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The SA island named one of Australia’s top under-the-radar spots

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
Remote, rugged and on the rise – this is one of the country’s top hidden gems, as voted by you.

If there’s one thing Aussies do well, it’s celebrating local destinations that are pushing the envelope. And in our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, you proved your impeccable taste once again. We asked you for the one destination that deserves a little more of the spotlight. Clearly, one South Australian gem stood out – and it’s not hard to see why.

Which SA island made the list?

Kangaroo Island, SA
The sea and the bush exist in peaceful harmony on Kangaroo Island. (Image: Frame)

It may only be 15 kilometres off the coast of South Australia, but Kangaroo Island feels a world away from anything. At just over 150 kilometres long and 55 kilometres wide, it’s a small but mighty sanctuary that lives and breathes the hyperlocal. Kangaroo Island is one of those deeply Australian places where the ocean and bush peacefully coexist, not just in close proximity, but in complete harmony.

It’s this gentle way of life, deeply rooted in the natural landscape, that captivated the island’s roughly 5000-strong population. It’s also what attracted over 180,000 visitors last year, a number the South Australian Tourism Commission expects to climb in 2025.

Kangaroo Island, SA
Kangaroo Island remains relatively untouched thanks to a sustainable ethos. (Image: As We Wander)

So, how has such a magical place managed to fly under the radar for so long? The answer is pretty simple – a sustainable ethos that respects the environment, paired with a conservationist mindset that aims to protect it for years to come. Visiting Kangaroo Island is all about treading lightly, with stays and experiences that blend low-impact and luxury in order to showcase the landscape, instead of competing with it.

Your guide to exploring Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island, SA
Take to the crystalline waters with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Kangaroo Island may be small in size, but it certainly isn’t lacking in things to see and do. In fact, you’ll be spoilt for choice. On the west coast, Flinders Chase National Park is a natural haven for wildlife.

It offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Kangaroo Island’s furred and feathered locals, from koalas, kangaroos, pigmy possums and penguins to a range of reptiles and over 260 bird species.

A baby seal on Kangaroo Island, SA
Kangaroo Island is home to a thriving colony of sea lions. (Image: Southern Ocean Lodge)

If you’d rather meet the residents of the sea, join a tour with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari . The locally run business offers a range of experiences, from group snorkelling to private charters, where seals, sea lions, dolphins and turtles come out to play.

Prefer to take things a little slower? Spend an afternoon sampling local gin at Kangaroo Island Spirits , or pop into Kangaroo Island Brewery for a pint of beer brewed onsite. You can also taste your way through some of the island’s best restaurants – with menus that are inspired by the landscape and hero local ingredients.

Kangaroo Island Spirits on Kangaroo Island, SA
Sample gin infused with local ingredients and distilled on the island. (Image: Kangaroo Island Spirits)

Did you know that Kangaroo Island is also home to one of Australia’s most spectacular lavender farms? That’s right – head to the northern side of the island and you’ll find Emu Bay Lavender Farm , where you can purchase souvenirs like soap, lotion and oil, honey, jam and gin.

Where to stay on Kangaroo Island

Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, SA
Southern Ocean Lodge is designed around 180-degree ocean views. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

While there’s an accommodation type to suit travellers of all budgets, Kangaroo Island offers some truly luxurious stays. Take the recently revamped Southern Ocean Lodge, which was meticulously restored following severe damage from the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires.

Thanks to the dedication and determination of owners James and Hayley Baillie of Baillie Lodges , it reopened to the public in 2023. Guests can expect spacious suites, a day spa, wet-edge pool, walk-in wine cellar and uninterrupted ocean views – all futureproofed against fire.

Wander on Kangaroo Island, SA
Settle into your private outdoor tub overlooking Snelling Beach. (Image: Wander/Remy Brand Creative)

Or go off-grid at Wander on Kangaroo Island , a five-star stay that’ll have you feeling like the last person on Earth. Overlooking Snelling Beach, each WanderPod offers its own little pocket of private luxury. Your cosy cabin is complete with a fireplace, rainshower, outdoor bath and fully equipped kitchenette, plus some of the most jaw-dropping views you’ll ever see.

A few things to remember

Kangaroo Island, SA
Adhere to Kangaroo Island’s biosecurity laws to protect local wildlife. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Kangaroo Island is only accessible via air or sea. To get there, you can take a 45-minute ferry from Cape Jervis or hop on a 30-minute flight from Adelaide. SeaLink runs up to 12 services per day (dependent on the weather) and QantasLink offers daily departures.

Visitors should familiarise themselves with Kangaroo Island’s strict biosecurity laws before they arrive. Its remote location has protected it from many of the pests and diseases found on mainland Australia.

If introduced, these harmful organisms could have devastating effects on the island’s natural environment and agricultural industry. The exchange is beautifully uncomplicated: take only memories, leave only footprints.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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This is Mornington Peninsula’s most indulgent itinerary

    Kellie FloydBy Kellie Floyd
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    The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants. 

    Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.  

    A creative trail through the Peninsula 

    The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls. 

    Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery
    Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

    If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.  

    food at Pt Estate
    Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

    For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.  

    Montalto Vineyard
    Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

    The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.  

    A feast for food and wine lovers 

    With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.  

    Cassis Red Hill
    Luxurious stay, Cassis Red Hill.

    The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool. 

    Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.  

    Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.   

    If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

    From golf days to spa stays 

    Kingswood CountryGolf Club
    Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.  

    Alba Thermal Springs& Spa
    Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments. 

    Jetty Road Brewery
    Jetty Road Brewery.

    After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.