24 Things To Do On Kangaroo Island

From spending the night in luxury digs to touring the island on a foodie adventure and some of the best wildlife experiences you’ll find anywhere, there’s no end of things to see and do on this magical South Australian island.

Thanks to its rugged good looks, inviting beaches, iconic natural attractions and accommodation with mesmerising views, Kangaroo Island offers a wonderful mix of things to do.

Got a few days up your sleeve? Whether you’re hankering for a relaxing family holiday or an intimate getaway, Kangaroo Island has become one of South Australia’s most coveted destinations and is the place to be.

Book a trip to Kangaroo Island and check out our recommendations, from world-class wineries to wildlife spotting in wide, open spaces.

1. Stay at Hamilton & Dune

Kangaroo Island is scattered with a range of luxury accommodation, from over-the-top pods to bell tents with all the trimmings. Hamilton & Dune is one of Kangaroo Island’s destination digs: choose between the architecturally designed Dune House, a chic, three-bedroom property where no detail has been overlooked, or Hamilton House, a property that can house larger groups but is a little less ‘designer’. It’s definitely one of our top places to stay on Kangaroo Island.

Woman showering in outdoor shower overlooking the ocean at Hamilton & Dune Kangaroo Island. — Shower with a view at Hamilton & Dune. (Image: Sarah Byden & Vinnie Preston)

2. Check out Seal Bay Conservation Park

Wander along the soft sand that makes up Seal Bay Conservation Park and you will come across Australia’s third largest sea lion colony. There are no enclosures on Seal Bay, but there is a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that leads down to viewing platforms that jut out over Seal Bay, which has been home to the Australian sea lion population for thousands of years. Take a guided tour or go at your own pace.

Seals lay on the beach at Kangaroo Island's Seal Bay. — Seal Bay Conservation Park is Australia’s third-largest sea lion colony. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

3. Visit the teeny penguins of Penneshaw

Kangaroo Island has its own population of little penguins, who can be seen going about their nightly routine over at the Penneshaw Penguin Centre. Take a penguin-friendly torch and walk carefully and quietly to see the world’s smallest penguin in its natural environment.

Two penguins holding hands at Penneshaw Penguin Centre. — Penguins hold hands too! (Image: Alana Whennen)

4. Dine at Emu Bay Lavender Farm

Emu Bay Lavender Farm features rows of pretty lavender that unfurl down to a rustic farmgate cafe serving homemade lavender scones and lavender ice cream. It also features in our pick of the most beautiful lavender farms around Australia.

Tea and scones with sprigs of lavender at Emu Bay Lavender Farm. — Indulge in some lavender tea and scones. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

After snapping a few selfies amid the purple-hued field, pop inside to procure aromatic body washes, lavender-filled heat pillows and loose-leafed tea. Visit Emu Bay Lavender Farm between mid-September and mid-May to see the fields painted violet.

Lady walks with basket full of lavender at Emu Bay Lavender Farm on Kangaroo Island — Emu Bay Lavender Farm is one of the most beautiful lavender farms in Australia. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

5. Swim with wild dolphins

Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures demonstrates its commitment to the environment by not using bait or propellers during its tours. This is good news for eco-conscious travellers who want to frolic and swim with pods of wild dolphins off the coast of KI. Expect to swim and snorkel with between 20 to 50 wild dolphins at any one time as part of the three-hour Island Explorer Tour. If it’s tours you’re after, we’ve also revealed our top picks for Kangaroo Island tours. Give it a read.

A dolphin jumping out of the water at Kangaroo Island. — Swim with a dolphin on Kangaroo Island. (Image: Chris Bray)

6. Go quad biking

Prefer your adventure activities to be land-based? Whether you’re into hooning through the wilderness on a quad bike, sandboarding dunes at Little Sahara or quietly kayaking through picturesque countryside, the team at Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action will not only look after you but leave you wondering why it is you didn’t take up that particular sport of choice all those years ago.

