Experience a different kind of island escape on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. Just a 35-minute flight from Adelaide or a 45-minute ferry from Cape Jervis, it’s a place where crystalline waters lap sparkling white-sand bays, vineyards spill down rolling hills, and kangaroos outnumber the island’s down-to-earth locals by around 13 to one. Whether you’re into nature walks, wildlife watching, adventure activities, or simply relaxing over a seafood feast and a glass of cool-climate wine, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to indulge on ‘KI’. Nestled in a private registered wildlife sanctuary in the heart of the 4416-square-kilometre island, Ecopia Retreat offers the perfect eco-luxury base. Start planning your visit with our guide to the best things to see and do on Kangaroo Island.
National parks and conservation areas cover more than 40 per cent of Kangaroo Island, providing an important habitat for native wildlife and a natural playground for visitors.
The mighty Southern Ocean pounds the dramatic cliffs of Flinders Chase National Park at the island’s southwestern tip. Start your visit at its state-of-the-art visitor centre opened in 2024 with interactive displays and a cafe. A park highlight is the Remarkable Rocks, a dramatic cluster of granite boulders sculpted by the wind, rain and sea spray over millennia. Another must-see is Admirals Arch, a natural rock arch where you’re likely to spot long-nosed fur seals from the boardwalk beginning just beyond the striking Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. Admire more marine mammals at the Seal Bay Conservation Park, where a boardwalk weaves through coastal dunes to a beautiful beach beloved by Australian sea lions.
The boardwalks at Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch are all wheelchair accessible, though there is also a set of stairs at Admirals Arch. Complete with their own wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, Ecopia Retreat’s spacious, single-level Eco Villas were also designed with accessibility in mind.
More mobile visitors can also head underground to explore the magical limestone cave system in Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park, which reopened in December 2023 with a new audiovisual experience.
At the island’s far eastern tip, the Cape Willoughby Conservation Park is home to South Australia’s oldest lighthouse, with tours available daily. Kangaroo Island’s southernmost point, meanwhile, is protected by the wild expanse of Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park. Camping is another great way to experience Kangaroo Island’s national parks and conservation areas – Lashmar Conservation Park, for example, has two peaceful, protected campgrounds. Camping fans will also find a number of privately owned caravan and camping parks dotted around the island.
Kangaroo Island is laced with scenic walking and hiking trails suitable for all abilities. If you’re arriving on the island by ferry, start with the Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail near the ferry terminal in Penneshaw, where a 1.5-kilometre walking trail meanders through a 4.5-hectare dune landscape studded with intriguing art pieces.
Feel your legs burn on the 500-step climb to the top of Prospect Hill, the highest point on Kangaroo Island, for sweeping views across Pelican Lagoon, Pennington Bay and beyond. Or immerse more deeply in the natural landscape on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, a five-day, 66-kilometre walking trail offering unparalleled access to some of the most rugged, remote and soul-stirring coastlines in South Australia. Winding through three national parks, the trail was reopened in December 2023 following the rebuilding of campsites and other trail infrastructure damaged by bushfires that swept the island during the summer of 2019-20. And these are just a few of many magnificent walks worth lacing your boots for on Kangaroo Island.
British explorer Matthew Flinders named this place Kangaroo Island for a good reason. Expect to see plenty of the island’s unique subspecies of the mainland western grey kangaroo during your visit, especially at dawn and dusk. Along with echidnas, possums, wallabies and Rosenberg’s goannas, they are just some of the native wildlife species that visit Ecopia Retreat. The 60-hectare wildlife sanctuary also provides vital habitat for more than 25 native bird species including the endangered South Australian subspecies of glossy-black cockatoo, which can no longer be seen on the mainland. And don’t forget to look up for koalas dozing in the gum trees.
For a guaranteed chance of spotting these furry marsupials, book a guided koala walk at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which also offers sunset tours for a chance of spotting nocturnal wildlife including possums, bats and other critters. At Ecopia Retreat we’re big fans of admiring wildlife in the wild, but visitors seeking a hands-on experience can visit the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.
Kangaroo Island also provides an important habitat for playful bottlenose dolphins. Dive into the Southern Ocean to swim with wild dolphins on a tour with sustainable marine tourism pioneers Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures, or combine wildlife viewing with citizen science on a sea- or land-based tour with Research and Discovery Tours Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo Island even boasts its own colony of little penguins. You might be lucky enough to see some of the world’s smallest penguins returning from their Southern Ocean feeding grounds on an evening tour operated by the Penneshaw Penguin Centre.
