11 Best Camping Spots On Kangaroo Island

Camping on Kangaroo Island includes options that range from rustic log cabins and glampsites to pared-back places to pitch your tent.

Kangaroo Island has a mix of privately owned caravan parks, council-run sites and conservation areas and national parks where you can throw up a tent or pull in with your caravan. Here are some of the best Kangaroo Island camping spots.

Pennington Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia — See amazing views of Pennington Bay on your camping trip. (Image: Isaac Forman)

1. Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park

Roughing it has never been so appealing. Forget tinned spaghetti. Stock up on permaculture produce from Petite Provenance, and artisanal goods from Vivonne Bay General Store, one of the best places to eat on Kangaroo Island, before settling into your glamping tent at Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park .

Glamp or camp at Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park.

Located 300 metres from the SeaLink Ferry , the campground has views over Hog Bay Beach and the ruffled sea surging through Backstairs Passage.

SeaLink Ferry, Kangaroo Island, South Australia — From the SeaLink Ferry, the campground has views over Hog Bay Beach. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Accommodation options include Eco Luxury Tents, Eco Family Tents and Oceanview Villas as well as powered campsites for caravans and camping.

Inside an Eco Luxury Tent at Seafront Holiday Park.

2. Western KI Caravan Park & Wildlife Reserve

You will find your days start to vanish rather quickly when you’re out and about enjoying the wide, open spaces and nature trails that loop around the Western KI Caravan Park . The campground has powered and unpowered tent sites, as well as modern and well-maintained shower blocks and a children’s playground. Got a gammy back? Say goodbye to your sleeping bag and bunker down in the self-contained log cabins or luxury cabins.

Western KI Caravan Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia — Enjoy the wide, open spaces and nature trails.

3. Discovery Lagoon Caravan and Camping Grounds

Eco campers and caravanners will appreciate the fact the Discovery Lagoon Caravan and Camping Grounds is run entirely on renewable energy. The campground is surrounded by red river gums on a 40-hectare property that is about three kilometres from Emu Bay Beach, where you can set sail on a fishing charter and see the sea open up. The campsite also has two one-bedroom eco glamping cottages which are designed for couples.

Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia — Three kilometres from Emu Bay Beach, you can set sail on a fishing charter and see the sea open up. (Image: @jay.bevs)

4. Harveys Return

Harveys Return Campground is a short (steep) hike away from Harveys Bay, going from green to cyan as it traces the original horse cart track used by the Cape Borda lighthouse keepers on the northwest tip of the island. The bare bush campground has sheltered picnic tables, gas barbecue facilities and toilets and is surrounded by a grove of eucalyptus trees with leaves that flicker in the light. Walk through the scrubby grey-green terrain to get to the lighthouse, built in 1858.

5. American River Campground

This council-run campground is located near a boat ramp near a narrow neck of the American River, which, incidentally, is not a river, and has capacity for just 15 or so campers. Like many of the campgrounds on Kangaroo Island, the American River Campground is basic, making it well suited for old-school campers: there are toilets and hot showers, sheltered picnic tables and powered and non-powered sites, too. Rise at dawn to cast a line in the ‘river’.

American River, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia — The American River Campground is well suited for old-school campers. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

6. D’Estrees Bay Campgrounds

There are five campsites scattered across four campgrounds located within the vast tract of wilderness at D’Estrees Bay. The Big Sand Dune Campground has just one campsite, and is the campground of choice for hard-core campers who like to sleep under a sky confetti’d with stars with not another soul around. It’s the stillness and solitude that is most luxurious at this site which accommodates camper trailers and tents and offers easy access to Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park.

7. Duck Lagoon Campground

Bird-watchers will appreciate the purpose-built bird hide and observation platform at Duck Lagoon Camp Ground , a small reserve near Cygnet River that is a haven for migratory birds. Enjoy a quiet walk along the banks of the lagoon and read the interpretative signage about the area’s history as squadrons of birds (such as Australian pelicans) fly overhead. Walk along the shore and note the presence of pied oystercatchers, royal spoonbills and black swans in your little black bird book.

Duck Lagoon Campground, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia — The Duck Lagoon is a haven for migratory birds.

8. Western River Cove Campground

The Western River Cove Campground is situated on the rugged north coast of Kangaroo Island, about an hour’s drive from Kingscote. A footbridge runs like a corridor through the campground over the river that runs through it and down onto the white sand. The Western River Campground is not suitable for caravans and has no powered sites, but like all the council-run grounds, it is pet-friendly.

Western River Cove Campground, Kangaroo Island, South Australia — See the rugged north coast of Kangaroo Island.

9. Browns Beach Campground

Browns Beach Campground occupies a prime piece of real estate on Nepean Bay, just 15 minutes’ drive from Penneshaw. Set up your camp chair, pour yourself a glass of Dudley Kangaroo Porky Flat Shiraz, and sit in the sunshine on your own private patch of sand on the dunes overlooking Brown Beach. The family-friendly beach is located on the north coast of Dudley Peninsula and is hard to beat for beachside camping nirvana.

Aerial view of Browns Beach, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia — Sit in the sunshine on your own private patch of sand on the dunes overlooking Brown Beach. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

10. Vivonne Bay Campground

The six-kilometre U-shaped beach at Vivonne Bay is regularly ranked as one of Australia’s best. From above, the bay presents like a colour catalogue of all the possible blues and greens. Get amongst it by surfing, fishing, snorkelling, playing classic catches or beach cricket, just a few of the many excellent things to do on this corner of Kangaroo Island. Located about 45 minutes from Kingscote, the campground is accessible for caravans and has both powered and unpowered campsites.

Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia — Witness the colour catalogue of all the possible blues and greens.

If you are looking to mix up your stay on Kangaroo Island, spend a night at one of our luxury accommodation recommendations or one of our picks of best places to stay.

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

2. The Oxley Estate

A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

3. Oneday Estate

Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

5. Bellarine Railway

If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

6. The Dunes

waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine — Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

dolphins playing in The Bellarine — Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

8. Jack Rabbit

aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard — Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

10 beautiful camping spots on Kangaroo Island