Family having fun on quad bike at Little Sahara Adventure Centre on Kangaroo Island. — Quad biking on sand dunes is a must. (Image: Megan Crabb)

7. Enjoy Vivonne Bay

The beach near Vivonne Bay General Store is often voted as one of the best in the country. And there is nothing more enticing than ordering a whiting burger from the Vivonne Bay General Store and taking it down to the beach to enjoy with your toes in the sand. Wolfing down a whiting burger is considered somewhat compulsory on Kangaroo Island and the Vivonne Bay General Store is famous for them.

High shot of Vivonne Bay Jetty and the turquoise water around it. — Relax on the Vivonne Bay Jetty. (Image: Mark Elbourne)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

8. Invest in the island’s craft beer and gin industry

Kangaroo Island Spirits is Australia’s first craft distillery and the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a tasting tour of wild gin. If you prefer a craft beer, Kangaroo Island Brewery, located just outside Kingscote, serves eight craft beers as well as a decent menu in a relaxed setting. Sunny Sunday afternoon sorted.

Kangaroo Island Brewery worker walks behind bar with rustic scenery. — Kangaroo Island Brewery is the ideal relaxed vibe. (Image: Josie Withers)

9. It’s a notable wine region

Island hop in style around Kangaroo Island onboard the Kangaroo Island Trail Hopper for a hop-on, hop-off tour of key spots around Kingscote, including The Islander Estate Vineyards, where you can pick up a bottle of its award-winning Investor cabernet France. Kangaroo Island Trails also offers a full-day tasting tour that includes a stop at Bay of Shoals Wines. You can also enjoy self-drive the winery trail of Kangaroo Island’s must-visit wineries including Dudley Wines.

Two women drink wine at Gastronomo Enchanted Fig Tree on Kangaroo Island. — Kangaroo Island Trails includes lunch at Gastronomo. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

10. It’s home to the most quintessentially Australian degustation experience

There’s no place better to take an outside table and enjoy some of the finest KI produce at Sunset Food & Wine as you watch the sunset dip into the scorched earth. Add a few kangaroos to the picture and the odd birdsong and you have the degustation meal of a lifetime.

Table set for Sunset Food & Wine — Enjoy the finest Kangaroo Island produce at Sunset Food & Wine. (Image: Elise Cook)

11. There’s no place better to enjoy a road trip

Love to get behind the wheel for an hour or two of outback car karaoke? Amateur chanteuses will be thrilled with the island’s 1,600 kilometres of scenic road – mostly unsealed – snaking its way past soaring cliffs, sand dunes and the ever-present wildlife. It takes two hours and 20 minutes to drive east to west and 45 minutes north to south and yes, you will need a 4WD with powerful brakes (those kangaroos love to hop right out in front of your car).

Kombi Van is parked at Pennington Bay on Kangaroo Island. — Kangaroo Island road trips are a must. (Image: Jordan McArthur Mattea Carson)

12. A scenic ferry experience is included

Sure, there are quicker ways to get to Kangaroo Island than taking the SeaLink Ferry from Cape Jervis (around one hour and 40 minutes south of Adelaide), but airlines don’t touch the sides of what the ferry journey across to Penneshaw offers. First, there’s the scenic drive through the Fleurieu Peninsula, and then there are the wonderful people you meet during the crossing. The cherry on top? A post-ferry meal at Millie-Mae’s Pantry, located right by the ferry terminal.

Aerial shot of SeaLink Ferry Terminal on Kangaroo Island. — The scenic SeaLink Ferry is a dream. (Image: Isaac Forman, Serio)

13. Go a-fishing

For die-hard fishing fans, a fishing charter is one of the best ways to experience the waters around Kangaroo Island. Catches can include kingfish, tuna, gummy shark, squid, trevally, and much more. Fishing charters such as Emu Bay Fishing and Kangaroo Island Fishing Adventures are on hand to show you all the top fishing spots that only locals know about.