Lapped by the azure waters of the Southern Ocean, Kangaroo Island is home to dozens of blissfully uncrowded beautiful bays and beaches perfect for a heart-starting swim.
On the north coast, the 4km-long sweep of white sand at Emu Bay Beach is an easy hop from Kingscote, the island’s largest town. While you won’t see any emus here, the striking rock formations on the beach are suitably impressive. To the west, Stokes Bay Beach (recently named among Australia’s top 12 beaches by Lonely Planet) is accessed via a not-so-secret tunnel through a rocky headland. Further west, picturesque Snelling Beach is known for its idyllic turquoise hue.
Our picks on the south coast include Vivonne Bay Beach, which has the island’s most photogenic jetty and a glorious rock pool at Point Ellen. If you play your cards right, you might get to enjoy the wild and secluded Hanson Bay Beach, just went of the Kelly Hill Conservation Park, all to yourself. Further east, Pennington Bay Beach wows with its wild coastal scenery. This beach is also popular with surfers when the conditions are right. Like all Australian beaches, surf conditions can change quickly on Kangaroo Island. Stay safe research the local hazards, avoid swimming alone, and know your limits. Prefer pools? Try the Kingscote Tidal Pool.
Explore Kangaroo Island’s untamed landscapes on an exhilarating quad bike tour with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action or Kangaroo Island Bush Getaway Adventures. Located in Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action also offers kayak tours and rentals.
Next to a natural inland dune field near Vivonne Bay, the Little Sahara Adventure Centre offers buggy rides for the whole family, as well as electric fat bike tours, koala walks and evening tours. They also rent sandboards and toboggans for sliding down the golden dunes.
If reeling in a fresh fish dinner is your idea of fun, sign up for a fishing charter with Kangaroo Island Fishing Adventures or Emu Bay Fishing Charters. There’s also great fishing off many of the island’s beaches and jetties, and you don’t need a recreational fishing licence to cast a line in South Australia – just be sure to avoid sanctuary zones.
Or choose your adventure on a road trip around the island in your own vehicle or a hire car. This is a great way to visit remote attractions such as the Cape Borda Lightstation perched on cliffs of the island’s northwestern coast, overlooking Investigator Strait.
Kangaroo Island isn’t only renowned for its fresh seafood – from King George whiting to southern calamari – but also its artisan produce, which you can sample everywhere from farmgate stalls (don’t miss Clifford’s Honey Farm in Haines, which also offers tours) to restaurants across the island.
At Ecopia Retreat we’ve teamed with premium local producers to create a range of gourmet self-cook packages and pre-cooked meals for guests who prefer to dine in, which we recommend on your first night settling into your accommodation.
When you’re out and about exploring the island, some of our favourite places to eat include Millie Mae’s Pantry in Penneshaw for great coffee and hearty cafe fare. With stellar views across American Beach, Sunset Food and Wine is widely considered to be the island’s best restaurant. Time your visit between December and April to enjoy a memorable taste of South Australia at this modern bistro. For straight-off-the-boat sustainable seafood with minimal fuss, it’s hard to beat The Oyster Farm Shop in nearby American River; look for the turquoise shack.
Our picks in Kingscote include Cactus for great breakfasts and crowd-pleasing lunch options from zucchini tacos to Nepalese chicken curry, and So Sando for coffee and next-level sandwiches. Nearby, the Emu Bay Lavender Farm is an atmospheric spot for breakfast, lunch, or a lavender scone with lavender jelly, jam and cream.
Rivalling Sunset Food and Wine for Kangaroo Island’s most memorable dining experience is The Fig Tree, which invites diners to relax over a homely, Kangaroo Island-inspired Mediterranean feast served under an ancient fig tree from November to April. Also on the north coast, the rustic Rockpool Cafe at Stokes Bay (open November to May) makes a great calamari and chips.
Just 15 minutes from Ecopia Retreat, the friendly Parndana Hotel serves up classic country pub fare. Down south in Vivonne Bay, the Kangaroo Island whiting burger is a must-order at the Vivonne Bay General Store. Tuck in on the sun-drenched deck or take your meal down to the beach to enjoy with water views.
