Rediscovering Kangaroo Island

By James Gratton
Published: Friday, August 28, 2020

After bushfires ravaged Kangaroo Island in December and January, there’s never been a better time to get behind its tight-knit community and explore its abundant beauty.

From the second you jump off the ferry in Penneshaw, you’ll be inundated with amazing landscapes and untouched wilderness.

From the crystal-clear waters of Vivonne Bay to the sprawling sand dunes of Little Sahara, there’s plenty on KI to make your holiday one to remember.

Here are our top tips for exploring KI and, in the process, supporting local businesses.

How to get there

Getting to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide is relatively simple, whether you’re taking your own car or picking up a hire car on arrival.

Kangaroo Island SeaLink operates a ferry service from mainland SA to KI that runs 7 days a week. The ferry leaves from Cape Jervis, which is a 90-minute drive from Adelaide and arrives in Penneshaw.

Members can save on passenger fares on the Sealink ferry when booking through RAA.

While the drive to Cape Jervis is fairly straight forward, thanks to the multi-lane Southern Expressway, you can break up your journey by stopping at Normanville.

Swing by One Little Sister, a cosy eatery just off the main street, where you’ll get your caffeine fix and some delicious homemade cakes.

Make sure you allow plenty of time to make it to Cape Jervis though, as you need to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot some dolphins or seals playing in the shallows, before you board your ferry.

Onboard the Sealink ferry. Image SATC.

Rest and relaxation

If you’re interested in recharging your batteries, Kangaroo Island is the place for you.

While there are plenty of options for adventure-seekers, KI has long been a favourite for travellers looking to relax.

Dudley Wines is the ideal place to taste some of the island’s excellent produce while taking in the panoramic views.

You can also stop by Kangaroo Island Spirits, just outside Kingscote, to taste some of their award-winning gin.

While you’re in the area, stop past Clifford’s Honey Farm, home to world-famous Ligurian honey products.

The Ligurian bees on KI are believed to be the last remaining pure strain of the insect anywhere in the world.

After a relaxing day of tasting your way around the island, take a load off at Ecopia Retreat.

Situated on 150 acres of natural wilderness near Seal Bay, the retreat offers the best of both worlds.

Feast your eyes on uninterrupted views of the neighbouring wildlife, then indulge in all the luxury facilities you’d normally find in lavish hotels.

Kangaroo Island Spirits. Image: SATC.

Adventure and excitement

Adrenaline junkies don’t have to look far for their next adventure when visiting Kangaroo Island.

On land, Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action will take you on a high-speed quadbike tour of 500 acres of bushland near Vivonne Bay.

The 4-wheel adventure will give you a rare glimpse of parts of the island that are slowly recovering after last year’s fires.

While on the water, you can get a glimpse of the local marine life on board one of Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari’s tour boats.

If you’re feeling daring, jump in the water to get up close and personal with wild dolphins and seals.

Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action. Image: SATC.

Family-friendly

Kangaroo Island has a range of activities for both parents and their children.

No matter your age, you’ll get a kick out of hurtling down the massive sand dunes at Little Sahara.

You can then swing by Vivonne Bay General Store to try their famous whiting burger before going for a dip in the crystal-clear water at nearby Vivonne Bay.

Kids will also get a kick out of climbing the Remarkable Rocks, perched above the sea in Flinders Chase National Park, which has recently reopened to the public following the recent bushfires.

Sand boarding at Little Sahara. Image: SATC.

No fuss

If you just want to sit back and let a local guide show you the sights, there’s a range of amazing tour operates on the island.

You’ll be spoilt choice thanks to SeaLink SA, which offers a range of wildlife and adventure tours throughout the island.

And if you’re looking to get off the beaten track, the team at Kangaroo Island Hire a Guide can take you on a 4WD tour.

Seal Bay. Image: SATC.

Before you go

Before setting off, there are a few important things to organise in advance to make sure your trip runs smoothly.

Firstly, it’s essential to hire a car if you don’t plan on bringing your own. A set of wheels allows you to travel to all corners of the island and experience everything it has to offer.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can jump on board the SeaLink transfer bus which goes Adelaide Central Bus Station to Cape Jervis and then pick up a pre-booked car Kangaroo Island Connect Car Rental when you disembark the ferry in Penneshaw.

You’ll also need to book your ferry as early as possible to ensure there’s a spot for you.

The island is a haven for holidaymakers across the country, especially during summer and school holidays, meaning available spaces on the ferry can quickly disappear.

This is also applies to accommodation, so make sure to book well in advance.

As its name suggests, Kangaroo Island is jam-packed with wildlife so keep an eye out for animals, which may cross the road.

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