Things to do in Kangaroo Island

Best time to visit:

Though this tropical island is an ideal vacation destination to hop in throughout the year, Kangaroo island’s unspoiled luscious landscapes and abundant wildlife beauty can be enjoyed most during the spring season between September and November. The island with long sunny days showcases wader (long-legged) birds from Siberia and kangaroos in their mother’s pouch, sea lions, fairy penguins and native birds during the spring season. The nights get a little colder than the days.

Visiting the island in the summers (December till February) may not be a very good idea; chances are that you might miss out on wildlife as they retreat in order to shelter themselves from day’s heat.

If you want to avoid the crowd, June, July and August are excellent and peaceful months to visit Kangaroo Island. Some places are closed in these winter months therefore prior bookings in hotels is recommended else finding an accommodation can be daunting.

Although the island boasts of stunning beaches with clear blue waters, the open ocean is not safe for scuba diving and swimming alone as shark attacks are a threat to Australian coastline.

Activities

Beaches: Head to Emu Bay for a dip in the blue ocean or a lazy day on beach. In the evening there is a Penguin feeding when these gentle creatures waddle up for their share of the pie! Scuba diving/ Surfing - Divers can delve into the spectacular underwater realm and view some amazing marine life. Thanks to lots of shipwrecks off the Coast of Kangaroo Island, scuba diving can be a very interesting experience. The waters are clear and you can also dive with fur seals and bump into 30 cm long sea dragons. Even beginners can take part in this activity. Penington Bay is great surfing area with great breaks as is Vivonne and Stokes Bay – so check them out! For other activities you can check for tours of Seal Bay, Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park, Cape Borda and Cape Willoughby. You could do a coach tour or by a 4 Wheel Drive and carry on the short cruises, walking tours, farm trips etc. Sightseeing Kingscote is the largest town on the island and was settled in 1836. There is great swimming in the tidal pool in the town, but for a really good swim, head out to Emu Bay. Pelican feeding time is every evening at 4 pm and you can discover penguins on a Discovering Penguins Walk. Don’t miss out on the islands sheep dairy and cheese factory to shamelessly dig into the goodies. The last Eucalyptus Distillery left on the island is also worth a look. The Flinders Chase National Park is by far the best park on the island. You’ll find loads of wildlife and lovely tall forests. There are nice walking trails, a cemetery and even a lighthouse built in 1858 that has some interesting stories to tell. If you''re into diving, then diving tours are available along with abseiling, canoeing, rock climbing and scuba diving even for beginners. Prospect Hill and Reeves Point are excellent look out spots. Climb all the way to the top and take in the glorious views Shopping The best thing that one can shop for is wines, cheeses and art! You can buy your supplies from the local markets and if you plan to visit remote areas then stock up before you leave. Shops outside the main towns are few and more expensive.

 Events and festivals

Kangaroo Island Gourmet Gallop is a veritable feast of great food, wine and world class cheese. Be sure not to miss this one – takes place generally in February.

The KMB Penneshaw Easter Art Exhibition takes place in April and is a showcase for artists who proudly display their art work. Again, a not to be missed event!

The Kangaroo Island art Festival is another well attended event that takes place on October. This festival is held in celebration of art, food and wine and the best of art works and creativity are brought to the fore – great enthusiasm is generated at this festival.

THINGS TO DO ON KANGAROO ISLAND

• Visit National Park and Wildlife sites
• Other places to visit
• Something else

Visit National Parks and Wildlife sites

Kangaroo Island has a number of sites where Guided Tours are conducted by National Parks and Wildlife SA. If you have the time to see them all or intend to come back to the Island within the year, we recommend that you get yourself an Islands Parks Pass. It is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase (but is not transferable) and gives you unlimited access to:

• Seal Bay Guided Beach Tour, Boardwalk and Lookout entry (appr. 45 minutes)
• Kelly Hill Show Cave Tour (appr. 40 minutes)
• Cape Borda Lightstation Tour (appr. 45 minutes)
• Cape Willoughby Lightstation tour (appr. 45 minutes) and the
• Flinders Chase National Park, where you can stay as long as you like, until sunset.

The cost of the Island Parks Pass is $121 for a family, $45 for an adult, $ 35.50 for Concession holders and $27 for a child. If you are unable to visit all the sites, it is better to make separate bookings for the various tours. For your convenience we have listed below the ENTRY FEES for the various tours. Just click on the links above to see the relevant information.

