A unique world in its own and ranking next in line after Tasmania, and Melville Island, the Kangaroo Island is the third largest magical island in Australia. Located in the southwest region of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island Australia is also famous for treating the travelers to its shimmering coastline which stretches to about 509 kilometers in length.
Being a home to the most friendly kangaroos, adorable koalas, and interactive sea lions who roam freely across the island, explore this Aussie paradise to the core with this ultimate guide on your next Australian holiday!
About Kangaroo Island
Location: South Australia
Area: 4,405 Square Kilometers
Largest City: Kingscote
Coastline: 509 Kilometers
Famous For: Wildlife Interaction
Highest Point: Mount McDonnell – 981 ft
Closest Point To The Mainland: Snapper Point in Backstairs Passage
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Weather In Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island typically enjoys a Mediterranean climate and consists mainly of four seasons:
Summers: The island enjoys summer season from the months of December to February during which the days are quite warm with lesser humidity.
Autumn: Prevailing from the months of March to May, the weather during the Autumn season is neither too hot nor too cold.
Winters: Starting from the month of June and lasting till August, winter season in Kangaroo Island is usually mild.
Spring: Ranging from the the months of September till November, spring in Kangaroo Island is typically pretty moderate with average temperatures.
Best Time To Visit Kangaroo Island
Though the average temperature in Kangaroo Island fluctuates from a minimum of 11°C to a maximum of 19°C, the island is neither too hot nor too cold throughout the year to be explored. However, the best time to visit Kangaroo Island is during the spring season which happens to be from the months of September to November when the climate is moderate and suitable for exploring.
How To Reach Kangaroo Island
1. By Ferry
Two passenger and vehicle ferries are operated by the SeaLink of Kangaroo Island which function from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw in Kangaroo Island. With four departures on daily basis, it is recommended that the travelers book their travel via Kangaroo Island ferry, and Kangaroo Island cruise well in advance.
Other Modes: Mainland coaches function from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, and from Goolwa to Cape Jervis. On the other hand, the island coaches function from Penneshaw to Kingscote, and from Penneshaw to American River.
2. By Air
For those who’d like to save on time and energy, can board the Regional Express Airlines from the main Adelaide International Airport to Kangaroo Island Airport and reach their destination in about 30 minutes.
Kangaroo Island Map
Average Budget Per Person Per Day On Kangaroo Island
Average accommodation, meals, local transfers, sightseeing, and miscellaneous expenses are few important factors that have been considered for calculating an estimated budget for a vacation on Kangaroo Island.
The breakup of the same is given below:
Flight To Adelaide: INR 90,000 (round trip – on booking 60 days prior to departure)
Flight From Adelaide To Kangaroo Island: INR 29,000 (round trip – on booking 60 days prior to departure)
Avg. Accommodation: INR 6,000 to INR 7,000 (double-sharing basis excluding taxes)
Meals: INR 3,000 to INR 4,000 (lunch and dinner)
Sightseeing: INR 4,000 to INR 5,000
Local Transfers: INR 2,000 to INR 3,000
Miscellaneous: INR 5,000 to INR 6,000
Average Budget Per Person Per Day: INR 20,000 or AUD 400
Optional:
Ferry Transfer: INR 4,800
Car Transfer Via Ferry: INR 9,000 per car
Please Note:
- Flight rates have not been included as it may differ from traveler’s destination of origin and type of vacation.
- Also, the lower limit has been included to calculate the average budget.
Must-Visit Attractions On Kangaroo Island
1. Flinders Chase National Park
Planning for a Kangaroo Island day trip? Do not miss out on the must-visit Flinders Chase National Park which is one of the crucial parts of sightseeing in Australia. Considered to be the most important of all the five protected areas, the Flinders Chase National Park is the place to be for those who want to treat their eyes to the raging seas, ever-rising cliffs, and untamed wildlife.
Must Experiences: Go on the various adventurous walks of Discovery, Woodlands, Heritage, and Platypus Waterholes; visit the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse; enjoy the Weirs Cove Walk, and more.
Location: South Coast Rd, Flinders Chase, South Australia
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm
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2. Seal Bay Conservation Park
Wondering what else to do and what to see on Kangaroo Island? Well the best experience awaits ahead. Much famed not only on the island but in the whole continent, walking with sea lions at the Seal Bay Conservation Park is one of the best things to do in Australia. Enjoying its status of being a home to the third largest colony of Sea Lions in the whole of Australia, go on a guided tour of the Seal Bay and experience how friendly and free the wild can be!
Must Experiences: Walk with the Australian sea lions, learn more about the endangered species on a guided tour, interact with the baby sea lions, enjoy filming and photography sessions at the bay, and more.
Location: 1140 Seal Bay Rd, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm
3. Little Sahara
Spread across an area of about 2 square kilometers, Little Sahara is a natural occurrence in the heart of Kangaroo Island. Located within the boundaries of Vivonne Bay, this is the best place to be for those who are looking forward to a desert experience on a fun-filled Australian vacation. Travelers can also enjoy the thrills of sandboarding and toboggan on the enormous sand dunes.
