LONELY PLANET'S BEST IN TRAVEL

KANGAROO ISLAND NAMED #2 IN TOP 10 REGIONS OF THE WORLD

There is no doubt why Kangaroo Island was chosen as a top travel destination by Lonely Planet. Showcasing unique local produce, abundant Australian wildlife and breathtaking natural wonders - travelling to Kangaroo Island is the quintessential Australian travel experience.

And it's not just the opinion of Lonely Planet; the New York Times also named Kangaroo Island in it's top ten places to travel to in January this year.

TRAVELLING TO KANGAROO ISLAND

Travelling to Kangaroo Island is an exciting time, and can be a little daunting for those that have not been to the Island before - so, we're here to help!

Emu Bay Lavender in full bloom Emu Bay Lavender in full bloom Emu Bay Lavender in full bloom
Plan your trip to Kangaroo Island
What to do
  • Sealink Ferry at Penneshaw

    Getting to Kangaroo Island

    Getting to Kangaroo Island is a comfortable 45 minute ferry trip from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw, or a short 30 minute flight from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport.
  • Sealion Kissing Pup

    General Information

    Find out when is the best time to visit Kangaroo Island, frequently asked questions, Flinders Chase National Park bushfire recovery and keeping the Island special and more

Best Beaches

Discover some of the nation’s most pristine beaches, including Stokes Bay, which was recently named as Australia's Best Beach for 2023. From the pristine white sands of Emu Bay, to the thundering surf at Pennington Bay, with over 500 kilometres of coastline, you'll often find you have an entire beach to yourself. Check out our Kangaroo Island Beach Adventures itinerary and explore our coastal playground.

Unique local produce

Kangaroo Island offers up a bounty of local produce, with an array of places to eat and drink to your hearts content. Dine under the leaves of an ancient fig tree, try your hand at shucking freshly caught oysters and taste the purest form of Ligurian Honey in the world.

Find the best places to eat and drink on Kangaroo Island here.

Abundant Wildlife

Fondly known as the zoo without fences, Kangaroo Island is a haven for wildlife. KI is the perfect environment for wildlife to live and prosper, with minimal natural predators. The wildlife here is diverse and abundant, and encounters are common. See Australian sea lions, kangaroos, Bottlenose dolphins, koalas, goannas and echidnas - just to name a few.

Kangaroo Island is a birdwatchers paradise, with over 260 known species on the island. Along any walking trail, by any lagoon or coastal flat, on any beach or headland, keep your eyes and ears open and your binoculars handy – the birds are all around!

For more information, check out our wildlife guide.

Read Lonely Planet's
Best in Travel 2024

Kangaroo Island Accommodation

The best places to stay

All island stays

  • Aurora Ozone Apartments

    • Kingscote
    Hotels
    Overlooking Nepean Bay and located in the heart of Kingscote, Aurora Ozone Apartments are just a three-minute walk from the…
    Read more

  • Aurora Ozone Hotel

    • Kingscote
    Apartments, Hotels
    Ozone Hotel is the ideal base for your Kangaroo Island visit.
    Read more

  • Seafront Holiday Park Kangaroo Island

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    Overlooking beautiful Hog Bay beach, caravan and camping at Kangaroo Island Shores provides an excellent base for your holiday.
    Read more

  • Seafront Hotel Kangaroo Island

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Hotels
    The Kangaroo Island Seafront has 16 rooms and 12 villas... choose from the 4star Seafront Rooms with spectacular views and…
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  • Cordes House

    • Kingscote
    Holiday Houses
    Cordes House at Bay of Shoals is a self-contained house just 2km from the main town of Kingscote.
    Read more

  • Ecopia Retreat - Luxury Eco Villas

    • South Coast
    Bed and Breakfast, Holiday Houses, Retreat and Lodges
    Two architecturally designed, secluded and luxurious Eco Villas. In the heart of a 150-acre registered wildlife sanctuary. A…
    Read more

  • Ecopia Retreat - The Residence

    • South Coast
    Bed and Breakfast, Holiday Houses, Retreat and Lodges
    A luxury 3-bedroom retreat in the middle of a registered wildlife sanctuary full of native animals and birds! The perfect…
    Read more

  • Ecopia Retreat - The Rise

    • South Coast
    Holiday Houses, Retreat and Lodges
    A loft-style 2-bedroom luxury retreat nestled in nature, in a private wildlife sanctuary! A true nature immersion for couples,…
    Read more

  • Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge

    • American River
    Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Retreat and Lodges
    Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge welcomes you to beautiful Kangaroo Island.
    Read more

  • Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Retreat and Lodges
    Privacy and escapism - the perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
    Read more

  • Adagio Retreat Accommodation (self catering)