Explore Kangaroo Island’s untamed landscapes on an exhilarating quad bike tour with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action or Kangaroo Island Bush Getaway Adventures. Located in Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action also offers kayak tours and rentals.
Next to a natural inland dune field near Vivonne Bay, the Little Sahara Adventure Centre offers buggy rides for the whole family, as well as electric fat bike tours, koala walks and evening tours. They also rent sandboards and toboggans for sliding down the golden dunes.
If reeling in a fresh fish dinner is your idea of fun, sign up for a fishing charter with Kangaroo Island Fishing Adventures or Emu Bay Fishing Charters. There’s also great fishing off many of the island’s beaches and jetties, and you don’t need a recreational fishing licence to cast a line in South Australia – just be sure to avoid sanctuary zones. Or choose your adventure on a road trip around the island in your own vehicle or a hire car. This is a great way to visit remote attractions such as the Cape Borda Lightstation perched on cliffs of the island’s northwestern coast, overlooking Investigator Strait.
Kangaroo Island is also blessed with a number of award-winning cool-climate wineries, distilleries and breweries, most of which have cellar doors.
Scenically perched atop the cliffs of the Dudley Peninsula at the eastern end of the island, Dudley Wines (open Thursday to Monday) serves gourmet pizzas and platters alongside its 14 wines including the popular Dudley Bubbly – sample five wines in a tasting flight. Also on the Dudley Peninsula is off-grid winery False Cape Wines. Housed in an upcycled steel hay shed with stunning views across the vines from its sprawling outdoor terrace, its cellar door is open daily and offers tastings, platters and homemade pies.
The Islander Estate Vineyards’ superb French-style wines are showcased at the winery’s tasting room (closed on Tuesdays) in Cygnet River, just 10 minutes’ drive from Kingscote. Also in Cygnet River is Spring Road Wines – watch out for chooks on the drive through a sheep paddock to its light-filled cellar door (closed Tuesdays from May to September). Overlooking the ocean on the fringe of Kingscote, Bay of Shoals (open daily) wines can be paired with fresh oysters.
If you crave something stronger, Kangaroo Island Spirits is famous for its ‘wild gin’ made with local native juniper. It’s just one of seven gins you can sample, along with several vodkas and liqueurs, at its Cygnet River cellar door (open daily), with gin blending and cocktail classes also on offer. Or sip your way through the seasonal craft brews at Kangaroo Island Brewery just outside Kingscote. Open daily, the brewery also serves burgers and platters from Monday to Thursday, and style-your-own pizzas from Friday to Sunday. Kangaroo Island’s first wine bar landed in Kingscote in 2024. Open daily from 4pm until late, The Pick and Shovel also serves beers and spirits from Kangaroo Island and beyond. Also new to the island is Grasshopper Brewing, which is set to pour Stoke Wines along with its own brews at its new taproom due to open in Parndana later in 2024.
Take a little bit of Kangaroo Island home with you in the form of Kangaroo Island-made products. Browse fine local art and jewellery at Fine Art Kangaroo Island in Kingscote, shop for handcrafted red gum homewares at the Australian Red Gum Gallery on the Playford Highway in Duncan, and pick up fresh produce, ceramics, art and more at the Rose Cottage Farm in Wisanger. Learn all about sheep farming and wool production on an immersive mill tour at Kangaroo Island Wool before checking out its Cygnet River showroom. Then shop for eucalyptus, emu and tea tree oil products at the nearby Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery (which also offers tours and has a great cafe). And if you haven’t already stocked up on honey at Clifford’s Honey Farm, swing by the Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co in Kingscote, which also offers tours.
Step back into Kangaroo Island’s colonial days at the Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum, where three rooms in a 1869 school building explore a trio of historical themes. Imagine what life was like as a 19th-century student on this rural island in the School Room, learn about the island’s whaling and sealing history in the Maritime Room, and get a taste of island life over the years in the McKenzie Room. You’ll need to dig deeper to learn more about Kangaroo Island’s original Aboriginal residents, thought to have left the island at long as 16,000 years ago before sea levels rose at the end of the last ice age.
Ready to visit Kangaroo Island? Start planning your trip here, and find our favourite things to see and do on this map.
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