Best time to visit:
Though
this tropical island is an ideal vacation destination to hop in
throughout the year, Kangaroo island’s unspoiled luscious landscapes and
abundant wildlife beauty can be enjoyed most during the spring season between
September and November. The island with long sunny days showcases wader
(long-legged) birds from Siberia and kangaroos in their mother’s pouch, sea
lions, fairy penguins and native birds during the spring season. The nights get
a little colder than the days.
Visiting the island in the summers (December till February) may not be a very good idea; chances are that you might miss out on wildlife as they retreat in order to shelter themselves from day’s heat.
If you want to avoid the crowd, June, July and August are excellent and peaceful months to visit Kangaroo Island. Some places are closed in these winter months therefore prior bookings in hotels is recommended else finding an accommodation can be daunting.
Although the island boasts of stunning beaches with clear blue waters, the open ocean is not safe for scuba diving and swimming alone as shark attacks are a threat to Australian coastline.
Visiting the island in the summers (December till February) may not be a very good idea; chances are that you might miss out on wildlife as they retreat in order to shelter themselves from day’s heat.
If you want to avoid the crowd, June, July and August are excellent and peaceful months to visit Kangaroo Island. Some places are closed in these winter months therefore prior bookings in hotels is recommended else finding an accommodation can be daunting.
Although the island boasts of stunning beaches with clear blue waters, the open ocean is not safe for scuba diving and swimming alone as shark attacks are a threat to Australian coastline.
Activities
Beaches:
Head to Emu Bay for a dip in the blue ocean or a lazy day on beach. In the
evening there is a Penguin feeding when these gentle creatures waddle up for
their share of the pie!
Scuba diving/ Surfing - Divers can delve into the spectacular underwater realm and view some amazing marine life. Thanks to lots of shipwrecks off the Coast of Kangaroo Island, scuba diving can be a very interesting experience. The waters are clear and you can also dive with fur seals and bump into 30 cm long sea dragons. Even beginners can take part in this activity. Penington Bay is great surfing area with great breaks as is Vivonne and Stokes Bay – so check them out! For other activities you can check for tours of Seal Bay, Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park, Cape Borda and Cape Willoughby. You could do a coach tour or by a 4 Wheel Drive and carry on the short cruises, walking tours, farm trips etc.
Sightseeing
Kingscote
is
the largest town on the island and was settled in 1836. There is great
swimming in the tidal pool in the town, but for a really good swim, head out
to Emu Bay. Pelican feeding time is every evening at 4 pm and you can
discover penguins on a Discovering Penguins Walk. Don’t miss out on the
islands sheep dairy and cheese factory to shamelessly dig into the goodies.
The last Eucalyptus Distillery left on the island is also worth a look.
The Flinders Chase National Park is by far the best park on the island. You’ll find loads of wildlife and lovely tall forests. There are nice walking trails, a cemetery and even a lighthouse built in 1858 that has some interesting stories to tell. If you''re into diving, then diving tours are available along with abseiling, canoeing, rock climbing and scuba diving even for beginners. Prospect Hill and Reeves Point are excellent look out spots. Climb all the way to the top and take in the glorious views
Shopping
The
best thing that one can shop for is wines, cheeses and art!
You can buy your supplies from the local markets and if you plan to visit remote areas then stock up before you leave. Shops outside the main towns are few and more expensive. |
Events and festivals
Kangaroo
Island Gourmet Gallop
is a veritable feast of great food, wine and world class cheese. Be sure not to
miss this one – takes place generally in February.
The KMB Penneshaw Easter Art Exhibition takes place in April and is a showcase for artists who proudly display their art work. Again, a not to be missed event!
The Kangaroo Island art Festival is another well attended event that takes place on October. This festival is held in celebration of art, food and wine and the best of art works and creativity are brought to the fore – great enthusiasm is generated at this festival.
The KMB Penneshaw Easter Art Exhibition takes place in April and is a showcase for artists who proudly display their art work. Again, a not to be missed event!
The Kangaroo Island art Festival is another well attended event that takes place on October. This festival is held in celebration of art, food and wine and the best of art works and creativity are brought to the fore – great enthusiasm is generated at this festival.
