We want to make sure you have the best time possible on your stay so we’ve compiled a handy guide to the island’s top attractions, places to eat and other information that you may find helpful on your visit.
Kangaroo Island is much bigger than most people realise, so a 4-7 night stay is recommended to fully appreciate and experience the beauty of Kangaroo Island.
Travel From Adelaide
Kangaroo Island can be reached by air or sea. A flight from Adelaide (ADL) to Kingscote (KGC) with either Regional Express or Qantas (from Sydney/Melbourne via Adelaide in certain times of the year) is about 30 minutes in duration.
The ferry crossing departure point at Cape Jervis is approximately a 2-hour drive from central Adelaide. The actual crossing lasts about 45 minutes. You must arrive 30 minutes prior to your ferry departure time to coordinate check-in and loading. We provide a free ferry booking service for Sealink at a slightly discounted rate to our guests to facilitate your travel to and from Kangaroo Island. Click on the button to supply the details for your booking.
KIConnect supplies a passenger only ferry with vehicle hire on the Island.
Kingscote Travel on Kangaroo Island provides exceptional service to book your flights and vehicles. Call Evelyn or Amber on (08) 8553 3154 or email them on travel@kingscotetravel.com.au.
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Getting around Kangaroo Island
Due to the size of the island a self drive option will give you the greatest freedom to explore. Hire cars are available at the airport in Adelaide or Kingscote, and the ferry docking site in Penneshaw through Hertz, Budget car hire or Kingscote Travel. It is recommended to pre-book your vehicle. Cars can be brought across from the mainland on the ferry.
A coach connection is available from Adelaide to Cape Jervis with your ferry booking. A shuttle bus runs between Penneshaw, American River and Kingscote. A shuttle bus is also available from the airport to Kingscote. Emu Bay is a 15 minute drive from Kingscote.
Private tour guides and an airport shuttle service are available but needs to be booked in advance.
In house delivered meals can be provided.
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Arrival day
Emu Bay is an ideal location for your Kangaroo Island stay. Far enough away to really give you that feeling of having you own special space, close to one of the best beaches AND well located for sight seeing across the island.
Check in is from 2 pm daily. Travel to Emu Bay by car from the ferry takes approximately 50 minutes. Pick up a Kangaroo Island Travel Guide and map when checking in at the ferry.
Taking the morning ferry is advisable if able, as this will allow time to explore the attractions in and around Penneshaw and the Dudley Peninsula, and others on the way to Emu Bay. Notable attractions include The Sculpture trail in Penneshaw, False Cape Wines, Dudley Winery, Pennington Bay, Prospect Hill Lookout, Flavours of Petit Provance Farmstall. In American River find the Oyster Farm Shop and Deck Cafe, Clifford’s Honey Farm and the Eucalyptus Distillery on the way to Kingscote. This handy map can help you plan your stay.
Follow the road signs to Kingscote and then Emu Bay. The turn off is close to Kingscote, the main town, where it is possible to stock up on fresh seafood, local honey as well as other provisions from Drakes and the Bottle shop as there are no shops in Emu Bay itself. Kingscote and Emu Bay is an easy 15 minutes drive apart.
We suggest you stock up before heading out to Emu Bay as once there you will just want to relax and soak up the views and peace.
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The local area
Some things to do within 30 minutes drive of Emu Bay.
Mini De Lights – Pop up stall for coffee, cocktails and take away light meals at Emu Bay beach access. Open weekends in summer.
Emu Bay Lavender Farm – Coffee, delicious meals, local gin and beer and lavender products. Open daily.
KI Spirits – Local international award winning gin distillery; tastings and cocktails.
KI Brewery – Family friendly; open on weekends.
Springs Road Winery – Owned by the Battle of Bosworth winery from McClarenvale.
Islander Estate Winery – Fine French winemaking; established by Jacques Lurton.
Bay of Shoals Winery– Situated on Shoal Bay; provides a 10/10 view.
Island Beehive – Honey tastings; honey produced by Kangaroo Island’s unique Ligurian honey bees.
Frogs and Roses and Café Scrumptious: Plant nursery; coffee, café and home made pizzas.
George’s 40 000 Castle Lights – Quirky castle. Contact George to see his lights on.
There are several art galleries in Kingscote, including Fine Art Kangaroo Island and Kangaroo Island Gallery and Shep’s Studio on the way to Emu Bay.
Local eats
Cactus – Breakfast and lunches: relaxed yet stylish atmosphere.
Mini De Lights – Pop-up stand at the entrance to Emu Bay beach; serving light meals and cocktails Friday to Monday in summer.
Bella’s – Restaurant dining, coffee and cakes: take away pizzas.
Amadio Wines Cellar Door – Tapas bar on the main street of Kingscote.
Queenscliff Hotel – The local watering hole with pub meals.
Roger’s Deli and Café – In the main street of Kingscote.
Kangaroo Island Fresh Seafood – Take away or fresh locally caught seafood.
Ozone Hotel– Dine in meals served on the Kingscote foreshore.
Chocol’ Art and Coffee – Locally roasted coffee, truffles, cake and chocolate.
Rabbitt Warren Bakery – Locally baked goods.
Lighthouse Café – Good everyday food.
Amanda’s Take Away – Roast Chickens and other meals/take away.
A range of pop-up caravans serve food on different days from the foreshore or the roadside. Look for the signs.
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