Kangaroo Island Travelers Recommend

Just off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island makes a popular choice for a day trip from Adelaide, and one day is just enough time to take in the highlights. Marvel at the natural wonders of Flinders Chase National Park, discover the island’s abundant wildlife, and take a thrilling night safari. Here’s how to spend 24 hours on Kangaroo Island.

Morning: Ocean Views and Wildlife Watching

Getting around Kangaroo Island without your own transport isn’t really feasible, but joining a tour will save you the hassle of renting a car and ensure you don’t waste any time. Most tours set out from Kingscote or Penneshaw and head west to Flinders Chase National Park, driving along the island’s scenic south coast.

Along the way, stop at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and take a guided Koala Walk—the bushland track is a great place to spot wild koalas and kangaroos in their natural environment. Nearby, Seal Bay is another wildlife hot spot, home to a colony of rare Australian fur seals, while Vivonne Bay is an idyllic spot for a seaside lunch or a quick swim in the ocean. 

Afternoon: Natural Wonders of Flinders Chase National Park

Stretching across the western tip of the island, Flinders Chase National Park offers photo-worthy views at all angles, from sweeping coastal cliffs and historic lighthouses to wild beaches and bushland trails. To best explore the park, opt for a 4WD tour and venture off-road to enjoy scenic hikes and possible sightings of wallabies, endemic birds, and echidnas.

Most tours of the national park include photo stops at natural landmarks such as the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral Arch; a visit to the Flinders Chase Visitors Centre; and the coastal walk to Cape Borda Lighthouse, which makes a memorable spot to watch the sunset. 

Night: Set Out on Safari

Tucking into fresh-from-the-ocean seafood is a quintessential island experience, so book a table at one of the seafront restaurants in Kingscote or Penneshaw—local specialties include oysters and  King George whiting. If you’re spending the night on the island, one of the best times for wildlife watching is after dark. Exploring with a guide on a night safari will maximize your chances of spotting elusive creatures such as tammar wallabies, brush-tailed possums, and boobook owls. The island’s namesake kangaroos are also most active in the evening hours, so if you haven’t already spotted them, now’s your chance! 

Whether you’re planning an action-packed weekend or taking a relaxing overnight trip from Adelaide, two days is just enough time to enjoy Kangaroo Island. Explore Flinders Chase National Park, take a wildlife safari, and visit some of South Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Here’s how to get the most out of two days on Kangaroo Island.

Day 1: Wildlife and Wilderness

**Morning:**Flinders Chase National Park is the star attraction of Kangaroo Island, and a 4WD tour is the best way to explore. Stop along the way to marvel at natural wonders such as the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral Arch, admire the views from the Cape Borda Lighthouse, and look out for wild kangaroos in Kelly Hill Conservation Park.

**Afternoon:**Continue along the island’s scenic south coast to Seal Bay, home to a colony of rare Australian fur seals. Nearby, Vivonne Bay is home to some of the island’s most pristine beaches, where you can cool off with a swim before grabbing a drink at one of the beachfront bars. 

**Night:**The island’s wildlife is most active at night, so head out after dark to spot possums, tammar wallabies, boobook owls, and, of course, kangaroos. Venture off-road with a guide on a night safari to maximize your chances of wildlife sightings, or book a night tour at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Day 2: Fun Activities and Foodie Delights

**Morning:**Kick off the day with a fun outdoor activity and get your adrenaline pumping. There are a variety of options to choose from—zip around the island on a quad bike, paddle along the Harriet River on a kayaking excursion, or head to the Little Sahara dunes, where you can try sandboarding or tobogganing.

**Afternoon:**Discover the island’s homegrown delicacies on a foodie tour. Perhaps stop by the Dudley Cellar Door for a wine tasting of local varietals, visit the American River's Oyster Farm Shop to sample fresh-from-the-ocean oysters, or pick up some edible souvenirs from Clifford's Honey Farm. End the day with dinner at Sunset Food and Wine, where tables look out over the seafront. 