THINGS
TO DO ON KANGAROO ISLAND
Kangaroo
Island has a number of sites where Guided Tours are conducted by National Parks
and Wildlife SA. If you have the time to see them all or intend to come back to
the Island within the year, we recommend that you get yourself an Islands
Parks Pass. It is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase (but is not
transferable) and gives you unlimited access to:
- Seal Bay Guided Beach
Tour, Boardwalk and Lookout entry
(appr. 45 minutes)
- Kelly Hill Show Cave Tour (appr. 40 minutes)
- Cape Borda Lightstation
Tour
(appr. 45 minutes)
- Cape Willoughby
Lightstation tour
(appr. 45 minutes) and the
- Flinders Chase National
Park,
where you can stay as long as you like, until sunset.
The
cost of the Island Parks Pass is $121 for a family, $45 for an adult, $
35.50 for Concession holders and $27 for a child. If you are unable to visit
all the sites, it is better to make separate bookings for the various tours.
For your convenience we have listed below the ENTRY FEES for the various
tours. Just click on the links above to see the relevant information.
Definitions
Definitions
- Family: 2 adults and their
children
- Adult: person 15 years and
over
- Child: person aged 3-14
years of age inclusive
- Under 3 years of age - no
charge
- Concession - a person who
holds a current
- Commonwealth Pensioner
Concession card or Seniors Card
- Health Care card
- South Australian
Concession card or Seniors card
- Student card (secondary
or tertiary
SEAL
BAY BEACH (Phone)
Contrary to what many people think, Kangaroo Island's famous Seal Bay Beach is not really open to the public in the sense that you cannot just front up and walk down to the beach: the only way to enter the beach and meet the sea lions is to go there with a Ranger on a Guided Tour. Alternatively, if you just want to look at the sea lions, you can view them from the Lookout and the Boardwalk.
Contrary to what many people think, Kangaroo Island's famous Seal Bay Beach is not really open to the public in the sense that you cannot just front up and walk down to the beach: the only way to enter the beach and meet the sea lions is to go there with a Ranger on a Guided Tour. Alternatively, if you just want to look at the sea lions, you can view them from the Lookout and the Boardwalk.
SEAL
BAY ENTRY FEES
|
Adult
|
Concession
|
Child
|
Family
|
Beach
Tour including Boardwalk and Lookout
|
$13.50
|
$10.75
|
$8.00
|
$36.50
|
KELLY HILL CAVES (Phone)
The Island Park Pass includes a tour of the Show Cave, but if you are into speleology you can arrange to see other caves, provided you are with a group of 4 people over the age of 8 years and make a booking.
Kelly
Hill Caves
|
Adult
|
Concession
|
Child
|
Family
|
Show
Cave Tour
|
$11.50
|
$9.00
|
$7.00
|
$31.00
|
CAPE BORDA LIGHTSTATION (Phone)
The Island Park Pass includes a tour of Cape Borda Lightstation, on the western side of the island, where they fire the canon daily around 12.30pm.
Cape
Borda
|
Adult
|
Concession
|
Child
|
Family
|
Lightstation
Tour
|
$11.50
|
$9.00
|
$7.00
|
$31.00
|
CAPE WILLOUGHBY LIGHTSTATION (Phone)
The Island Park Pass includes a tour of Cape Willoughby Lightstation, on the eastern side of the island.
Cape
Willoughby
|
Adult
|
Concession
|
Child
|
Family
|
Lightstation
Tour
|
$11.50
|
$9.00
|
$7.00
|
$31.00
|
FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK (Phone)
The Flinders Chase Visitor Centre is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas Day.
Flinders
Chase
|
Adult
|
Concession
|
Child
|
Family
|
Permit
to enter Flinders Chase
|
$8.00
|
$6.50
|
$4.50
|
$20.00
|
Other
places to visit
The
Little Sahara is an extensive area of fine, brilliant white drifting sand dunes
swept up into razor-backed ridges by constant southerly winds. Steep gullies
have been formed between the dunes and visitors derive great joy, after a
strenuous climb up, in rolling down into the gullies. The dunes are surrounded
by native vegetation, but there is very little growth on the dunes themselves.