Man and boy fishing at Antechamber Bay on Kangaroo Island. — Fishing on Kangaroo Island is an unforgettable experience. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

14. You can visit Raptor Domain

This popular island conservation centre continues to thrill with its famous demonstrations of birds of prey. Visitors to Raptor Domain can expect one-hour shows featuring everything from wedge-tailed eagles to kookaburras and owls. While the centre rescues many orphaned, injured and sick birds each year, it is also home to snakes and lizards and creepy crawlies and presents a fang-tastic venom/reptile show.

Owl eating a mouse at Raptor Domain on Kangaroo Island. — Watch an owl demonstration at Raptor Domain. (Image: Tourism Australia)

15. Have a thrilling day with the kids

As well as quad biking and sand tobogganing, the Kangaroo Island Shipwreck Trail can be explored by foot or by water if you’re diving. For a laid-back afternoon out, the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery runs tours around their farm property to learn about the products that are made here.

16. This is the place for food tours

Whether you’re after a quick oyster tour or one that takes up the whole day, Kangaroo Island is still in business. For those who hunger after fresh seafood, The Oyster Farm Shop, located in American River, offers visitors a land-based tour (no trips out to their oyster leases just yet), combined with a shucking demonstration and tastings.

Luxury tour operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island offers excursions such as the one-day small group or private Fine Flavours tour, which takes in everything from oysters to honey, wine, gin, olives and olive oil, and the three-day private Fished, Farmed and Fermented tour, which invites visitors to connect with the island’s local producers as well as its landscapes and wildlife.

Person holding a handful of fresh unshucked oysters at The Oyster Farm Shop on Kangaroo Island. — Don’t resist a stop at The Oyster Farm Shop. (Image: The Oyster Farm Shop)

17. Penneshaw Market Day

If you happen to be on the island on the first Sunday of the month any time from October to April, be sure to check out Penneshaw Market Day – an event that brings the whole town alive with a selection of regional foods, musical entertainment, community activities and artisan arts and crafts. You can also buy local at Kingscote Farmers & Artisans Market and enjoy a foraged breakfast of sorts.

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18. Explore the art of the island

The residents here are a creative bunch, and you can spot the best of Kangaroo Island’s art and jewellery at creative hubs like Kangaroo Island Gallery, KI & Co, A.R. Tells a Story Gallery and Fine Art Kangaroo Island.

Couple looking at artwork at Shep's Studio in Kingscote on Kangaroo Island. — Immerse yourself in the art of the island. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

19. Support local Australian producers

Fill up your car on the island and kit out your rented accommodation with items you’ve purchased from the local supermarket. Head down to Kingscote gift shop and load up on souvenirs before popping in at every artisan enterprise and dropping cash like a Rothschild. Think Fryar’s Free-Range Eggs, D’Estrees Bakery sourdough, Kangaroo Island Fresh Garlic, Kangaroo Island Oats and Kangaroo Island Sea Salt.

Clifford's Honey Farm Honey Wheat Ale bottles with beeswax candle. — Support local on Kangaroo Island. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

20. Get honey-ed up with the island’s bees

KI is famous for its Ligurian bees, who genetically speaking, have not cross-bred with any other species. Sample the fruits of their labour and purchase some Kangaroo Island honey by visiting Kangaroo Island Living Honey, Clifford’s Honey Farm and The Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co.

Honey drips off a hive frame at Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co — Taste the famous honey made by the Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

21. Have an Instagram-friendly meal

There aren’t many other places to eat more gram friendly than The Fig Tree (formerly Gastronomo: The Enchanted Fig Tree). A sprawling fig tree that dates back over 120 years, this Snelling Beach wilderness eatery offers beautiful surroundings in the soft green leaves of the day or the fairylight-dappled evening. Needless to say, bookings are essential.

Couple dining at Gastronomo: The Enchanted Fig Tree. — You’ll definitely get the Insta shot at The Fig Tree. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

22. Spot a koala

You can get up close with one of Australia’s cutest residents at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary – which is also home to kangaroos, crimson rosellas, Tammar Wallabies, and echidnas – is one of the best places to witness and learn about the regeneration of Kangaroo Island following the the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires.

