Looking for a unique and epic Kangaroo Island itinerary? From fascinating wildlife to breathtaking landscapes, brace yourself for an unforgettable three-day Kangaroo Island adventure.
Kangaroo Island is one of the most popular destinations in South Australia. It’s less than an hour by boat from Cape Jervis in Adelaide, but seems a world apart.
Known for its natural wonders and rugged beauty, Kangaroo Island is a haven for native wildlife, both on land and sea.
For sand-loving, sun-worshipping visitors, Kangaroo Island has dozens of beautiful beaches. There’s the 5-km white-sanded Emu Bay Beach, the famous Seal Bay, and the pristine Stokes Bay, hailed as Australia’s best beach in 2023.
Beyond its stunning scenery, Kangaroo Island offers delectable food and wine. Think catch-of-the-day seafood, farm-to-table local produce, and a well-curated list of award-winning wines.
There’s so much to see on the island, so it’s easy to miss out on some attractions. We’ve created a Kangaroo Island itinerary to help you make the best of your trip.
It covers must-do activities, how to get around, where to stay, and the best time to visit Kangaroo Island.
Find more activities with our list of the Best Things To Do on Kangaroo Island!
How many days is enough for Kangaroo Island?
A three-day Kangaroo Island itinerary gives you ample time to explore as opposed to a day trip. However, many travellers are short on time so day tours are convenient and affordable.
But if you have time for 2 or even 3 days on Kangaroo Island, definitely do it!
Spanning over 4,400 square kilometers, Kangaroo Island is the largest island in South Australia and the third-largest in the entire country.
After wildlife spotting, beach bumming, and food tasting on Kangaroo Island, you’re left with little to no downtime. So an action-packed day tour can still work for those short on time.
But for a leisurely visit, the sweet spot is three days. It’s the perfect length of time to see Kangaroo Island’s top spots.
How to Spend a Perfect 3 Days on Kangaroo Island Itinerary
Kangaroo Island has no nightlife or high-end shopping options, so you’ll spend your time truly immersed in nature. Plus, there is more to Kangaroo Island than its rich wildlife and wild beauty. And we mean so much more! That said, let’s delve into this three-day island itinerary.
Day 1
The first day will involve a lot of traveling. It includes your trip to get to Kangaroo Island from Cape Jervis. Then, from the ferry port in Penneshaw to your accommodations on the island.
We suggest you stay in Kingscote, the island’s biggest town — at least for your first day. It’s centrally located and easy to access. If you prefer some beachfront vibe, check out Emu Bay, about 20 minutes from Kingscote.
Morning: Dudley Wines, Pennington Bay, Prospect Hill
When you arrive at the Kangaroo Island ferry terminal in Penneshaw, make a beeline for Dudley Wines for one of the best wine tasting experiences on the island.
This family-run winery is only 15 minutes from the port. Its cellar door opens to lovely ocean views, so you can sip superb blends while enjoying striking scenery.
After, head to Pennington Bay, 30 minutes from the winery. Here, you can climb the 500 steps to the peak of Prospect Hill, the highest point on Kangaroo Island.
There is an outlook at the summit of Prospect Hill where you can gaze down at the Pelican Lagoon and the surrounding areas.
Alternatively, go to Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, about 18 minutes from Dudley Wines.
Cape Willoughby is home to the oldest lighthouse in South Australia and offers sweeping views of the Kangaroo Island coastline.
Views while driving around Cape Willoughby
Alternative: Penneshaw Coastal Safari or Kangaroo Island Coast tour
If you’re traveling with children or prefer wildlife watching over wine, consider going on a 75-minute coastal safari where you can spot dolphins and seals in the wild.
For avid snorkelers, the Kangaroo Island Boat Tour lets you swim with these marine creatures.
Afternoon: American River, Kangaroo Island Brewery, Emu Bay Lavender
American River is one of Kangaroo Island’s best-kept secrets. This idyllic town overlooks the calm waters of American Bay and lies on the bank of the Pelican Lagoon, a hotspot for birdwatching, boating, and kayaking.
It’s the seafood capital of Kangaroo Island, and if you walk down the wharf, you might find sheds selling the freshest catch.
Stop next at Kangaroo Island Spirits. Located in Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island Spirits produces vodka, brandy, and gin from native juniper berries.
For beer lovers, Kangaroo Island Brewery might be the better choice. This cellar door is the island’s first microbrewery and offers craft beer. There’s also tea, coffee, and soft drinks for non-beer drinkers.
Tip: Don’t have enough time for a three-day trip to Kangaroo Island? You can still enjoy the island’s tasty treats in a guided food and wine tour.
Continue to Emu Bay, a 15-minute drive from Kangaroo Island Brewery. This quaint town is known for its swimming beach and local produce.
Its main draw is the artisanal lavender products at the Emu Bay Lavender Farm. Be sure to try the lavender scones and handmade ice cream at the Emu Bay Lavender Cafe.