Vivonne
Bay
Vivonne
Bay is the only bay on the South Coast to provide shelter for fishing vessels
for the 145 kms of this coastline. It is home to most of the island's lobster
fleet which unload their catch on the jetty for transport to the airport for
mainland and overseas export purposes. A small township exists with a
population of approximately 50 people. At nearby Point Ellen is a small guiding
lighthouse, home to many fairy penguins and bizarre rock formations.
Hanson
Bay Sanctuary
This
sanctuary is home to a large number of koalas. As you stroll down the Manna Gum
lined track, you are given a rare opportunity to view these beautiful animals
in their natural habitat at relatively close range.
Rocky
River
This
small cleared area in the heart of a Sugar Gum forest has become well known for
the large number of kangaroos, wallabies and Cape Barren geese that graze
there. This is the site where a sole farmhouse existed from 1862 for
approximately 67 years. The cleared area is where the farm was cropped and
grazing was established. It has been a National Park since 1919 and this area is
the Park Headquarters.
Remarkable
Rocks
Nature
has carved the well-named Remarkable Rocks. On top of a huge dome-shaped
granite mound are many weirdly shaped granite boulders. Their cavernous shell
like appearance is a result of rock being dissolved. Water collecting in cracks
and on surfaces, is protected from sunlight and wind, and gradually weathers
the rocks. The microscopic roots of the orange coloured lichen further contribute
to this weathering. This is an Australian geographical oddity, attracting
visitors from all over the world.
Cape
Du Couedic - Admiral's Arch and Lighthouse
Cape
du Couedic is the southwest extremity of Kangaroo Island. It was named by
French explorer, Captain Nicolas Baudin in 1803. Offshore lies the Casuarina
Islets, known to locals as The Brothers.
Seen from the Cape, Admiral's Arch is a spectacular limestone cave framing spray-drenched rock slabs and sea. New Zealand fur seals can been seen basking on the rock slabs below the Arch and as they pit their skills against the rough ocean waters.
The Cape's Lighthouse was completed in 1909 and stands over 300 feet above sea level. There are three houses just below the lighthouse, which have been restored, that were originally built for lightkeepers who watched over the area.
Seen from the Cape, Admiral's Arch is a spectacular limestone cave framing spray-drenched rock slabs and sea. New Zealand fur seals can been seen basking on the rock slabs below the Arch and as they pit their skills against the rough ocean waters.
The Cape's Lighthouse was completed in 1909 and stands over 300 feet above sea level. There are three houses just below the lighthouse, which have been restored, that were originally built for lightkeepers who watched over the area.
Weir's
Cove
Following
three major shipwrecks in the area at the turn of the century, the lighthouse
was built. With no established roads, all building materials were required to be
brought by sea being landed at Weir's Cove via a flying fox. This landing was
critical for the ongoing supplies of food, clothing etc. arriving at 3-monthly
intervals for lightkeepers and their families. The ruins of the storeroom atop
Weir's Cove still exist.
Parndana
Wildlife Park
The
award-winning Parndana Wildlife Park offers visitors an opportunity to view
closely many of the Island's native animal and bird inhabitants. Handfeeding of
kangaroos, patting a koala and a walk through the aviary are part of a really
enjoyable 'animal hour'.
Parndana
Soldier Settlement Museum
The
Musuem was opened on 21 October 2001 to coincide with the year celebrating the
Centenary of Federation. A walk through this Museum gives passers-by an
extraordinary glimpse of people's lives who came to the Island with virtually
nothing and made farms, built schools, halls, sporting grounds and churches -
they are the Island's 'modern' pioneers as they created history to triumph over
great hardship. A very humbling experience.
Western
River Cove
As you
travel along the Yacca lined track into Western River Cove, you will see some
of the most delightful scenery on the Island. A little footbridge across the
river allows visitors to walk down to the sandy cove, unspoilt beach and rockpools.
The hillsides are covered with sheoaks whilst picturesque rock formations and
cliffs slope outwards to the sea.
