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Discover Australia’s premier natural sanctuary with our detailed 4-day itinerary of Kangaroo Island. From wildlife to paradise beaches, follow Mickael’s expert advice for an unforgettable road trip in South Australia.
Before embarking on this unique Australian adventure, here are some essential tips to properly prepare for your stay on Kangaroo Island.
Favor the off-season, outside Australian school holidays, to fully enjoy each site with fewer crowds. Temperatures are milder and prices more affordable.
The first day will take you from Adelaide city to your first night on Kangaroo Island.
After picking up your van in Adelaide, head to Cape Jervis to board the ferry. We recommend the afternoon departure around 4pm, which gives you time to do your shopping on the way.
Depending on available time, enjoy one of these stops on your way to Cape Jervis:
After approximately 45 minutes of crossing, you will arrive at Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.
This intense day will introduce you to the island’s must-sees, from the sea lion colony to spectacular rock formations.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery: Start your day by discovering this unique distillery. An explanatory video will present the property’s history and the eucalyptus oil manufacturing process. The shop offers eucalyptus-based derivative products, and an on-site café serves hot drinks and light meals.
Seal Bay: No trip to Kangaroo Island would be complete without this visit. Seal Bay has been home to a colony of Australian sea lions for millennia and offers one of the most exceptional natural experiences in the world. Two options are available:
Vivonne Bay General Store: Stop to taste their famous fish burger or other “homemade” dishes. It’s also a place to refuel or buy some supplies.
Vivonne Bay Beach: Take a detour to this beautiful beach (unpaved road in red sand). The nuances between the red sand, vegetation, and ocean create a sublime landscape.
Don’t forget to pay the entrance fee at the information center (about $10 per person).
Rocky River: Walk in this wild place renowned for its spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife. The hike follows the Rocky River through eucalyptus forests, wetlands, and open meadows. It’s the ideal place to observe kangaroos, echidnas, and koalas.
Cape du Couedic and Admirals Arch: Stop to photograph Cape du Couedic lighthouse before taking a downhill path leading to Admirals Arch, a natural rock formation sculpted by marine erosion for millennia. Along the way, watch for sea lions on the rocks and, depending on the season, whales on the horizon.
Remarkable Rocks: This impressive site, my favorite, features imposing granite blocks precariously balanced above the ocean. Sculpted by erosion for about 500 million years, these rocks are covered with golden and orange lichen offering magnificent photographic opportunities. In late afternoon, the orange reflections of the setting sun on the rocks create an unforgettable spectacle.
This day will introduce you to the island’s north coast, between historic lighthouses and exceptional beaches.
Perched on cliffs overlooking the Investigator Strait, this unique square-shaped lighthouse was built in 1858. A self-guided tour will immerse you in the daily life of the first lighthouse keepers, marked by isolation and a demanding routine.
After the visit, enjoy a walk on the Cliff Top Hike trail. This short route crosses a magnificent rock garden and leads to a stone lookout, offering an ideal vantage point for observing whales (depending on the season) and dolphins.
Continue your route to Stokes Bay, one of the island’s hidden gems. Near the parking lot, a small kiosk/café welcomes you for a coffee break or snack.
Voted the most beautiful beach in Australia in 2023, this idyllic cove is the perfect place to relax by the water. After parking your vehicle, cross a small labyrinth of caves before emerging onto one of the whitest sands and most crystal-clear waters in Australia.
Proceed to Emu Bay for your lunch break. Enjoy the seaside picnic area equipped with self-service BBQs. The place is frequented by thousands of white cockatoos, offering an impressive natural spectacle.
When leaving Emu Bay towards Kingscote, don’t miss stopping at the lavender farm. A charming little café awaits you in an enchanting setting, as well as a shop offering products made from locally grown lavender.
To return to civilisation, head to Kingscote, Kangaroo Island’s largest town, located on Nepean Bay.
Where to Eat in Kingscote
Where to Drink in Kingscote
It’s also the ideal place to stock up on groceries or refuel if necessary.
For the night, head to American River campground. Most sites offer a view of the bay, surrounded by Australian bush and extending to the mainland.
Don’t miss savoring fresh oysters at the Oyster Farm Shop, harvested just 200 meters from the restaurant.
Your last day on Kangaroo Island will be devoted to a few final discoveries before catching the ferry back.
After a good breakfast overlooking American River lagoon, head to Mount Thisby Lookout. Climb the 500 steps to the top of Prospect Hill, Kangaroo Island’s highest point. You’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the island. Information panels at the lookout will enlighten you about the place’s history and geography.
Next, head to Pennington Bay Beach, a beautiful bay renowned for surfing thanks to its powerful waves. Caution is advised for swimming as the sea can be rough. The landscape is spectacular, with wild nature and abundant wildlife. This beach is only two kilometres from the main Hog Bay Road.
Before taking the ferry in the afternoon, treat yourself to one last stop at Dudley Wines, Kangaroo Island’s first winery, founded in 1997. Its Cellar Door is located 12 kilometres from Penneshaw, on the cliffs of the island’s magnificent north coast.
Settle on the terrace for a moment of relaxation, enjoying a breathtaking view of the Australian mainland. Taste Dudley’s local wines accompanied by a charcuterie and cheese platter or a pizza. All their wines are vegan and contain low sulfur, respecting their commitment to sustainable practices in all aspects of their business.
The time has come to leave this magical place after a beautiful Australian adventure. You’ll take with you the memory of a unique blend of incredible fauna and flora, delicious local products, and nearly deserted beaches with white sand and turquoise waters.
The best period is outside Australian school holidays to enjoy the sites with fewer tourists. The months from March to May and September to November offer pleasant weather and particularly active wildlife.
Yes, but not all rental companies allow it. Contact us to find out which rental companies allow crossing with their vehicle.
No, most main attractions are accessible by paved roads. However, some sites require a 4WD vehicle. Our itinerary has been designed to be achievable in a standard van.
Discovery Park near Flinders Chase National Park is one of the best places to observe koalas in the wild. Keep your eyes up toward the eucalyptus trees where they usually rest during the day.
Observe animals from a distance without feeding them. Avoid driving at dusk and dawn to minimise collision risks. Don’t disturb the sea lions at Seal Bay and always follow guide instructions.
This 4-day itinerary of Kangaroo Island has been prepared by the Vanz Travel team, specialist in van adventures in Australia. For more information or to book your van, contact us.
Photo credits tourism australia
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