Location: Vivonne Bay, South Australia
Timings: Open 24 hours on all days
4. Kelly Hill Conservation Park
Much famed for its natural stalagmite, stalactite, helictite, shawl and column formations, the Kelly Hill Conservation Park is the yet another protected areas on the Kangaroo Island. Forming one of the main attractions of the whole national park, one can choose to take a normal guided tour inside the caves which involves only sightseeing. On the contrary, the adventurous cave tour comprises of amazing activities such as exploring the underground in depth, crawling under the rock formations, climbing through them, and much more.
Location: South Coast Road, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 10.15 am to 4.30 pm
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5. Explore The Remarkable Rocks
True to their name and located within the Flinders Chase National Park, the Remarkable Rocks are one of the must visit attractions on Kangaroo Island without which your Australian holiday would be totally incomplete. It is believed that these granite boulders came into existence due to the pounding of small rocks against the wind, the rain, and the waves over many centuries. Serving as an amazing landscape to witness a surreal sunset or sunrises, it is a must for the travelers to visit the Remarkable Rocks at least once in a lifetime.
Other Things To Do On Kangaroo Island: Fishing at backstairs passage, hike the Snake Lagoon, adore the Admirals Arch, explore the unique Cellar Doors, hiking, and more.
Kangaroo Island Accommodation
1. Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn
Located at a walking distance to the famous Hope Cottage Museum, Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn offers comfortable accommodation options while treating the guests to surreal views of the Nepean Bay.
Address: 7 Cygnet Road, Kingscote, South Australia
Price/Night: Starts at INR 5,000 (double-sharing basis & tax excluded)
TripAdvisor Ratings: 4/5
Website | Reviews
2. Kangaroo Island Seafront
For those who’re looking forward to an economical Kangaroo Island resort and hotels close to the coastline, Kangaroo Island Seafront is the perfect place to be for them. Located close to the Baudin Conservation Park, it is one of the best options on the northern coast for a comfortable stay.
Address: 49 North Terrace, Penneshaw, South Australia
Price/Night: Starts at INR 6,800 (double-sharing basis & tax excluded)
TripAdvisor Ratings: 3.5/5
Website | Reviews
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3. Acacia Apartments
Searching for the best Kangaroo Island accommodation? Look no further than the Acacia Apartments. Located at a distance of just ten minutes from the historical Reeves Point, stay at these apartments to enjoy a laid-back vacation.
Address: 3-5 Rawson Street, Kingscote, South Australia
Price/Night: Starts at INR 6,700 (double-sharing basis & tax excluded)
TripAdvisor Ratings: 4.5/5
Website | Reviews
Kangaroo Island Restaurants
1. Hannaford & Sachs
Be it dining on top of a fig tree or inside a shearing shed, relish one of the most unique dining experiences at Hannaford & Sachs when in Kangaroo Island. Also, fine dining on the Snelling’s Beach is a must experience for all.
Location: 5997 N Coast Rd, Middle River, South Australia
Timings: Wednesday to Monday – 12 noon to 2 pm, and 2.30 pm to 4 pm; Tuesdays Closed
Cuisine: International, and Australian
Average Meal For Two (With Wine): Starts from INR 6,000 (tax excluded)
TripAdvisor Ratings: 5/5 | Reviews | Website
2. Nicolas Baudin’s Restaurant, KI Wilderness Retreat
From platters to snacks, beer, and wines, everything at Nicolas Baudin’s Restaurant is made from locally grown fresh produce. Offering a variety of dishes ranging from International to traditional Australian cuisine, there are a lot of options for vegans as well.
Location: 8125 S Coast Road, Flinders Chase, South Australia
Timings: All days – 7.30 am to 9.30 am, beer & snack from 3.30 pm onwards, and dinner from 6pm onwards
Cuisine: Australian, and International
Average Meal For Two (With Wine): Starts from INR 2,500 (tax excluded)
TripAdvisor Ratings: 3.5/5 | Reviews | Website
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Getting Around Kangaroo Island
Hiring a car is the best way to get around the stretch of about 1,600 kilometers of road in Kangaroo Island. And for those who are willing to get their own car or van via the ferry transfer, can conveniently do so as well. One can also choose to explore the island through one of the guided tours either on coaches or the personalized 4WDs, which are yet another comfortable and convenient ways of getting around the island.
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Excited already? Embark on an surreal journey with your friends, family, and loved ones and customize a delightful Australian tour package with TravelTriangle to experience the paradise of Kangaroo Island on your next vacation!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kangaroo Island
Where can travelers interact with the Kangaroos?
Despite the fact that more than one-third of the island is covered with wildlife reserves, animals like kangaroos, koalas, tammar wallabies, Australian fur seals, and echidnas can be spotted roaming freely across the entire island.
How long does it take to reach Kangaroo Island via ferry?
From Cape Jervis to Penneshaw, it takes about 45 minutes to reach via ferry.
What is the distance between Kangaroo Island and the mainland?
The closest point from Kangaroo Island to the mainland is that of the Snapper Point located in the Backstairs Passage which happens to be 13.5 kilometers away.
Is it allowed to take a van to Kangaroo Island?
Yes it is allowed to take a van through the ferries for which travelers will have to make prior arrangements. One will be expected to mention the exact length of the van including the towing vehicle as well.
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