Definitions

• Family: 2 adults and their children
• Adult: person 15 years and over
• Child: person aged 3-14 years of age inclusive
• Under 3 years of age - no charge
• Concession - a person who holds a current
• Commonwealth Pensioner Concession card or Seniors Card
• Health Care card
• South Australian Concession card or Seniors card
• Student card (secondary or tertiary

SEAL BAY BEACH (Phone)

Contrary to what many people think, Kangaroo Island's famous Seal Bay Beach is not really open to the public in the sense that you cannot just front up and walk down to the beach: the only way to enter the beach and meet the sea lions is to go there with a Ranger on a Guided Tour. Alternatively, if you just want to look at the sea lions, you can view them from the Lookout and the Boardwalk.

SEAL BAY ENTRY FEES	Adult	Concession	Child	Family
Beach Tour including Boardwalk and Lookout	$13.50	$10.75	$8.00	$36.50

KELLY HILL CAVES (Phone)

The Island Park Pass includes a tour of the Show Cave, but if you are into speleology you can arrange to see other caves, provided you are with a group of 4 people over the age of 8 years and make a booking.

Kelly Hill Caves	Adult	Concession	Child	Family
Show Cave Tour	$11.50	$9.00	$7.00	$31.00

CAPE BORDA LIGHTSTATION (Phone)

The Island Park Pass includes a tour of Cape Borda Lightstation, on the western side of the island, where they fire the canon daily around 12.30pm.

Cape Borda	Adult	Concession	Child	Family
Lightstation Tour	$11.50	$9.00	$7.00	$31.00

CAPE WILLOUGHBY LIGHTSTATION (Phone)

The Island Park Pass includes a tour of Cape Willoughby Lightstation, on the eastern side of the island.

Cape Willoughby	Adult	Concession	Child	Family
Lightstation Tour	$11.50	$9.00	$7.00	$31.00

FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK (Phone)

The Flinders Chase Visitor Centre is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas Day.

Flinders Chase	Adult	Concession	Child	Family
Permit to enter Flinders Chase	$8.00	$6.50	$4.50	$20.00

Other places to visit

Little Sahara

The Little Sahara is an extensive area of fine, brilliant white drifting sand dunes swept up into razor-backed ridges by constant southerly winds. Steep gullies have been formed between the dunes and visitors derive great joy, after a strenuous climb up, in rolling down into the gullies. The dunes are surrounded by native vegetation, but there is very little growth on the dunes themselves.

Vivonne Bay

Vivonne Bay is the only bay on the South Coast to provide shelter for fishing vessels for the 145 kms of this coastline. It is home to most of the island's lobster fleet which unload their catch on the jetty for transport to the airport for mainland and overseas export purposes. A small township exists with a population of approximately 50 people. At nearby Point Ellen is a small guiding lighthouse, home to many fairy penguins and bizarre rock formations.

Hanson Bay Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home to a large number of koalas. As you stroll down the Manna Gum lined track, you are given a rare opportunity to view these beautiful animals in their natural habitat at relatively close range.

Rocky River

This small cleared area in the heart of a Sugar Gum forest has become well known for the large number of kangaroos, wallabies and Cape Barren geese that graze there. This is the site where a sole farmhouse existed from 1862 for approximately 67 years. The cleared area is where the farm was cropped and grazing was established. It has been a National Park since 1919 and this area is the Park Headquarters.

Remarkable Rocks

Nature has carved the well-named Remarkable Rocks. On top of a huge dome-shaped granite mound are many weirdly shaped granite boulders. Their cavernous shell like appearance is a result of rock being dissolved. Water collecting in cracks and on surfaces, is protected from sunlight and wind, and gradually weathers the rocks. The microscopic roots of the orange coloured lichen further contribute to this weathering. This is an Australian geographical oddity, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Cape Du Couedic - Admiral's Arch and Lighthouse

Cape du Couedic is the southwest extremity of Kangaroo Island. It was named by French explorer, Captain Nicolas Baudin in 1803. Offshore lies the Casuarina Islets, known to locals as The Brothers.

Seen from the Cape, Admiral's Arch is a spectacular limestone cave framing spray-drenched rock slabs and sea. New Zealand fur seals can been seen basking on the rock slabs below the Arch and as they pit their skills against the rough ocean waters.