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Apartments, Bed and Breakfast, Retreat and Lodges
    Adagio Bed and Breakfast is a four and a half star rated bed and breakfast with modern facilities in a peaceful romantic…
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  • Allure Beach Retreat

    • American River
    Apartments, Holiday Houses, Retreat and Lodges
    Allure Beach Retreat is set on 50 acres of fantastic bush land overlooking the spectacular Pennington Bay.
    Read more

  • Antechamber Bay Campground

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    Located in Lashmar Conservation Park on the northern side of the Chapman River, the campground consists of 11 camp sites with…
    Read more

  • Antechamber Bay Retreats

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Farmstays, Holiday Houses, Retreat and Lodges
    Antechamber Bay Retreats is Kangaroo Island's perfect hideaway.
    Read more

  • Antechamber Bay Retreats Kona

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Holiday Houses
    The panoramic views from this light-filled farm house capture the essence of Creek Bay: a foreground of pastoral splendour with…
    Read more

  • Antechamber Bay Retreats Nat's

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Holiday Houses
    Antechamber Bay Retreats is Kangaroo Island's perfect hideaway.
    Nat's at Antechamber Bay Retreats is situated on the eastern…
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  • Antechamber Bay Retreats Shylie's

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Retreat and Lodges
    Shylie's is a luxurious boutique accommodation located on Kangaroo Island, offering stunning ocean views and a secluded,…
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  • Ashendens at Penneshaw

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Holiday Houses
    Imagine an island, not too far from the mainland, with pristine beaches, sweeping farmland and trees as old as time. Now…
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  • Beachcomber

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Holiday Houses
    Beachcomber is a modern beachfront home with sweeping sea views and spacious sun deck with outdoor dining suite.
    Read more

  • Bramblewick Cottage

    • Kingscote
    Cottages
    Overlooking horses, sheep, chickens and ducks we have a humble property of 12 acres and each night settle down to magnificent…
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  • CABN X Kangaroo Island

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Bed and Breakfast, Cottages, Farmstays, Hotels, Retreat and Lodges
    CABN X at Cape St Albans is an elevated eco-cabin experience offering a nature-based luxury escape on world-renowned Kangaroo…
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  • Cape Borda Lighthouse Keepers Heritage Accommodation

    • West End
    Cottages, Holiday Houses, Retreat and Lodges
    Perched high above a vast ocean, Cape Borda Lighthouse Keepers cottages offer guests a peaceful retreat in the ruggedly…
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  • Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and Wilderness Protection Area Campgrounds

    • South Coast
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    Located in Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, there are 5 campsites spread across four separate campgrounds.
    Read more

  • Cape View Cottage

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Holiday Houses
    Cape View Cottage is in a sort after location, only 10 metres from the beautiful pristine Penneshaw Beach.
    Read more

  • Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Keepers Heritage Accommodation

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Apartments, Cottages, Holiday Houses
    Treat yourself to a secluded getaway in Cape Willoughby Heritage Lighthouse Keepers cottages, situated at the breathtaking…
    Read more

  • Chapman River Campground

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    Located in Lashmar Conservation Park on the northern side of the Chapman River, the campground consists of 11 camp sites with…
    Read more

  • Discovery Lagoon Campsite

    • North Coast
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    Discovery Lagoon Campsite is an Eco Campsite set on four acres within 100 acres of native bush land.
    Read more

  • Emu Bay Holiday Homes

    • North Coast
    Apartments, Cottages, Holiday Houses
    Emu Bay Holiday Homes offer million dollar views of the four kilometre white beach of Emu Bay, only 18 kilometres from…
    Read more

  • Hamilton & Dune - Dune House

    • North Coast
    Holiday Houses
    Indulge in the best quality, style and comfort Emu Bay, and in fact Kangaroo Island has to offer. Dune House commands the best…
    Read more

What to do on Kangaroo Island

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

See all itineraries

  • Ultimate Days on Kangaroo Island

    Winding Road (Cape Du Couedic Road)
    Description
    6 Days
    Travel
    25 Stops
    View itinerary

  • Kangaroo Island Beach Adventures

    Emu Bay Beach
    Description
    5 Days
    Travel
    17 Stops
    View itinerary

It's blessed with amazing beaches, offers delicious food, wine and spirits experiences, and delivers on the drama when it comes to outdoor adventures. And then there's the wildlife!

Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet's Senior Director of Trade Sales & Marketing

Useful links

There is something for everyone on Kangaroo Island

Nature and wildlife, food and wine, adventure, or relaxation. Kangaroo Island has it all, and more!

  • Destinations

    Check out what to see, do, eat, and drink in each of the Kangaroo Island regions with their…

  • Visit

    Let us help you plan your visit to Kangaroo Island, including the Kangaroo Island ferry or…

  • What to do

    Come and experience our Island Life. Discover our spectacular nature and wildlife, our stunning…