Take a Guided Koala Walk & Bushfire Ecology Tour or a Sunset Noctural Adventure Tour, or book into a beachfront cabin for true immersion in the great outdoors.

Two koalas cuddling in a tree on Kangaroo Island. — There are plenty of opportunities to see a koala. (Image: Jetabout Holidays)

23. Strap on hiking boots for a walk

From Flinders Chase National Park with the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch to the lighthouse in Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island has plenty of sites to ramble along to. Wait patiently for a tell-tale ripple on the Platypus Waterholes Walk, or climb Prospect Hill for the highest views on the island. Or go underground with a tour at Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park.

Cape Willoughby lighthouse. — Take a walk to Cape Willoughby. (Image: Gab Rivera)

Or tackle the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, a 66-kilometre five-day walk, independently or with a licensed operator such as Life’s an Adventure.

24. Beach-hop Kangaroo Island

While beaches like Emu Bay and Vivonne Bay get a big portion of the attention (well-deserved, considering the latter was once voted Australia’s number one beach), there are plenty of other spots on Kangaroo Island to set up your towel as well. Spot dolphins on Snellings Beach, and head through a cave system to get to Stokes Bay.

Couple walking through cave to get to Stokes Bay. — Walk through caves to get to Stokes Bay. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Brown Beach is family friendly with hand barbeque facilities, while the waters of Chapman River offer the chance for a freshwater dip. Fancy a surf? Pennington Bay Beach on the south coast is your best bet to catch some waves while you’re here. Need more? You can check out the entire list of top Kangaroo Island Beaches here.

Man kayaking on Chapman River. — Take a dip in Chapman River’s fresh water. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

Additional updates written by Kate Bettes

Head to our Kangaroo Island travel guide for more on what to do while you’re on the ground.

Monarto Safari Resort’s new Safari Lodge delivers so much more than a memorable stay; it’s packed full of unforgettable moments.

Just a year after the 78-room Monarto Safari Resort opened, the new Safari Lodge brings a more intimate and exclusive overnight African safari experience to Australia just outside of Adelaide. But just how similar is it to an African safari?

Consider these pinch-me moments I had during my stay and decide for yourself.

1. Cheetah sightings at check-in

monarto safari lodge cheetahs — Spot cheetahs before you even check in.

Safari Lodge is set within the Wild Africa precinct of the expansive, open-range Monarto Safari Park. I expected to see animals, but I didn’t expect to see two cheetahs stalking the fenceline just behind my tent at check-in.

I cross the paddock to get a closer look. Both are now perched like a sphinx on a hill overlooking the 20 premium tents that make up Safari Lodge. I stand here, locked in place, waiting to see if they make a move. After 10 minutes like this, I turn to get settled into the tent but throw a final look in their direction; they’ve slinked back down, now barely visible in the grass. I’m sure I’ll be dreaming about this encounter later tonight.

2. Sipping champagne as a giraffe sips from a waterhole

giraffes at monarto safari lodge — Enjoy champagne while meeting the locals. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

The all-inclusive stay includes a 2.5-hour Sunset Safari that takes guests into the Wild Africa precinct onboard a purpose-built Safari Land Cruiser for a chance to see free-roaming herds of African animals up close.

The safari drive culminates in a champagne and canapé stop in a fenced and sheltered viewing area of the precinct. A chance to watch the sun set as animals gather around one of the many waterholes. And we’re in luck! Two giraffes are stripping leaves from a nearby tree as three white rhinos graze to my right. One giraffe starts galloping, in that funny head-bobbing way giraffes do, to the water’s edge. It splays its legs and bends its long neck down to start slurping up water. I find giraffes endlessly entertaining, and sipping champagne while watching the scene play out is the icing on the cake.

3. A rain shower with views of a waterhole where African animals gather

monarto safari lodge King Safari Tent — Enjoy views from the King Safari Tent.

