10 Of The Best Airbnbs On Kangaroo Island

Dreaming of a break fuelled by great food and wine, interspersed with nature-based activities and accommodation that feels like home? Here are some of the best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island offers much in the way of accommodation. There are incredible luxury stays, and beautiful camping spots and we’ve previously shared our absolute top places to stay, but if you’re after that home-away-from-home feeling you just can’t beat an Airbnb stay. From a quirky cottage in Kingscote to a tried-and-tested eco villa in a wildlife sanctuary, we’ve rounded up the best Airbnbs to book on Kangaroo Island for families, lovers of luxury, romantics, those wanting water views and group getaways, too.

Kangaroo Island Airbnbs with water views

1. Grass Tree North Coast

Stare out at the sea, stretched like a piece of shining blue fabric, from this charming, contemporary cottage set amid a grove of gums and grass trees at Grass Tree North Coast .

Large picture windows frame the sea and sky and highlight the sculptural silhouette of the trees, their twisted limbs outstretched toward the sky. Inside the charming space is all corrugated iron and upcycled timbers with soaring ceilings and a dark and moody designer kitchen.

Sleeps: Grass Tree North Coast accommodates nine guests.

Charming Grass Tree North Coast, Airbnb Villa, Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia — This contemporary cottage is set amid a grove of gums and grass trees at Grass Tree North Coast.

2. Blue Seas

Blue Seas is a contemporary retreat that has slick wood and corrugated iron curves, a Flinstones-like exterior and oversized porthole windows that let in an abundance of natural light. Highly coveted at the D’Estrees Bay beach house are the sun-loungers on the deck, which you will want to remain glued to for days. The only traffic you will see from here is the boats gliding through the Southern Ocean.

Sleeps: Blue Seas accommodates six guests.

Blue Seas, Airbnb Villa, Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia — Blue Seas is a contemporary retreat that has slick wood and corrugated iron curves.

Best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island for families

3. Blakeney Holiday Home

The outside world looks pretty bright from the lounge room of this functional family home , which boasts some of the best views of Emu Bay. Watch the sea ripple against the shore from the deck, build sandcastles on the beach with your toddler, flick your teen the free wi-fi code and give your in-laws the best bedroom.

Sleeps: Blakeney Holiday Home accommodates eight guests comfortably.

Blakeney Holiday House Airbnb Kangaroo Island — Blakeney Holiday House is a cosy family home with incredible views of Emu Bay.

4. Nat’s Retreat

The sun sends glints of light glittering off the water that arcs around Nat’s Retreat , the oldest inhabited house in South Australia. History buffs will love the fact the faithfully restored house, located on a headland overlooking Antechamber Bay, was built more than two centuries ago by pioneering English sailor Nat Thomas. Kick back on the veranda, lounge on the lawn, or bounce down to the beach to swim with the dolphins.

Sleeps: Nat’s Retreat is located on a working farm and sleeps eight.

Nat’s Retreat, Airbnb Villa in Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia — Nat’s Retreat is the oldest inhabited house in South Australia.

Best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island for romance

5. The Nest

Ready to pop the question? You can propose in style when you book a stay at The Nest , on Kangaroo Island, which sets the scene for romance with its outdoor hot tub and log fire.

It matters not if you get cold feet as you can still spend the weekend swanning about in fluffy robes, curled up with a good book in the window nook, and admiring the view from the glass-fronted sauna. Stay put and enjoy the seclusion of this private escape or explore nearby Lathami Conservation Park.

Sleeps: The Nest accommodates two guests.

The Nest Airbnb Kangaroo Island - bay window — Stay put and enjoy the seclusion of this private escape.

The Nest Airbnb Kangaroo Island - private hot tub — Soak up the romance in the outdoor hot tub.

6. Wandering Souls Exclusive bell tent

Visit the Bay of Shoals winery, stock up on wines from the cellar door, and then wander over to your Wandering Souls exclusive bell tent where you can bunker down for the night.

You can choose between tents such as the Harper, which has a Hamptons Coast feel, the Romani Traveller, much-loved by boho types, or the Matilda tent, which has contemporary Australian accents. If you’re more of a hardcore camper, there are plenty of places to camp on Kangaroo Island.

Sleeps: The bell tents accommodate two guests.

Inside the bell tents of Wandering Souls Kangaroo Island — Bunker down for the night in your Wandering Souls bell tent.

Best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island for luxury

7. Ecopia Retreat

You are more likely to cross paths with the resident echidnas during your stay at Ecopia Retreat than guests staying in the second cabin. The off-grid contemporary villas are in a dream location for nature lovers with panoramic views of the lacquered green landscape, which bristles with native grasses, like stubble on a chin. These single-level, self-contained properties feature gleaming wood floors, a cosy wood fireplace, and a freestanding bath.

Sleeps: The cabins accommodate two guests.

Ecopia RetreatAirbnb Villa in Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia — Ecopia Retreat is in a dream location for nature lovers.

8. Copperstone Kangaroo Island

Commandeer the best spot on the couch at Copperstone KI , an architecturally up-to-the-minute beach house overlooking Emu Bay. Standout features include the ocean views from every room, the indoor and outdoor fireplaces and underfloor heating. The house comprises two pavilions with sliding glass doors that open out onto a deck with ocean views. The property may or may not be favoured by privacy-seeking celebrities aiming to avoid the paparazzi.

Sleeps: Copperstone Kangaroo Island accommodates up to eight guests.

Copperstone KI, Airbnb Villa in Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia — Commandeer the best spot on the couch at Copperstone KI.

Best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island for groups

9. The Harbourmaster

The Harbourmaster makes the most of Kangaroo Island’s open landscape with views that take in beautiful Hog Bay. The stylish holiday home sleeps 10 guests, and has convivial communal spaces, making it perfect for a group getaway. You can choose to fish, surf, swim or eat and drink your way around Kangaroo Island or simply sunbathe on the patio. Watch out for the wallabies and kangaroos that bound by at dawn and dusk.

Sleeps: The Harbourmaster accommodates 10 guests.

The Harbourmaster, Airbnb Villa in Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia — The stylish holiday home is perfect for a group getaway.

10. Secluded Grass Tree KI Coastal Retreat

Groups will have Secluded Grass Tree KI Coastal Retreat on the Dudley Peninsula to themselves. And, best of all, each person can carve off and choose their own adventure: go surfing or sailing or stay on terra firma and pursue energetic bush walks, a tour of the local wineries, or a local cookery lesson, just a few of the many wonderful things to do while on Kangaroo Island. Turn the lights off at night and step outside to enjoy the natural spectacle of being under a ceiling of stars.

Sleeps: Secluded Grass Tree KI Coastal Retreat accommodates up to 10 guests.

Secluded Grass Tree KI Coastal Retreat, Airbnb Villa in Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia — Groups will have Secluded Grass Tree KI Coastal Retreat on the Dudley Peninsula to themselves.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

10 of the best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island