The Cape's Lighthouse was completed in 1909 and stands over 300 feet above sea level. There are three houses just below the lighthouse, which have been restored, that were originally built for lightkeepers who watched over the area.

Weir's Cove

Following three major shipwrecks in the area at the turn of the century, the lighthouse was built. With no established roads, all building materials were required to be brought by sea being landed at Weir's Cove via a flying fox. This landing was critical for the ongoing supplies of food, clothing etc. arriving at 3-monthly intervals for lightkeepers and their families. The ruins of the storeroom atop Weir's Cove still exist.

Parndana Wildlife Park

The award-winning Parndana Wildlife Park offers visitors an opportunity to view closely many of the Island's native animal and bird inhabitants. Handfeeding of kangaroos, patting a koala and a walk through the aviary are part of a really enjoyable 'animal hour'.

Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum

The Musuem was opened on 21 October 2001 to coincide with the year celebrating the Centenary of Federation. A walk through this Museum gives passers-by an extraordinary glimpse of people's lives who came to the Island with virtually nothing and made farms, built schools, halls, sporting grounds and churches - they are the Island's 'modern' pioneers as they created history to triumph over great hardship. A very humbling experience.

Western River Cove

As you travel along the Yacca lined track into Western River Cove, you will see some of the most delightful scenery on the Island. A little footbridge across the river allows visitors to walk down to the sandy cove, unspoilt beach and rockpools. The hillsides are covered with sheoaks whilst picturesque rock formations and cliffs slope outwards to the sea.

Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill overlooks some of the Island's most tranquil beauty as you look out over the North coastline. The scene features a meandering river and gently contoured hills approaching the mouth of the Middle River and the white sands of Snellings Beach.

Snellings Beach

At the mouth of the Middle River, Snellings Beach is excellent for swimming, surf fishing, a picnic lunch, stroll or rock fishing. The beautiful white sandy beach is quiet and peaceful.

Stokes Bay

An unusual walk of discovery through a cliff of great limestone boulders brings you to a fine white sandy beach, protected on all landward sides by cliffs. The natural rock pool at Stokes Bay is an ideal safe swimming and paddling area for children. The beach is a perfect spot for picnics and fishing.

Paul's Place

Paul's Place is a unique menagerie of Australian native wildlife and farm life. The tour allows visitors to enjoy hand-feeding many native and farm animals. Visitors can also nurse young kangaroos, possums and koalas and gain a close view of a variety of animal and bird life. Miniature horse rides and sheep shearing display are a must for children.

Historic Wisanger School

Take a journey into yesteryear as you enter the historic Wisanger School. Built in 1884, the school continued to be used for teaching until 1945. It was lovingly restored and reopened in 1983, using local stone and funding. Much of the school's history is set out in organised displays.

Emu Bay

Emu Bay is ideal for surf fishing, swimming and camping. Once proposed as the site for the Island's main township, Emu Bay is now predominantly a holiday village although there is a small resident population. There is a beautiful long white sandy beach with a playground and picnic facilities on the foreshore. There is also a boat ramp.

Emu Bay Lavender Farm

On your way to or from Emu Bay, call in at the Emu Bay Lavender Farm and taste/sample their products (the Lavender-and-Strawberry ice-creams are great!). Wander amongst the flowering lavender bushes in summer or browse through their shop - they have lavender gifts, crafts and products for sale. As well as lavender, the farm also produces strawberies. There are BBQ facilites, a sheltered eating area and toilet facilities. This attraction was opened in September 2005.

Island Beehive

Visitors to this interpretative centre and cafe on the outskirts of Kingscote can view the production facility, sample the award-winning honey, learn about our gentle hard-working Ligurian bee, the environment, organic honey production, pollination and quarantine. When you have completed the tour, you can sit down and enjoy real coffee or tea, with scones, honey and cream.

Clifford's Honey Farm

Kangaroo Island is the home to the world's only pure strain of Ligurian bee. As Kangaroo Island is a bee sanctuary it is illegal to bring any honey products on to the Island in order to prevent diseases entering this bee sanctuary. At Clifford's Honey Farm, opened in 1993, visitors can see the bees at work in a glass hive as well as receive information on bee handling and extraction, and taste a variety of honey produced.