By this time, you will have arrived at your accommodations. You can rest and prepare for next day’s activities or venture out to Stokes Bay.
Sunset: Stokes Bay
End your day at Stokes Bay, a hidden beach about 40 minutes from Emu Bay and less than an hour from Kingscote.
For the perfect sunset spot, walk through the rocky tunnel that opens to the shore. From there, you have a full view of the sea and the horizon.
The gorgeous beach at Stokes Bay
Day 2
Day two abounds with more adventure and mesmerizing landscapes.
No three-day itinerary to Kangaroo Island is complete without a trip to the iconic Flinders Chase National Park. Along the way, make a stop at Vivonne Bay and Little Sahara.
Morning: Vivonne Bay and Little Sahara
Head to Vivonne Bay on the south coast of Kangaroo Island. It’s about an hour from Emu Bay and 45 minutes from Kingscote.
Drop by Vivonne Bay General Store (opens at 9:00 AM.) Its famed Whiting Burger is somewhat of an institution on Kangaroo Island. You can also buy supplies like water, snacks, coffee, or lunch at the shop, as food in Flinders Chase is pricier.
Head to Vivonne Bay Beach. Shaped like a crescent, it boasts sugar-fine white sand and glassy waters. It’s popular for short walks, picnics, swimming, and even surfing.
Next, visit the famous Little Sahara, a two-square-kilometer dune system a 10-minute drive from Vivonne Bay beach.
If you want to explore Little Sahara, you can try a two-hour buggy tour. For something more thrilling, go sandboarding or tobogganing down the dunes, which takes around an hour.
Then start your drive to Flinders Chase National Park, which is roughly 30 minutes away.
Explore Kangaroo Island on a Melbourne To Adelaide Drive Itinerary
Afternoon: Flinders Chase National Park
Flinders Chase is one of the most beautiful places on Kangaroo Island. Its top attractions are the Remarkable Rocks, the Admirals Arch, and the Cape Du Couedic Lightstation, a historic landmark built between 1906 and 1909.
The park covers 326 square kilometers and may take days to explore fully. Thankfully, most of its highlights are a short distance from each other.
Start exploring at Remarkable Rocks, a cluster of orange-lichen-covered, oddly-shaped granite boulders on the island’s edge.
Ramble around the Remarkable Rocks and take a photo or two before going to Weirs Cove, an almost deserted bay with dramatic coastal views.
From the cove, head to Admirals Arch, a natural rock bridge formed thousands of years ago.
Admirals Arch is not only famous for its surreal shape but also for its colony of long-nosed fur seals.
A wooden boardwalk leads to a viewing platform looking over the craggy archway. From there, you can watch fur seals sunbathing on the rocks or playing in the pools.
If you love hiking, try the two-hour Platypus Waterhole Walk. This 4.7-kilometer trail meanders around wetlands and waterholes, where platypuses are known to hang out.
Even if you don’t see a platypus, the route is still great for spotting echidnas, wallabies, and kangaroos.
The iconic Remarkable Rocks
Sunset: Return Drive with a Scenic Stop at Hanson Bay
The drive from Flinders Chase to Kingscote is about two hours. Before heading back, make a side trip to Hanson Bay, a six-minute drive from the park.
The small, secluded bay is famous for its serene sunsets.
If you’re not in a hurry, stay until dark. Hanson Bay has an uninterrupted view of the Great Southern Skies, with its bright stars and constellations that never rise or set.
Read next: The Ultimate Australia Bucket List
Alternative: Camp at Flinders Chase National Park
After the sun sets, Flinders Chase preps for its fun nighttime activities like stargazing, walking tours, and nocturnal wildlife spotting.
If you don’t want to drive after a long day of exploration or plan to join one of the after-dark adventures, consider spending the night at Flinders Chase.
The park has campgrounds and self-catering cottages for those who want to stay overnight or multiple days.
Day 3
Day three is a mix of wildlife encounters (we can’t get enough of those), scenic drives, and perhaps a bit of shopping before departing for Cape Jervis in the evening.
Morning: Seal Bay
Like the previous day, start early to cover as much as possible. Before starting your trip, you may want to eat breakfast or have coffee.
In Kingscote, check out So Sando or Cactus Kangaroo Island. Both cafes open at 7:30 AM.
After a quick breakfast, drive to Seal Bay Conservation Park. It takes around an hour to reach Seal Bay from Kingscote.
Seal Bay Conservation Park is the natural habitat of an estimated 800 Australian sea lions. These animals are one of the rarest seal species in the world and almost went extinct.
If you want to venture into the heart of the sea lions colony (the third-largest on the planet), you can join a 45-minute guided tour.
You can also opt for a self-guided walking tour on the park’s 900-meter-long boardwalk that winds around towering limestone cliffs. You can watch the sea lions from a distance while enjoying the lovely scenery.
Walk the boardwalk at Seal Bay Conservation Park
Afternoon: Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park or Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
After Seal Bay, take a quick drive to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park or the 30-minute drive to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Both are fantastic places for wildlife encounters but offer different experiences.
