Hi guys! We’re Adam and Clara. Thanks for taking the time to read our Kangaroo Island travel guide. Before embarking on our lap around Australia in our 2004 Toyota Coaster minibus, Adam managed an artist’s studio and Clara was a highschool teacher. We both love the outdoors and traveling, and used to jump at any opportunity to get away in Adam’s Ford Econovan.
When the pandemic hit, we quickly realized that overseas travel wasn’t happening anytime soon. We’d seen parts of Australia but for years we both prioritized overseas travel. We started talking about doing a lap and what we’d do it in. We thought about getting a Sprinter but we wanted something bigger. Clara’s mum’s old boss was selling a Toyota Coaster that was in immaculate condition and for an incredible price, so we went for it!
We initially decided to do the lap in one year. But once we’d realized the amount of effort we had started putting into the bus, and the number of things to see in this huge country, we felt that one year wasn’t long enough. So, we decided to quit our jobs and change our lifestyle.
Our 15-Month Road Trip Around Australia
We officially moved into Tourist (our name for the bus) in December of 2022. We’ve been going for 15 months so far and don’t plan to stop anytime soon. Our trip started with a summer in Tasmania, hiking the Three Capes Track, the Overland Track and some bush bashing in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Tassie looks small on the map but there is so much to do there that we started to feel a little rushed by the end of our visit. Once we got back to the mainland, we decided to slow our pace right down.
We spent six months in Victoria, including working a little to top up funds, before heading to the Red Centre for some hiking and to cross Uluru off our bucket list. To escape the rising temperatures after two months in the NT, we made our way to Mount Gambier via the Flinders Ranges.
Gradually, we followed the coast until we reached the Fleurieu Peninsula where we spent two months working and exploring before making our way over to Kangaroo Island in early 2024. After KI, we explored the Yorke Peninsula and the Eyre Peninsula before eventually crossing the Nullarbor into Western Australia where we plan to be for a couple of years (at least).
Why We Loved Our Trip to Kangaroo Island
Our experience in Kangaroo Island was absolutely incredible! We love how untouched, rugged and quiet Kangaroo Island is. It didn’t take long for it to become one of our favorite spots on the lap so far. It sounds like a lot of people underestimate the size of KI, which we definitely did! We had originally planned to spend a week there but ended up spending 16 days, which was the perfect amount of time. It turns out that Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island, so keep this in mind if you’re heading over.
Jade and Fidel, two KI locals we met on the Limestone Coast, happened to be back when we were visiting. They spoiled us by taking us to see their favorite spots and introduced us to some friends, making the experience so special! By the time we left, we had managed to see the majority of the island and get a feel for the warm and welcoming community spirit.
Favorite Place on the Island: Pennington Bay
Pennington Bay Beach was our favorite place on Kangaroo Island. After getting off the morning ferry, we pulled into Pennington Bay for a quick dip in the water and ended up spending half a day there. It was our first taste of Kangaroo Island’s pristine coastline. The area is divided by rocky headlands, and platforms that form separate beaches and swimming areas.
This gives the place a sense of isolation even if there are quite a few people around. We spent our time relaxing on the beach, swimming in the rock pool, spotting pods of dolphins and watching the locals surfing. We loved it so much that we came back for a whole day near the end of our trip.
9 Best Things To Do in Kangaroo Island
1. Have a Beach Day at Pennington Bay
Escape to Pennington Bay for a beach day! Descend the first staircase you see – our hidden gem for a refreshing swim. Sheltered by surrounding rocks, this delightful natural pool transforms with the tides, revealing a calm haven at low tide. Perfect for a dip or a splash with the kids, it’s the ideal place to soak up the sun and the beauty of KI.
2. Drive on Emu Bay, One of the Island’s 2WD Beaches
Cruise onto Emu Bay, one of the island’s beaches where your 2WD can handle the terrain. Unlike other parts of the island, you won’t need a 4WD to experience this beauty. Stretching out for miles along the shoreline – the vastness practically guarantees you a slice of paradise all to yourself.