Eucalyptus Oil Distillery

The 'Emu Ridge' Eucalyptus Oil Distillery was first established by the pharmaceutical's manufacturer F.H. Faulding in 1923 along with many other Kangaroo Island distilleries during the 1920's where there is a high concentration of the naturally occurring oil producing tree 'Eucalyptus cneorifolia'. The Still was revitalised in 1991 and with regular production each week, using century old methods, oil is distributed throughout Australia.

Island Pure Sheep Dairy

The dairy opened its doors to the public in September 1995 and offers visitors a first hand glimpse of the making of sheep dairy products from the milking to the tasting. Visitors are shown a video of the cheese and yoghurt making process and can view the milking through large viewing windows. The tour includes a tasting session where you can sample the five different types of cheeses made and two types of yoghurt. Bon appetit!

Duck Lagoon

The site of a once productive farm and eucalyptus oil disillery, it is now a public park which provides a beautiful setting to observe freshwater bird life including Mountain, Shell and Musk ducks, Ibis and Spoonbill. Wooden 'hides' allow close viewing of the birds without interruption and a number of large gum trees in and around the waters edge are host to both birds and the occasional koala.

Penneshaw

Situated on the picturesque Hog Bay, Penneshaw is a small coastal town with a population of around 350 people. The closest port to the mainland, 15 kms between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw, it is here that a French scientific expedition landed in 1803 and left an indelible reminder at Frenchman's Rock of their visit. This port is now the Island's sole connection to the mainland for vehicular traffic via ferry.

KI Gateway Information Centre

Opened in 1996, the Centre is run by Tourism Kangaroo Island. It is located at Penneshaw and has a range of souvenirs and interpretive displays of the Island; as well as holding tourist and accommodation information for local and intrastate operators. Visitors can admire the intricate history of the Island as it is presented on locally made terracotta tiles at the entrance of the Centre.

Frenchman's Rock

The Information Centre is home to the original Frenchman's Rock. In 1803 Captain Nicolas Baudin, a French explorer, anchored in Hog Bay and sent a party ashore to find fresh meat and water. While waiting for the water casks to fill, one of the sailers carved on a nearby rock 'Expedition de decouverte par le commandant Baudin sur le Geograpghe 1803'. Translated it reads 'Expedition of discovery by Captain Baudin in Geographe 1803'. The rock was transferred from its original site at Hog Bay foreshore into the Centre for preservation purposes. A replica can still be seen on the Hog Bay foreshore.

Sunset Winery

The first winery to open its doors to the public, you can sip on delicious Island wines whilst looking out over the spectacular North Coast of Kangaroo Island. A place for adults to relax and enjoy the view. Tastings are served with a platter of Island cheeses and biscuits.

Chapman's River and Antechamber Bay

The Dudley Peninsula's most eastern river, spills out via Lashmar Lagoon on to Antechamber Bay. A walk across the wooden walkway over the river is often rewarded with schooling Bream and Mullet always keen to receive handfuls of supplied fish food.

Windmill Beach

Just one kilometre from the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse are the remains of an old stone tank and sheep trough just metres from the sea. You'll be amazed at the huge rounded lichen-covered granite boulders, and 'forty-five degree bushes' on the shores of the crashing Southern ocean.

American Beach

A popular destination as it has a safe swimming beach with beautiful white sands in a quiet and peaceful location. It also has a boat ramp for fishing and sailing enthusiasts.

Pennington Bay

Pennington Bay is one of the most beautiful bays on the Island. It forms part of Flinders Isthmus, only hundreds of metres wide which connects Dudley Peninsula to the main part of the Island. This bay is a regular surf-fishing spot and also a popular surfing destination.

Pelican Lagoon Foreshore

Travel along the Lagoon's edge observing bird life including pelicans, black swans, musk ducks, cormorants, superb blue wrens and sometimes even the elusive osprey. Visit historic sites at the salt loading jetty at Muston and the American boat building site.

American River

First discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802. The following year an American brig sailed in and during a four month stay the crew built the Independence using local timber. It is from this event that the town received its name. BBQ areas on the foreshore in and near the township are good spots for bird watching. During the evening wallabies and other nocturnal animals can be seen around the township. A feature of the town is the magnificent carpet of freesias which bloom at the end of August. They are followed by well-known wildflowers that adorn the Island's roadsides.

