14 Must-Try Kangaroo Island Tours - Australian Traveller

When exploring an island that is four times the size of Singapore, it pays to book a tour with locals to see all the sights.

With its clean, bright waters, Mediterranean climate and super-local food scene, a trip to Kangaroo Island in South Australia is bound to take your breath away.

Cut off from the mainland thousands of years ago, this ‘Galapagos of Australia’ has become a wildlife and nature-lovers paradise. To make the most of the few days you’re here, we’ve lined up some of the top Kangaroo Island tours to do.

Best Kangaroo Island one-day tours

1. SeaLink One-Day Tours

If you only have one day to spend in the area, be smart with your time and book a one-day tour with SeaLink . With the price of the ferry included, SeaLink has a variety of one-day tour options that include Kangaroo Island highlights such as the Seal Bay Conservation Park, the granite sculptures of Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park, Clifford’s Honey Farm Shop and a First Nations expedition with Ngarrindjeri Elder Mark Koolmatrie. Extend the magic by opting for one of its multi-day tours.

High shot of SeaLink ferry terminal — SeaLink’s one-day tours are ideal for the time-poor. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Best Kangaroo Island boat tours

2. KI Marine Adventures

If you’ve ever wanted to swim with wild dolphins, now is your moment. Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures offers tours for eco-conscious visitors to swim with the dolphins that live in the waters around the island. The operator guarantee a chance for you to dive in with dolphins on itsthree-hour Island Explorer and Dolphin Swim Tour, and you’ll also be keeping an eye out for seals, ospreys and sea eagles.

Dolphins swimming next to Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures boat. — The eco-conscious way to see your favourite marine animals. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari

KI Marine Adventures aren’t the only ones to rule the seas around the island. Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari also offers up some salty adventures. Join its 75-Minute Coastal Safari to get to know the marine wildlife that is found here or go on a two-hour snorkelling safari to swim among long-nosed seals or dolphins. There are also private charters available.

4. Emu Bay Fishing

The sea around Kangaroo Island has got plenty for the experienced fisher, whether you prefer to dangle a line off the jetty or head out by boat. Fishing charters such as Emu Bay Fishing will take you out offshore on half and full-day trips on the hunt for catches like King George whiting, tuna, trevally and snapper.

High shot of Emu Bay. — Emu Bay Fishing charters are perfect for any type of fisherman. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Best Kangaroo Island adventure tours

5. KI Outdoor Action

Rev up for a quad biking adventure with KI Outdoor Action . From quad bike discovery tours (perfect for families who want to get used to riding through the bush) to spending three hours speeding along coastlines and farmlands as part of its Edge of the Earth Quad Adventure, there are levels to suit everyone.

People on quad bikes for Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action. — Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action will get the adrenaline pumping. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

6. Little Sahara

Switch the surfboard for a sandboard over on the huge inland sand dunes of the Little Sahara Adventure Centre . You can also grab a fat bike to cruise, hop onto a guided buggy tour or take a guided walking tour that goes from koala spotting to watching the sunset across the sands as part of golden hour.

Girl carrying bodyboard at Little Sahara adventure centre — Little Sahara is fun for all the family. (Image: Megan Crabb)

Best Kangaroo Island food and wine tours

7. Kangaroo Island Living Honey

Did you know: Kangaroo Island has the only genetically pure population of Ligurian bees left in the world? To see how a working honey farm is operated, head to Kangaroo Island Living Honey and find out just how the honey is extracted from the 250 hives on the property. After seeing the sweet life for yourself, it will be near impossible not to pick up some bee-autiful goodies like beeswax wraps, lip balms and (of course) honey.

Bees making honey at Kangaroo Island Living Honey. — Kangaroo Island has the only genetically pure population of Ligurian bees left in the world. (Image: Kangaroo Island Living Honey)

8. Kangaroo Island Spirits

It’s not just the bees here who are good at crafting up some sweet nectar – the humans are pretty incredible at it too. Head over to Kangaroo Island Spirits , Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery.