Constitution
Hill
Constitution
Hill overlooks some of the Island's most tranquil beauty as you look out over
the North coastline. The scene features a meandering river and gently contoured
hills approaching the mouth of the Middle River and the white sands of
Snellings Beach.
Snellings
Beach
At the
mouth of the Middle River, Snellings Beach is excellent for swimming, surf
fishing, a picnic lunch, stroll or rock fishing. The beautiful white sandy
beach is quiet and peaceful.
Stokes
Bay
An
unusual walk of discovery through a cliff of great limestone boulders brings
you to a fine white sandy beach, protected on all landward sides by cliffs. The
natural rock pool at Stokes Bay is an ideal safe swimming and paddling area for
children. The beach is a perfect spot for picnics and fishing.
Paul's
Place
Paul's
Place is a unique menagerie of Australian native wildlife and farm life. The
tour allows visitors to enjoy hand-feeding many native and farm animals.
Visitors can also nurse young kangaroos, possums and koalas and gain a close
view of a variety of animal and bird life. Miniature horse rides and sheep
shearing display are a must for children.
Historic
Wisanger School
Take a
journey into yesteryear as you enter the historic Wisanger School. Built in
1884, the school continued to be used for teaching until 1945. It was lovingly
restored and reopened in 1983, using local stone and funding. Much of the
school's history is set out in organised displays.
Emu
Bay
Emu
Bay is ideal for surf fishing, swimming and camping. Once proposed as the site
for the Island's main township, Emu Bay is now predominantly a holiday village
although there is a small resident population. There is a beautiful long white
sandy beach with a playground and picnic facilities on the foreshore. There is
also a boat ramp.
Emu
Bay Lavender Farm
On
your way to or from Emu Bay, call in at the Emu Bay Lavender Farm and
taste/sample their products (the Lavender-and-Strawberry ice-creams are
great!). Wander amongst the flowering lavender bushes in summer or browse through
their shop - they have lavender gifts, crafts and products for sale. As well as
lavender, the farm also produces strawberies. There are BBQ facilites, a
sheltered eating area and toilet facilities. This attraction was opened in
September 2005.
Island
Beehive
Visitors
to this interpretative centre and cafe on the outskirts of Kingscote can view
the production facility, sample the award-winning honey, learn about our gentle
hard-working Ligurian bee, the environment, organic honey production,
pollination and quarantine. When you have completed the tour, you can sit down
and enjoy real coffee or tea, with scones, honey and cream.
Clifford's
Honey Farm
Kangaroo
Island is the home to the world's only pure strain of Ligurian bee. As Kangaroo
Island is a bee sanctuary it is illegal to bring any honey products on to the
Island in order to prevent diseases entering this bee sanctuary. At Clifford's
Honey Farm, opened in 1993, visitors can see the bees at work in a glass hive as
well as receive information on bee handling and extraction, and taste a variety
of honey produced.
Eucalyptus
Oil Distillery
The
'Emu Ridge' Eucalyptus Oil Distillery was first established by the
pharmaceutical's manufacturer F.H. Faulding in 1923 along with many other
Kangaroo Island distilleries during the 1920's where there is a high
concentration of the naturally occurring oil producing tree 'Eucalyptus
cneorifolia'. The Still was revitalised in 1991 and with regular production
each week, using century old methods, oil is distributed throughout Australia.
Island
Pure Sheep Dairy
The
dairy opened its doors to the public in September 1995 and offers visitors a
first hand glimpse of the making of sheep dairy products from the milking to
the tasting. Visitors are shown a video of the cheese and yoghurt making
process and can view the milking through large viewing windows. The tour
includes a tasting session where you can sample the five different types of
cheeses made and two types of yoghurt. Bon appetit!
Duck
Lagoon
The
site of a once productive farm and eucalyptus oil disillery, it is now a public
park which provides a beautiful setting to observe freshwater bird life
including Mountain, Shell and Musk ducks, Ibis and Spoonbill. Wooden 'hides'
allow close viewing of the birds without interruption and a number of large gum
trees in and around the waters edge are host to both birds and the occasional
koala.
