How to Spend 3 Days on Kangaroo Island

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.