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Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Guide to Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a nature lover's paradise, with prolific native wildlife, dramatic coastal sightseeing and bountiful farmlands.
Kangaroo Island, 13km (8mi) off the coast of South Australia, is one of the best places in Australia to see wild animals like koalas, kangaroos, sea lions and seals. Throw in jaw-dropping geology and a hyper-local food and beverage scene, and Kangaroo Island is a destination that will leave you inspired.
Kangaroo Island is a 30-minute flight from Adelaide Airport. Alternatively, drive 1.5 hours from Adelaide to Cape Jervis and catch the 45-minute vehicle and passenger ferry to the island.
- Rex and Qantas Link fly direct from Adelaide Airport (ADL) to Kangaroo Island Kingscote Airport (KGC)
- Car hire is available from Adelaide or from Penneshaw; be sure to book well in advance
There are no public transport or taxis on the island, so the best way to explore is to hire a car or join a tour. If you hire a car from the mainland, check that your provider allows their vehicles to be driven on Kangaroo Island, as some hire companies may have policies against it.
The climate on Kangaroo Island is best during autumn as the days are warm enough to explore the island, and the nights are cool enough to cosy up with a glass of local red wine.
If you want to avoid the crowds, winter is ideal. It also marks the start of whale watching season so you won’t be short on unforgettable experiences, even in the cooler months.
- High season: Autumn (March to May)
- Low season: Winter (June to August)
- Don’t miss: The chance to see sea lions pups playing and exploring at Seal Bay (late May to August).
