We want to make sure you have the best time possible on your stay so we’ve compiled a handy guide on how to get to Kangaroo Island, it’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.
A 4-7 night stay is recommended to fully appreciate and experience the beauty of this unique location.
How do you get to Kangaroo Island?
Travel From Adelaide
Kangaroo Island can be reached by air or sea.
The flight from Adelaide (ADL) to Kingscote (KGC) with Qantas is about 30 minutes in duration. Flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Kingscote is available, with a short stop in Adelaide.
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 with 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 during summer.
Kingscote Travel on Kangaroo Island provides exceptional service to book your flights and vehicles. Call Evelyn and her team 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 KI Connect. It is recommended to pre-book your vehicle. Cars can be brought across from the mainland on the ferry. Not all car hire places allow vehicles to go on the ferry, so check when booking.
A coach connection is available from Adelaide to Cape Jervis to connect with the 9 am or 6 pm ferry service.
Private tour guides and an airport shuttle service are available but need 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. This destination is far enough away to really give you that feeling of having your own special space, close to one of the best beaches AND well located for sightseeing across the island.
Check in is from 2 pm daily. Travel to Emu Bay by car from the Penneshaw ferry terminal 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 you are able to, as this will allow time to explore the attractions in and around Penneshaw and the Dudley Peninsula on the way to Emu Bay.
Notable attractions include The Sculpture Trail in Penneshaw, False Cape Wines, Dudley Winery, Pennington Bay, Prospect Hill Lookout. In American River, you will find the Oyster Farm Shop and The Deck Cafe. Clifford’s Honey Farm and the Eucalyptus Distillery are also on the way to Kingscote.
This handy Kangaroo Island 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 Supermarket and the Bottle shop as there are no shops in Emu Bay itself. Kingscote and Emu Bay are an easy 15 minutes drive apart.
We suggest you stock up on supplies before heading out to Emu Bay as once there, you will just want to relax and soak up the views and peace.
The local area
Wondering what to do on Kangaroo Island? Here are some activities and attractions within a 30 minute drive of Emu Bay.
Multiple beaches – Emu Bay, Stokes Bay, Kingscote Rock pool or Kingscote Yacht Club beach and the foreshore walk in Kingscote are waiting to be explored.
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.
Café Scrumptious: Cafe Scrumptious is a classy but cosy cafe to eat, drink and relax in Kingscote. Serving scrumptious
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.
Things to book before you leave
Priority booking – The Enchanted Fig Tree
If you intend to dine at one of Kangaroo Islands iconic dining experiences – The Enchanted Fig Tree, we suggest you make your booking early as they often book out. As an Emu Bay Holiday Homes guest, you can contact them directly on their email link HERE to request a date or book HERE online. This will make sure you don’t miss out. Be sure to mention in the notes that you are a Emu Bay Holiday Homes guest and you will be well looked after.
Kangaroo Island guide to 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.
Queenscliff Hotel – The local watering hole with pub meals.
Kangaroo Island Fresh Seafood – Take away or fresh locally caught seafood.
Ozone Hotel– Dine in meals served on the Kingscote foreshore.
Rabbit 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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