I am staying in tent 17, one of the best positioned tents for animal encounters, due to its proximity to the waterhole. Not only does the spacious 71-square-metre King Safari Tent feature a king bed, lounge area, separate dressing room with kitchenette, coffee machine, kettle and fully stocked mini bar, and ensuite bathroom. But you can even glimpse the waterhole from the rain shower. It’s thoughtful details like this that keep you connected to the safari experience no matter where you are located.

4. Feeding lions from within a caged dome

Lion 360 experience at monarto safari resort — Step into the Lion 360 experience. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

Monarto Safari Park isn’t a zoo. Set across 1500 hectares of South Australian bushland, it’s an expansive safari experience. It’s been designed to support complex social groupings, natural behaviours and long-term species management. Entry is included for guests, but I’ve decided to upgrade my experience with tickets to Lion 360.

Senior Keeper Rachel Hemming herds 15 of us into a domed cage for the unique lion feeding experience. She leads Monarto’s care and conservation breeding programs for their iconic big cats. “Make sure you don’t get too close to the edge of the cage; the lions like to mark their territory,” she warns.

She starts making cat-like calls to Kubwa, Kashka and Kito, the three male lions lazing somewhere out of sight behind the tree line in the distance. The promise of food eventually lures the lions over. I’m in awe of their size as they pace back and forth, pausing to take the meat as it’s fed to them via tongs.

In her excitement, one lady has inched too close; a lion takes aim and hits his mark before she realises her mistake. I see her leaving the gift shop with a new jacket not long after the tour ends.

5. A swim in a private plunge pool with a floating charcuterie board

Monarto safari Lodge swim in a private plunge pool with a floating charcuterie board — Tuck into a poolside treat. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

The Safari Lodge reception is also home to a restaurant and bar, heated swimming pool and several private plunge pools available to book. After a morning spent at Monarto Safari Park, a dip in one of the private plunge pools sounds too good to skip.

I change into my swimmers and make my way to the lodge. A generous charcuterie board arrives shortly after I slip into the pool. I’m told floating trays are already on order, but picking at the selection of cheeses, meats, nuts and fruit while perched on the edge sipping champagne is just as indulgent as it is having it float in the water. I never make it to the gym or pickleball court beside the lodge, but I have no regrets.

6. A front-row seat to a male rhino rejected by two females

male rhino grazing — Watch a rhino’s unlucky day. (Credit: Lucas Alexander)

Louis Tonkin, our Wild Africa Tour host, is giddy with excitement when he spots the three white rhinos on our Sunset Safari drive. He has an inkling that we’re about to get a show.

He pulls to the side and tells us what terrible eyesight white rhinos have, struggling to spot a motionless animal or object even from a short distance. However, they make up for it with acute hearing and an incredible sense of smell. Which explains why the larger male rhino is methodically creeping towards the two disinterested females grazing metres in front of him, then suddenly freezing on the spot. He’s hoping one will be open to mating with him. He takes another wary shuffle forward and suddenly the smaller of the two turns and charges towards him, butting him hard with her head. It’s a firm no. The male, denied, sheepishly backs away.

7. Watching a dazzle of zebra from the comfort of a luxury safari tent

monarto safari resort zebra — Wildlife encounters abound.

Rain clouds loom, and the wind is howling, but thankfully it hasn’t deterred the zebras. I’m brewing a cup of Monarto’s Serengé-T – a vanilla rooibos blended with Daintree black tea and butterfly pea flower when I spot them. Six zebras are prancing across the plains for a drink at the waterhole. I watch their antics from the deck of my King Safari Tent, wrapped in a merino blanket made by Australian-owned Grampians Good Co. and marvel at the fact I get a front-row show to these wild animals.

After they disappear from view, I sit with the sketch pad and pencils I find in the cupboard and start drawing some of my most memorable animal encounters from the weekend – starting with the two hippos I saw ravenously munching on grass at dusk as we made our way out of the Wild Africa precinct last night. This really is as close to an authentic safari experience as you can get outside of Africa.

Start planning a wild stay in the luxurious Safari Lodge at monartosafariresort.com.