Prospect Hill

Named Prospect Hill by Captain Matthew Flinders, the hill provides an excellent view of Pelican Lagoon, American River, the Southern Ocean and Pennington Bay. There are 512 steps to the top of the viewing area, with very worthwhile rewards.

Jumbuck Australiana

At Jumbuck Australiana visitors watch sheep dogs working the flock, see sheep being shorn, learn about hand wool spinning and gain an understanding of the history of the local wool industry. The entire presentation is conducted by a local farmer and his sheep dogs.

A Maze "N' Fun

Australia's largest hedge maze - over 2 km of pathways, provides great outdoor activities for adults and children alike. Activities including train rides on the "Rainbow Special" through the trees and around the lake, a crazy gold course, catch and return fishing, playground and on-site barbecues, and of course, the maze.

Kangaroo Island Marine Centre

- Penguin Tours - Pelican Feeding (Kingscote based)
Discover some of the cool southern ocean's most interesting sea creatures including sea horses, sea anemones and wrasse. From here each evening you can join a guided tour of both the Fairy Penguin colony and our Salt Water Aquariums and understand more about the fascinating sea life of Kangaroo Island's rock pools, sea gardens, reefs and open seas. At 5.00 pm each day, you can watch the Pelican's and other sea birds being fed by the adjacent small jetty.

Hope Cottage Museum

This Museum, located in Kingscote, offers a fascinating insight into the Island's unique history and heritage. Being the first official South Australian settlement in 1836. As you enter the Museum you will see the impressive lighthouse which served Cape Willoughby from 1923, and when decommissioned, it was transferred to Kingscote by the National Trust. Other highlights of the Museum include - Hope Cottage built in 1859; a unique display from the Island's Masonic Lodge; the Laundry display; Farm Machinery; Black Smith Shop; Stationary Engines from 1898; and Tractors from 1920's etc.

Kangaroo Island Gallery

Be tempted by the Gallery's collection of locally produced jewellery, arts and crafts, paintings, pottery, woodcraft, hand painted silk and much more. Well worth a look and easy to find in Murray Street, Kingscote.

Kingscote Swimming Pool

A seawater tidal pool provides safe swimming for everyone. Located on the Esplanade in Kingscote, the grassy banks and shelters are ideal for a family picnic, and best of all, it's free!

Kingscote Play Ground

Watch your children play on the colourful foreshore Lions Play Ground surrounded by fresh air and sea views. Barbecue and toilet facilities are adjacent to the playground.

Pelican Feeding

My goodness, those Pelicans know when its feeding time... join them at the Kingscote wharf (small jetty) at 5.00pm each day, when Pelicans fly in from everywhere, along with a number of other seabirds for their daily feed of fish. Our local "Pelican Man" provides a very informative talk while he feeds the Pelicans.

Marine Nature Adventure

The Island's first Marine Tour operator can now provide our guests with an exciting new experience viewing marine life including swimming with our local dolphins and cruising around our beautiful North coastline to see magnificent cliffs and secluded beaches, and a variety of bird life etc. An unforgettable experience by those who want to relax on the sea. For those wanting a bit of an adrenalin rush try their Ocean Extreme Ride for some high speed action.

Kangaroo Island Marine Centre

Located in the Kingscote Jetty area, the Marine Centre allows visitors to see some of the southern ocean's most interesting sea creatures including sea horses, sea anemones and wrasse. In the evening, visitors can join guided tours to the Fairy Penguin colony and find out more about the Island's fascinating marine life.

Bay of Shoals Wines

Navigate your way to their vineyard which overlooks the Bay of Shoals and Reeves Point just north of Kingscote. Here you can taste their range of local wines. A relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Andermel Marron and Two Wheeler Creek Wines

Located centrally between the South Coast road and Playford highway, this complex offers visitors a unique combination of marron and wine in very pleasant rural surroundings. Their newly opened Marron Cafe provides visitors with a rare opportunity to have a meal of locally grown marron and enjoy a sip of their best wine in the process. How good can life get!

Something else

Some of the attractions on Kangaroo Island have seasonal opening times which should be checked prior to visitation. There are a number of other options for visitors which may require advance bookings. On this page we have listed the things most people are interested in when they come to Kangaroo Island. But there's quite a bit more and if you have a special interest, eg diving, bird watching, fishing, chartering a boat, whatever, let us know and we are sure to have some suggestions for you.