**Night:**Penneshaw is one of the few places in the world where you can spot little penguins in their natural environment. Each night at sunset, the penguins waddle back to their burrows on the beach after a day at sea. For the best views, head to the Penneshaw Penguin Centre, where there’s a dedicated viewing platform, or opt for a guided evening walk to learn more about the world’s smallest penguin species. 

Three days on Kangaroo Island gives you plenty of time for wildlife watching in Flinders Chase National Park, discovering the island’s beaches, and taking part in outdoor activities from hiking to sandboarding. Here’s how to spend three days on Kangaroo Island. 

Day 1: Ocean Views and Kangaroos

Stretching along the western coast, Flinders Chase National Park is the island’s highlight, full of wildlife-watching opportunities. Take a 4WD tour—your guide will know all the most impressive vista points and wildlife hot spots. Must-see landmarks within the park include the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral Arch, while the coastal walk to the historic Cape Borda Lighthouse affords incredible ocean views. On the south coast, Kelly Hill Conservation Park is a safe bet for spotting the island’s namesake kangaroos, while nearby Seal Bay is known for its colony of Australian fur seals. Save some energy for the evening—the island’s wildlife is most active after dark, and a night safari offers opportunities to spot little penguins, possums, tammar wallabies, and boobook owls.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

The beaches and bushlands of Kangaroo Island afford ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Hike along part of the 38-mile (61-kilometer) Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail; take a guided Koala Walk at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary; or explore the Kelly Hill Caves. Other options include an adrenaline-fueled ATV excursion around the island, kayaking along the Harriet River, or sandboarding and tobogganing at the Little Sahara dunes. After an action-packed morning, spend the afternoon relaxing on the island’s beautiful beaches. The sandy shores of Vivonne Bay are the most popular spot along the south coast, while in the north, you can swim in the tranquil waters of Emu Bay or explore the white-sand beaches and sea caves along Stokes Bay. Nearby, Snellings Beach is a great spot for surfing and fishing and renowned for its magnificent sunsets.

Day 3: Sightseeing, Shopping, and Food Tasting

Spend your final day hopping between the island’s atmospheric coastal towns. Gain insight into the history and heritage of Kangaroo Island with a visit to the Gateway Information Centre and the Maritime and Folk Museum in the port town of Penneshaw; then head to the island capital of Kingscote to browse the shops, visit the Emu Bay Lavender Farm, and take a stroll along Kingscote Wharf. After working up an appetite sightseeing, join a foodie tour to discover the island’s many artisan producers. Tuck into fresh-from-the-ocean oysters at the American River's Oyster Farm Shop, sample local wines at the Dudley Wine Cellar Door, or pick up some unique souvenirs at Clifford's Honey Farm. For something a little stronger, there’s also the Kangaroo Island Brewery and Kangaroo Island Spirits. Have your last dinner on the island at Sunset Food and Wine, where tables look out over the seafront.

One of the most diverse communities of native wildlife in Australia, Kangaroo Island is a must-see destination for nature lovers. Don't miss the following spots for your best chances at spotting native Australian species and more.

Flinders Chase National Park

Covering most of the western side of the island, Flinders Chase offers a number of bush walks likely to yield sightings of Kangaroo Island birdlife. Keep an eye out for wallabies, echidnas, and the elusive platypus. As an added bonus, dolphins and whales can be spotted from the ocean-facing lookouts within the park.

Admirals Arch

This stunning rock formation inside Flinders Chase features a colony of New Zealand fur seals that hangs out on the rocks around the base of the massive arch.

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Head to Hanson Bay on the south coast to set out on a koala walk. The sanctuary also offers a guided nocturnal walk during which you might see opossums and bats.

Seal Bay Conservation Park

A short way down the coast from Hanson Bay is the Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to Australian fur seals. You can even walk out onto the beach among them on a guided tour.

Clifford's Honey Farm

Clifford's Honey Farm, set near the island's main township of Kingscote, has a working hive of the rare Ligurian bee on display. At dusk, head nearby to see the resident little penguin colony return to shore.