Penneshaw
Situated
on the picturesque Hog Bay, Penneshaw is a small coastal town with a population
of around 350 people. The closest port to the mainland, 15 kms between Cape
Jervis and Penneshaw, it is here that a French scientific expedition landed in
1803 and left an indelible reminder at Frenchman's Rock of their visit. This
port is now the Island's sole connection to the mainland for vehicular traffic
via ferry.
KI
Gateway Information Centre
Opened
in 1996, the Centre is run by Tourism Kangaroo Island. It is located at
Penneshaw and has a range of souvenirs and interpretive displays of the Island;
as well as holding tourist and accommodation information for local and
intrastate operators. Visitors can admire the intricate history of the Island
as it is presented on locally made terracotta tiles at the entrance of the
Centre.
Frenchman's
Rock
The
Information Centre is home to the original Frenchman's Rock. In 1803 Captain
Nicolas Baudin, a French explorer, anchored in Hog Bay and sent a party ashore
to find fresh meat and water. While waiting for the water casks to fill, one of
the sailers carved on a nearby rock 'Expedition de decouverte par le commandant
Baudin sur le Geograpghe 1803'. Translated it reads 'Expedition of discovery by
Captain Baudin in Geographe 1803'. The rock was transferred from its original
site at Hog Bay foreshore into the Centre for preservation purposes. A replica
can still be seen on the Hog Bay foreshore.
Sunset
Winery
The
first winery to open its doors to the public, you can sip on delicious Island
wines whilst looking out over the spectacular North Coast of Kangaroo Island. A
place for adults to relax and enjoy the view. Tastings are served with a
platter of Island cheeses and biscuits.
Chapman's
River and Antechamber Bay
The
Dudley Peninsula's most eastern river, spills out via Lashmar Lagoon on to
Antechamber Bay. A walk across the wooden walkway over the river is often
rewarded with schooling Bream and Mullet always keen to receive handfuls of
supplied fish food.
Windmill
Beach
Just
one kilometre from the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse are the remains of an old
stone tank and sheep trough just metres from the sea. You'll be amazed at the
huge rounded lichen-covered granite boulders, and 'forty-five degree bushes' on
the shores of the crashing Southern ocean.
American
Beach
A
popular destination as it has a safe swimming beach with beautiful white sands
in a quiet and peaceful location. It also has a boat ramp for fishing and
sailing enthusiasts.
Pennington
Bay
Pennington
Bay is one of the most beautiful bays on the Island. It forms part of Flinders
Isthmus, only hundreds of metres wide which connects Dudley Peninsula to the
main part of the Island. This bay is a regular surf-fishing spot and also a
popular surfing destination.
Pelican
Lagoon Foreshore
Travel
along the Lagoon's edge observing bird life including pelicans, black swans,
musk ducks, cormorants, superb blue wrens and sometimes even the elusive
osprey. Visit historic sites at the salt loading jetty at Muston and the
American boat building site.
American
River
First
discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802. The following year an American brig
sailed in and during a four month stay the crew built the Independence using
local timber. It is from this event that the town received its name. BBQ areas
on the foreshore in and near the township are good spots for bird watching.
During the evening wallabies and other nocturnal animals can be seen around the
township. A feature of the town is the magnificent carpet of freesias which
bloom at the end of August. They are followed by well-known wildflowers that
adorn the Island's roadsides.
Prospect
Hill
Named
Prospect Hill by Captain Matthew Flinders, the hill provides an excellent view
of Pelican Lagoon, American River, the Southern Ocean and Pennington Bay. There
are 512 steps to the top of the viewing area, with very worthwhile rewards.
Jumbuck
Australiana
At
Jumbuck Australiana visitors watch sheep dogs working the flock, see sheep
being shorn, learn about hand wool spinning and gain an understanding of the
history of the local wool industry. The entire presentation is conducted by a
local farmer and his sheep dogs.
A
Maze "N' Fun
Australia's
largest hedge maze - over 2 km of pathways, provides great outdoor activities
for adults and children alike. Activities including train rides on the
"Rainbow Special" through the trees and around the lake, a crazy gold
course, catch and return fishing, playground and on-site barbecues, and of
course, the maze.