Kangaroo Island Wild Park covers 50 acres and houses 500 animals, including kangaroos, koalas, seals, and even dolphins. Here, the activities are more interactive, such as feeding kangaroos or cuddling with koalas.
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary sits on 5000 acres of protected land. It’s home to diverse animals, but mainly koalas. These super cute creatures freely roam in the wild, so it’s harder to spot them.
To visit Hanson Bay, you must pre-book a guided tour.
Late Afternoon: Travel to Penneshaw
After your wildlife adventure, it’s time to head to Penneshaw for your trip back to Adelaide.
The company, SeaLink, services Kangaroo Island with daily trips from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw and back.
The last ferry leaves Kangaroo Island at 7:30 PM daily for most days. You should be at the port 30 minutes before departure. Budget your time carefully to avoid missing your ride.
The trip from Hanson Bay to Penneshaw is one hour and 30 minutes. We suggest you leave for the ferry terminal no later than 4:30 PM. This way, you’ll have a relaxing drive and extra time to stop at local shops for last-minute souvenir shopping.
If time allows, check out Clifford’s Honey Farm for their Ligurian honey products or Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for their eucalyptus oil and crafts.
If you prefer a 3 day tour that is guided with all accommodation and transport, check out this 3 day Kangaroo Island adventure!
Kangaroo Island Travel Guide
Now that you know what to do on Kangaroo Island, here’s some helpful information on the best time to visit, how to get around, and the top places to stay on the island.
When to Visit Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a year-round destination. The best time to visit depends on your interests.
Autumn (March-May): Best Overall
Autumn boasts mild weather, thinner crowds, and calm oceans. It’s also the nesting season for Little Penguins and the rare black cockatoos.
The Kangaroo Island Fringe Festival, a part of the bigger Adelaide Fringe, happens in March, adding a cultural touch to your trip.
Summer (December-February): Peak Season
Warm, bright days make summer the most popular season to visit Kangaroo Island. Expect thicker crowds and higher prices.
The island buzzes with beach activities and outdoor adventures. Summer is also the breeding season for fur seals, making wildlife spotting exciting.
Spring (September-October): Wildflowers and Wildlife
In spring, Kangaroo Island erupts with colors as flowers bloom, from tiny orchids to lavenders.
Bird-watching is at its peak, with many migratory birds arriving on the island.
Spring is the best time to see young joeys leave their mother’s pouches to start exploring the world.
Winter (June-August): Best for Budget Travelers
With fewer tourists and lower prices, winter is great for the budget-conscious. It also attracts wildlife enthusiasts hoping to see the elusive echidna mating train or southern right whales feeding along the coast.
You can spot wildlife year round at Kangaroo Island!
How to Get to Kangaroo Island
To get to Kangaroo Island, take the Cape Jervis ferry to Penneshaw. Travel takes 45 minutes.
Trips are from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM almost daily. Be sure to check the schedule for changes.
You can also fly from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport.
Getting Around Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island has no public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services. The best way to get around is to self-drive.
You can drive your own vehicle or hire one when you arrive.
Some accommodations offer shuttle services to and from the pier or the airport.
If you’re not keen on a self-driving itinerary, consider booking a small-group, organized Kangaroo Island tour instead.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Where to Stay in Kangaroo Island
Kingscote is an excellent base for exploring Kangaroo Island. It also has plenty of restaurants and cafes you can explore.
But if you want to immerse yourself in nature, you can split your time between two places, one on each side of Kangaroo Island. It allows you to explore the island without spending too much time driving around.
Camping in Flinders Chase on the western side of Kangaroo Island is exciting, especially if you don’t mind roughing it out.
The Best Budget Hotel in Kangaroo Island – KI Dragonfly Guesthouse
For affordable but comfortable accommodations, check out KI Dragonfly Guesthouse.
Located in Kingscote, this newly renovated property has two sections – the main house and a self-contained cottage (guest house) in the backyard.
The main house features four rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, shared bathrooms, a separate lounge, and barbeque facilities. The guest house is perfect for couples or solo travelers who want privacy.
Other amenities include free parking, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, and a coffee maker for every room.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Kangaroo Island – Villas on the Bay Kingscote
Located in a gated community, Villas on the Bay overlooks a clifftop reserve and is a short walk to the town center and the beach.
The property has self-contained two and three-bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchenettes, private bathrooms, and lounge areas with flat-screen TVs. Some units have a terrace.
Other amenities include free parking, Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, and grocery delivery.
Best Luxury Hotel in Kangaroo Island – Ecopia Retreat
Situated in Seal Bay, Ecopia Retreat lets you experience ultimate luxury and privacy amidst nature.
The property features two cozy villas with a well-appointed kitchen, eco-friendly appliances, a fireplace to keep you warm in winter, and full-height windows from where you can enjoy the greenery outside.
Best of all, it’s powered by an off-grid solar energy system and uses 100% pure rainwater.
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