawl through an underground maze! After your underground adventure, you can go on a picnic aboveground and enjoy the views.
10. Visit the first lighthouse in Australia - Cape Willoughby Lighthouse
Cape Willoughby Lighthouse nestled near the waters of Kangaroo Island. Image credits: @authentickangarooisland on Instagram
Did you know that the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is the first lighthouse ever built in Australia? Formerly known as the Sturt Light, this lighthouse is situated right at the edge of the water, creating a view that almost looks like a painting.
The lighthouse is part of Australia's rich maritime history, so you can go on a guided tour to learn more about the landmark’s history, from when it was built, the various changes it underwent, harsh and remote living conditions experienced by the early light keepers, and more.
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