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Essential tips for visiting Kangaroo Island in Australia

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Essential tips for visiting Kangaroo Island in Australia

More and more people are discovering the natural wonder and spectacular beauty of Kangaroo Island in Australia. If you are thinking about taking a trip to South Australia’s hidden gem (and you should), there are a few things you need to know to make the most of your trip.

Photo credit: @njohnston(via Instagram)

Getting there

Being located off the mainland is part of what makes Kangaroo Island such an amazing place to stay but it also makes it just a little harder to get to. Most people choose to go by ferry across the 14 odd kilometers of the Backstairs Passage, the quaintly named stretch of water between Cape Jervis on the South Australian mainland and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.

Flights are also available from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, though they tend to be more expensive and you don’t have the option of bringing your car and trailer, which you can do on the ferry.

For a more indepth look at getting to Kangaroo Island check out our other blog post here. (link to “How to get to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide- blog”)

What to bring

Kangaroo Island is blessed with a mild, Mediterranean climate, meaning temperatures and weather conditions are rarely extreme. Summertime is warm to hot and dry and winter is cool and wet. It is best to check the forecast before you go to see what clothing will be appropriate. Don’t forget sun protection, especially in the summer months, and always bring a jacket – even in the summer months.

The equipment you bring will depend on what you want to get out of your stay. Binoculars are good for wildlife watching and bathers and snorkeling gear will help you make the most of the stunning beaches like Emu Bay. The fishing is also fantastic on Kangaroo Island so fishing gear will be a must for the keen angler.

Photo credit: @jess_tren (via Instagram) – Jessica Stenson

Supplies and equipment will vary depending on where you are staying. Fully equipped accommodation like Emu Bay Holiday Homes offer all the sheets and crockery you need but you may want to pack some groceries.

For a deeper dive into what to bring to Kangaroo Island, including what not to bring, read more here (link to “What to pack for your trip to Kangaroo Island- blog”)

What to do

There are so many things to do on Kangaroo Island in Australia that it is hard to sum up in one blog post. In fact there are two more blog posts you should check out on this subject here (link to “Remarkable spots of Kangaroo Island -blog” ) and here (link to “Top things to do on Kangaroo Island for retirees – blog”)

In short, Kangaroo Island is a natural wonderland. Native wildlife is plentiful and easy to see including kangaroos, penguins, sea lions, seabirds, and a whole swathe of others. You can see them in the wild or in several fantastic wildlife parks and sanctuaries.

Tours are available to these wildlife locations as well as to working honey, lavender, eucaluptus farms and multiple local wineries.

There are beaches in the north that are amazing for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and fishing and rivers that are great for exploring and more fishing.

Photo credit: @01201_photography (via Instagram)

Location: Snelling Beach

There is also no lack of culture on Kangaroo Island with multiple art galleries and amazing places to eat across the whole island. However long you had planned for your stay you should think about doubling it!

Where to stay

While there is accommodation available across the island, Emu Bay is the best base to set up for your stay. Conveniently located between amenities and wilderness, its 4.5 km sweep of sugar-white beach is one of the best in the world.

Staying in self contained accommodation at Emu Bay Holiday Homes is the ideal way to make the most of your Kangaroo Island experience. Cook for yourself and enjoy peaceful and private surroundings just metres from the beach and only 15 minutes drive from the shops in Kingscote.

Book directly via the Emu Bay Holiday Homes website for the best accomodation deal. We will even help you to book a discounted ferry ride without charging you booking fees when you make reservations for one of our  fully equipped houses, cabins, cottages, or apartments.

Reviews and Testimonials

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Exceeded our high expectations!

A wonderful experience that exceeded all expectations. The cabin has everything one needs. The surroundings are very beautiful and kangaroos, koalas and the birds come to visit often. Just when we thought it was as good as it can be, we realized there was more! Incredible starry skies and a lot of shooting stars. Wishing we could have stayed for more than 9 days.

– Trip48477180221

Vacation ❘ Couple

We stayed in the Bayview Guest wing, perfect for the two of us, for our seven night stay. Although it is attached to Amani House, (so it can be hired as part of Amani too), it is very well sound proofed and we chatted to our neighbours at times but felt undisturbed by their presence. Fantastic views of the superb Emu Bay, surrounded by wildlife and we were made very welcome by Rene and Johannes. The lovely Rene visited us to make sure we had whatever we needed and she is very knowledgeable about KI and can answer any questions you might have. Everything we needed was supplied, including a welcome gift of a bottle of False Cape red wine, local honey and KI oats and the apartment was beautifully clean. An easy walk to the beautiful beach, friendly locals and a fifteen minute drive to Kingscote for a meal at the pub, or the local Italian.

(Booking is a good idea!)

Highly recommend Emu Bay Holiday Homes.

– nick vallence

Vacation ❘ Family

“Emu Bay Holiday Homes offers a delightful experience with its stunning views of Emu Bay, exceptional service, and comfortable rooms. The central location is perfect for exploring the major attractions of Kangaroo Island. A special thanks to the owner for providing an EV charging facility, which adds a thoughtful touch to an already fantastic stay. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area!”

– Jag Kakarlapudi