THE guide to Kangaroo Island

Lucy | found by the ocean 🌞

Kangaroo Island, a hidden gem that has SO much to offer. Having visited Kangaroo Island in both 2022 and 2023, I still feel there's plenty left to explore. Many people skip it or don't have time but I would really recommend making time to visit as it is often the highlight of people's trips to South Australia. There is an abundance of things to do on KI, from the remarkable natural features such as beautiful beaches and rock formations, to the abundance of wildlife in every corner to amazing local produce - there is something for everyone. Whether you are planning on going for a few days or a few weeks this map will provide you with the essential spots you need to hit while you are on KI so you can make sure you get the most out of your trip here. This map highlights the places to: - Eat and Drink - Visit - Stay Looking for a more detailed itinerary? Please have a look at these 3, 5 and 7 days trips I've planned out. Like a chat about planning your own trip to Kangaroo Island or want a custom itinerary planned and booked for you? Then don't hesitate to reach out! If you found this map and notes useful please share, leave a review or tip - the the link can be found at the bottom of the guide :) Thank you and hope you have the most spectacular time on this magical island.

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Places to Eat & Drink

Kangaroo Island Spirits

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This is the most gorgeous little distillery tucked off the road where you can sip a gin outside in their lovely herb garden or dive into the distilling process a little deeper with their guided tastings/masterclasses in the distillery. They have a tasting paddle of their top 5 Spirits (which are all amazing) which I would definitely recommend getting, as well as a wide range of cocktails and other drinks and the flat breads they serve are perfect as a snack to share with friends or a meal for one. Their distilling shed is on site so you can organise an experience if you'd like to learn more about the spirits. Their bookable experiences include Premium Tasting, Gin Blending, Cocktail Masterclasses, and Mini Cocktail classes - or if you don't have time for an experience you can ask the staff to have a peek into the distilling room to see where all the magic happens!

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Emu Bay Lavender Farm

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This is one of my favourite spots on the Island. The cafe here has THE most amazing food and smaller sweet treats. The food is so wholesome and delicious.My personal highlight is the lavender shortbread which crumbles in your mouth. They also do a wonderful range of cocktails which are made using local spirits and almost look too good to drink. On top of all of this it is right in the midst of row upon row of beautiful lavender bushes which you can wander around and explore, just make sure to check when they are likely to be flowering as during autumn and winter they prune and tend to the plants so they are ready to produce the best flowers possible in spring and summer. Local products crafted on site from the lavender are also available to buy from the cafe so it's a good spot to pick up treats for yourself or friends/family.

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Gastronomo The Enchanted Fig Tree

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The seating area is in amongst the branches of a huge fig tree and it's a truly special place. The food and service and entire atmosphere is incredible. There are usually two seating times available each day, arriving for a drink before sunset and then dining under the stars and the tree is what I would recommend but it is also lovely to sit out in the sunshine and the shade of the leaves during the day. This is definitely a book in advance type place but totally worth it. They aren't open all year so check in advance before you book your trip!

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Kangaroo Island Brewery

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This the THE brewery to go to on the Island. It's a great place to go with a wide range of beers and other drinks to choose from and arguably the best pizza on the Island. It is truly a local place with everything made from locally sourced materials and aiming to be as sustainable as possible. It closes relatively early 6 or 7pm, each day so make sure you head in before then.

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Cactus Kangaroo Island

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This Cafe serves up simple but delicious meals in a beautiful space. Their attention to detail is amazing and the freshly baked goods are wonderful. I'm no coffee drinker but the smell and number of locals coming into get their morning coffees certainly made it seem like it would be of the same high standard as the rest of the menu.

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Mooncake Kangaroo Island • Asian Food with Ocean Views

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Dudley Wines

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Whether you're a wine drinker or not I highly recommend spending a lunchtime and early afternoon at Dudley Wines. They have a range of 14 wines which are 100% Kangaroo Island made which you can sip while you soak up the spectacular view across Backstairs Passage to mainland Australia. The daily lunch bookings are limited so bookings are recommended. There is also an onsite shop selling local produce as well as a one hole, one par golf course which you can take a swing at while you’re there! They also host live music on the first Sunday of every month.

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Kangaroo Island Ciders

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Top Spots/Activities

Stokes Bay Beach

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At first glace from the car park you might wonder why I recommended this beach, however it's got more than meets the eye. To the right of the carpark is the secret trail to the real beach. If you follow the arrows and make your way in between the giant rocks, squeezing round corners and ducking through tunnels you'll eventually emerge onto a beautiful white sand beach with a lovely natural shallow pool at one end. It is the perfect beach to lie in the shade of the boulders, have a dip and wander along.

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Pennington Bay

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This is the first beach I came to early after arriving on KI for the first time and I was lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins cruising through the turquoise waters. This is a great beach for surfing and to wander along. The waves can get a bit big for swimming but if you time it right with the tides there are a couple of deep rock pools you can jump into to freshen up. The view from the car park of the white sand and crystal clear water is truly beautiful.