3. Walk Through the Caves to Stokes Bay
Embark on a beach adventure at Stokes Bay. Follow the hidden paths through intriguing caves, emerging onto a dazzling stretch of white sand and turquoise water. Take a dip in the sheltered rock pool or choose the invigorating waves of the beach (or both). Afterwards, reward yourself with a serving of delicious hot chips from The Rockpool Cafe.
4. Drive on Snelling Beach, Another 2WD Beach
After Pennington Bay, this is our favorite place to swim on the island – the water is so clear! We also enjoyed cruising on the beach in our 2WD bus. It’s the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and cool off with a refreshing dip.
5. Camp & Explore Around the Area at Western River Cove
Seclusion awaits at Western River Cove, another hidden gem on Kangaroo Island. Unlike the busier south coast, this quiet corner offers a chance to truly connect with nature. Pitch your tent just steps from the beach and enjoy the breeze. The surrounding area beckons exploration – head off for a spot of birdwatching or follow the walking trails and discover hidden coves. With few crowds, Western River Cove promises a tranquil escape.
6. Head to Flinders Chase National Park
Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island is a sanctuary for Australian wildlife and dramatic natural wonders. We recommend heading to Admirals Arch, a giant natural archway carved by the ocean. We lost count of how many seals we saw here! Another must-do experience is catching the sunrise or sunset at Remarkable Rocks. These precariously balanced boulders will leave you awe-inspired by the creativity of nature.
7. Float in the Rock Pool at Vivonne Bay
The rock pool at Vivonne Bay is best to visit at low tide when there is little swell. The hot chips from Vivonne Bay General Store are also great. As you can probably tell, we’re pretty much on a hot chip tour of Australia!
8. Go Swimming at D’Estrees Bay
Kangaroo Island’s D’Estrees Bay offers a splash for everyone! Calm waters at low tide create a safe haven for a refreshing swim, while surfers can catch waves on the southern end. Whether you’re looking to relax or catch some action, D’Estrees Bay’s inviting waters promise a fun day at the beach.
9. Venture to the Osmanli Reef Lookout
Venture to the Osmanli Reef Lookout and prepare to be blown away. The turquoise water stretches out as far as the eye can see, with waves crashing dramatically against the offshore reef. Look closely and you might spot a majestic osprey soaring overhead. Keep an eye out for their nests perched proudly on the cliff face, a testament to the island’s abundant wildlife.
Accommodation Options on Kangaroo Island
The campground at Antechamber Bay is our pick of the lot and it’s only $18! It has some amenities and it’s only a few minutes to the beach. The blue water there is stunning. It’s in a National Park, so you need to book online. Some other campgrounds we recommend are Stokes Bay Campground, Tea Trees Campsite and Western River Cove Campground.
KI boasts some beautiful and unique places to stay if you feel like treating yourself. We recommend checking out the off-grid accommodation at Cabn, the luxurious Stowaway and the eco WanderPods.
How to Get to Kangaroo Island, Ferry or Fly
The best way to arrive in Kangaroo Island is by the Sealink ferry, which takes roughly 45 minutes. There are multiple ferries a day but limited space for a large set-up – if your vehicle is over a certain length, you have to call rather than book online. We booked about two to three months in advance and had to change our ferry, which was surprisingly easy to do – Sealink is great!
The ferry is expensive (almost the same cost as the Spirit of Tasmania!) but if you make the most of it while you’re there, it’s worth it. You can also fly to Kingscote (the only airport on Kangaroo Island) but we recommend having your vehicle/home on wheels over there so you can get around easily.
Tips for Your Visit to Kangaroo Island
We went at the end of January and had incredible weather. From memory, we only had one day of light rain. We were there during the school holidays and were surprised by how quiet it was. According to locals, this is pretty normal! We recommend visiting in summer to make the most of KI’s natural beauty. If you want to take it slow and see a lot of the island, we suggest spending 14 days there. It’s a really beautiful place to travel slowly.
There are no Coles or Woolies supermarkets on KI, but there is a Drakes in Kingscote. It’s pretty big and has everything you need. There’s also an IGA in Penneshaw. Be sure to chat to the locals. They know the island well and their recommendations are worth their weight in gold.
Back to our obsession with hot chips: Kangaroo Island Fresh Seafoods did not disappoint. Make sure you stop into as many local shops as you can to support small businesses, and keep the tourism industry alive and well!