Kangaroo Island Marine Centre
- Penguin Tours - Pelican Feeding (Kingscote
based)
Discover some of the cool southern ocean's most interesting sea creatures including sea horses, sea anemones and wrasse. From here each evening you can join a guided tour of both the Fairy Penguin colony and our Salt Water Aquariums and understand more about the fascinating sea life of Kangaroo Island's rock pools, sea gardens, reefs and open seas. At 5.00 pm each day, you can watch the Pelican's and other sea birds being fed by the adjacent small jetty.
Discover some of the cool southern ocean's most interesting sea creatures including sea horses, sea anemones and wrasse. From here each evening you can join a guided tour of both the Fairy Penguin colony and our Salt Water Aquariums and understand more about the fascinating sea life of Kangaroo Island's rock pools, sea gardens, reefs and open seas. At 5.00 pm each day, you can watch the Pelican's and other sea birds being fed by the adjacent small jetty.
Hope Cottage Museum
This Museum, located in Kingscote, offers a
fascinating insight into the Island's unique history and heritage. Being the
first official South Australian settlement in 1836. As you enter the Museum you
will see the impressive lighthouse which served Cape Willoughby from 1923, and
when decommissioned, it was transferred to Kingscote by the National Trust.
Other highlights of the Museum include - Hope Cottage built in 1859; a unique
display from the Island's Masonic Lodge; the Laundry display; Farm Machinery;
Black Smith Shop; Stationary Engines from 1898; and Tractors from 1920's etc.
Kangaroo Island Gallery
Be tempted by the Gallery's collection of locally
produced jewellery, arts and crafts, paintings, pottery, woodcraft, hand
painted silk and much more. Well worth a look and easy to find in Murray
Street, Kingscote.
Kingscote Swimming Pool
A seawater tidal pool provides safe swimming for
everyone. Located on the Esplanade in Kingscote, the grassy banks and shelters
are ideal for a family picnic, and best of all, it's free!
Kingscote Play Ground
Watch your children play on the colourful foreshore
Lions Play Ground surrounded by fresh air and sea views. Barbecue and toilet
facilities are adjacent to the playground.
Pelican Feeding
My goodness, those Pelicans know when its feeding
time... join them at the Kingscote wharf (small jetty) at 5.00pm each day, when
Pelicans fly in from everywhere, along with a number of other seabirds for
their daily feed of fish. Our local "Pelican Man" provides a very
informative talk while he feeds the Pelicans.
Marine Nature Adventure
The Island's first Marine Tour operator can now
provide our guests with an exciting new experience viewing marine life
including swimming with our local dolphins and cruising around our beautiful
North coastline to see magnificent cliffs and secluded beaches, and a variety
of bird life etc. An unforgettable experience by those who want to relax on the
sea. For those wanting a bit of an adrenalin rush try their Ocean Extreme Ride
for some high speed action.
Kangaroo
Island Marine Centre
Located
in the Kingscote Jetty area, the Marine Centre allows visitors to see some of
the southern ocean's most interesting sea creatures including sea horses, sea
anemones and wrasse. In the evening, visitors can join guided tours to the
Fairy Penguin colony and find out more about the Island's fascinating marine
life.
Bay
of Shoals Wines
Navigate
your way to their vineyard which overlooks the Bay of Shoals and Reeves Point
just north of Kingscote. Here you can taste their range of local wines. A
relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Andermel
Marron and Two Wheeler Creek Wines
Located
centrally between the South Coast road and Playford highway, this complex
offers visitors a unique combination of marron and wine in very pleasant rural
surroundings. Their newly opened Marron Cafe provides visitors with a rare
opportunity to have a meal of locally grown marron and enjoy a sip of their
best wine in the process. How good can life get!
Something
else
Some
of the attractions on Kangaroo Island have seasonal opening times which should
be checked prior to visitation. There are a number of other options for
visitors which may require advance bookings. On this page we have listed the
things most people are interested in when they come to Kangaroo Island. But
there's quite a bit more and if you have a special interest, eg diving, bird
watching, fishing, chartering a boat, whatever, let us know and we are sure to
have some suggestions for you.
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