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Remarkable Rocks

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This is one of my favourite spots on the island. The rocks are really breathtaking and you can walk right up and around them as you gaze out over the ocean. I would recommend going during the day as well as at golden hour if you can as the orange colouration of the rocks really lights up in the sunlight. This is definitely somewhere you'll spend some time at and a perfect spot to take a picnic and take some amazing photos.

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Admirals Arch

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Looking out towards the ocean you can see both Australian Sea Lions and New Zealand fur seals lounging on the rocks or the young playing in the rock pools. This short walk down to the arch really allows you to witness the power of the ocean as huge waves crash onto the cliff base. The Arch itself is huge and amazing to see that it has been carved by the ocean right through the cliff itself. I have been told by locals that occasionally you can also see Great White Sharks patrolling the area which I haven't been fortunate enough to do but definitely bring your binoculars as it might be your lucky day! You can extend this walk down by parking up at the lighthouse and can also walk along the cliffs to the lookout at Weirs cove if you have time to explore which I highly recommend as not many people do so you'll likely have the footpath to yourself.

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Platypus Waterholes Walk

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This is a lovely walk from the visitor centre in the National Park. I would highly recommend going at dawn or dusk as this is when the platypus are most active. The walk is nice and flat and takes you past some beautiful native flora as you are also likely to see a number of goanna sunbaking as you go along. When you get to the pools ensure you are incredibly quiet as the platypus are notoriously shy. Look for bubbles and rings on the surface of the water and be patient as they can hold their breathe for several minutes. (note: if you plan on going at sunrise the visitor centre doesn't open until later but you can purchase park passes online and enter the park before they open.)

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Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

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THE place to go to see koalas on the island. This amazing sanctuary covers a huge area of land in which the koalas and many other species thrive. Make sure you call ahead and book a tour. We did one during the day and saw so many koalas including multiple joeys, we were also lucky enough to hear a male vocalising and the koalas moving around. As you wander through the eucalyptus it's hard to imagine how much of the island burnt during the 2020 fires as it, along with the koalas, have rebounded extremely well. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the animals as well as the island and it's history and it is well worth the visit to support the amazing conservation work they are doing. If you have time the nocturnal tour is also apparently amazing as they have a whole heap of different wildlife emerging once the sun goes down.

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Kelly Hill Caves

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Having been refurbished after the devastating bush fires this place is well worth the investment. The guided tours of the area and inside the caves are so interesting and the light show under the ground highlighting the spectacular formations are just fantastic.

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Little Sahara Adventure Centre

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Vivonne Bay

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White sands and turquoise waters make this another popular beach on KI. On the main beach there is a pretty consistent wave which is popular with surfers, there are heaps of rock pools to explore and the beach between the river and the Jetty is ideal for a dip in the ocean.

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Seal Bay Conservation Park

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Cape Willoughby Lighthouse

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Swim with Wild Dolphins - Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures

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This was my highlight of my time on the Island - in my opinion and absolute must do. These tours are run daily and are well worth the early start. You head out with the incredibly knowledgeable skipper who shows you the amazing coastline as you head down towards the dolphin resting area. Once you arrive you gear up and jump into the clearest turquoise waters I've ever seen and are surrounded by beautiful dolphins. The water is super shallow and as the dolphins are in the bay to rest you are able to get right up close to them. As you leave the area they often also bow ride or play in the wake of the boat. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience and not one I will be forgetting in a hurry.

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Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery

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Clifford's Honey Farm

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Prospect Hill

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Penneshaw Penguin Centre

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Places to Stay - Campsites/Cabins

Antechamber Bay Campground

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Western River Cove

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Discovery Parks - Kangaroo Island

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Harveys Return Campground

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Discovery Lagoon Caravan and Camping Ground

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Vivonne Bay Campground

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Places to Stay - Hotels

Villas on the Bay Kingscote

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Kangaroo Island Coastal Villas

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The River Suites

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Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel

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Island Beach Haven

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Kangaroo Island Seafront

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KI Dragonfly Guesthouse

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The Fig Tree B & B

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Wild Retreat

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Rocky River Heritage Accommodation

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Antechamber Bay Retreats - Kangaroo Island Accommodation

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lucy | found by the ocean 🌞

Hello there! I'm Lucy, hailing from the UK. Growing up surrounded by nature, I developed a deep-rooted passion for exploring the great outdoors. From hiking and swimming to snorkeling, diving, and running, I've always sought out adventures under the open sky. But it doesn't stop there – I'm also a self-professed foodie, delighting in discovering local cuisines and produce wherever my travels take me. Since bidding farewell to the UK in 2019, I've been on an incredible solo journey across Australia, with occasional jaunts abroad. Australia has captured my heart, and after years of exploration, I'm eager to share the best spots for your own adventures. I'm all about that camping life, relishing every sunrise and sunset Mother Nature paints for us. Yet, I'll admit, I'm not immune to the allure of a touch of luxury now and then. My travel style? Think flexible plans and spontaneous discoveries. I thrive on immersing myself in local culture, often engaging with locals to uncover hidden gems in every destination. Whether it's trekking through rugged landscapes or unwinding in serene surroundings, I believe in striking the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. So, if you're seeking insider tips for your next escapade, whether it's an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a laid-back retreat, I'm here to help you make the most of your journey. Let's embark on unforgettable adventures together!

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