Kangaroo Island

On a trip to Kangaroo Island, you can get up close with marsupials, lizards, sealife, and birdlife in sanctuaries and protected parks both on land and offshore. And you can watch for whales and dolphins from the clifftops, as colonies of seals and sea lions bask on the rocks below.

On the coast, you can swim beside the northern beaches of Emu Bay and Stokes Bay. Go surfing and fishing beside the white sands of Vivonne Bay in the south. Take the kids to splash and kayak in the shallow waters of American River and Dudley Peninsula in the east. And climb Cape Willoughby Lighthouse for stunning views back to the Australian mainland.

Inland, meanwhile, you can sand-board down 70-metre dunes or take an adrenaline ATV tour at Little Sahara. Hike through island wilderness or stroll along waterside boardwalks. Find the natural formations of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. And marvel at the 200-year-old branches of the ancient mulberry tree.

As you’d expect from its name, Kangaroo Island has herds of kangaroos and wallabies – but the wildlife doesn’t stop there. More than a third of the island is taken up by protected National and Conservation Parks, and the isle’s remote location makes it an ideal home for Australia's native wildlife. Swim with wild dolphins on the protected north coast of the island or look out for koalas, echidnas and over 260 species of birds which call Kangaroo Island home.  

No trip to Kangaroo Island is complete without a visit to Seal Bay, home to a rare sea lion population for thousands of years, and offering one of the most exceptional nature-based experiences in the world. There are no enclosures or fences at Seal Bay, instead you will be taken into the heart of the colony where experienced guides will give a unique insight into how these endangered animals hunt, surf, rest and interact with their pups.

Make the most of your Kangaroo Island trip by turning a daytime adventure into a few days. There’s a whole world to discover after sunset. You could stay in the capital of Kingscote and reflect on your wildlife spotting days, as you take an evening stroll along the harbour. Call into boutique galleries, pick up souvenirs, and sit down in a waterside restaurant to sample a meal freshly plucked from local farms. Finish a day of Island Beach kayaking with a family stay at American River fishing village.

Alternatively, stay in Penneshaw and embark on a torchlight expedition to spot the world’s smallest penguins waddling along the shore. Head to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided evening night tour of Koala Walk. Or settle in at Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat to spend a night with the island’s wildlife on your doorstep.

The Australian summer is the most popular time to visit Kangaroo Island, but conditions are great for visitors all year round. December to February are the warmest months, when the long, sunny days of 25°C are ideal for those wanting to enjoy the beaches and get into the water.

The days become steadily cooler from March to May, when higher rainfall starts to creep in. These months are perfect for hikers exploring the wilderness, and the best time to go penguin-spotting. If you plan your Kangaroo Island holiday for winter – between June and August – you’ll need to bring waterproof clothes. But you’ll be rewarded with a much quieter island, and the peak of the whale watching season. September to November brings spring, when bright colours and baby animals make the island even more magical than usual