The exterior of Kangaroo Island Spirits distillery. — Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery. (Image: Kangaroo Island Spirits)

The spirits here benefit from the one-of-a-kind botanical mix of the area, with resulting tipples such as vodka and limoncello, as well as gin. There are several KI Spirits experiences to be had at their cellar door, including a cocktail masterclass and tasting experience.

The Kangaroo Island Spirits collection of alcohol. — Don’t miss one of the Kangaroo Island Spirits tastings. (Image: Kangaroo Island Spirits)

9. Kangaroo Island Trails

If you’re more into the savvy b’s than the G&Ts, Kangaroo Island is also a famous grape-growing area. Hop between the wineries on Kangaroo Island Trails’ half or full-day Tasting Tour. You’ll stop off to sample foodie delights at places like Clifford’s Honey, as well as try out the ciders and spirits.

Clifford's Honey Farm honey alcohol pouring — Kangaroo Island Trails will take you to Clifford’s Honey Farm. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Best Kangaroo Island wildlife tours

10. Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park tour

It just isn’t a trip to Kangaroo Island without a day out at its Wildlife Park , paying a visit to some of KI’s cutest residents. Book in for a full-day trip that can include wallaby feeding, koala holding, encounters with dingos and seeing a spiky echidna up close. We’ve also put together a guide for the ultimate day out at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.

Koala's in the tree at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park — Spend the day with these furry creatures. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

11. Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Visitors to Kangaroo Island can also visit Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary , which provides a habitat for native Australian animals to live in the wild and remains the best place to see a sustainable population of koalas in the wild.

Tours include a 90-minute Guided Koala Walk & Bush Fire Ecology Tour, which offers a window into the island’s flora and fauna and the abundant species’ response to bushfire. Hanson Bay was devastated by the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires and, having moved past the recovery phase, provides an opportunity today for visitors to understand the regenerative effects of fire on the landscape.

People standing in front of a sign with the animals at Hanson Wildlife Sanctuary — Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary provides a habitat for native Australian animals to live in the wild.

12. Seal Bay guided tour

The Seal Bay Conservation Park is where you will find Australia’s third-largest seal lion population. While you can watch the colony yawn, stretch, scrap and snuggle from the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk under your own steam, the Seal Bay guided tour ($42 for an adult) means you’ll also make the walk with a guide, who can interpret the sea lion behaviour for you and the rest of the group.

Seal Bay Guided Tour looking at the seals. — The best way to see Seal Bay is on a tour with a guide who can interpret the sea lion behaviour. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

13. Penneshaw Penguin Centre

Kangaroo Island is home to the world’s smallest penguins: little penguins. Stop by the Penneshaw Penguin Centre as the sun is going down. You will then follow the guide, and watch the little penguins toddle up the sands with determination, back to their homes; all while being under the fantastically clear night sky and stars of Kangaroo Island.

Penneshaw Penguin Centre Little Penguins on Kangaroo Island. — Kangaroo Island is home to the world’s smallest penguins. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Milton Wordley)

Best Kangaroo Island luxury tours

14. Kangaroo Island Touring Company

Wild about wildlife? Focused on food? Love local stories? Or all of the above? Kangaroo Island Touring Company offers bespoke private tours tailored to your interests but all underscored by immersive nature-based experiences aimed at getting you to the heart of Kangaroo Island.

Each full-day tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your island accommodation, private touring in a luxe vehicle, local naturalist guide and a gourmet picnic lunch with South Australian wine in a secluded spot.

You’ll end the day with a true sense of place.

An esky in the back of a vehicle on tour with Kangaroo Island Touring Company. — Gourmet experiences await when exploring with Kangaroo Island Touring Company. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

15. Exceptional Kangaroo Island

Exceptional Kangaroo Island has been running luxury small-group and private tours of the island since 1986, appealing to lovers of food, wine and wildlife with a focus on all things sustainable.

Choose between one-day and multi-day tours, with focuses on everything from food and drink to conservation to art and culture to birdwatching .

There are also private tours tailored especially to couples , young families , active explorers and more.

An Exceptional Kangaroo Island tour vehicle drives down a road on Kangaroo Island — Explore the island with long-running tour operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Check out our Kangaroo Island travel guide for more on where to go and what to see and do while you’re there.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

15 must-try Kangaroo Island tours