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Your Quick Guide for planning your Kangaroo Island Holiday

What you need to know for planning a great Kangaroo Island holiday

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Why would you want to visit Kangaroo Island?

If getting back to nature, experiencing unspoilt beauty, taking the pace of living back a step or three, experiencing peace, calm and space – then visiting Kangaroo Island and staying at Emu Bay Holiday Homes is a must.

How big is the Island and how long should I stay?

The island is a lot bigger than most people think with lots to see and do. It is just over 150 km long and about 55 km wide at the widest.

Whether it is the beautiful beaches of the North and South Coast, the iconic Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, wildlife experiences, wine tastings and beautiful food, a long walk on the beach and then relaxing on your patio with a great book and a coffee or wine that attracts you, a 4 nights stay will give you time to get to most of the attractions, relax a little and soak up the views and peace at Emu Bay Holiday Homes.

A two night stay will give you a small taste of what the Island offers and a week or longer will give you time for real rest and rejuvenation. The most common thing I hear guests say is ” We wish we were staying longer”.

 

How do I get to Kangaroo Island?

There are two ways you can reach Kangaroo Island from mainland Australia. You can travel by sea or air. You can take the 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw or a  short 35-minute domestic flight from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport with Rex.

Self drive is definitely the way to go as its gives you the flexibility to spend your time on what you enjoy most.

Whether you are bringing your own vehicle or a  rental vehicle:

We can book your ferry for you!

Book a Ferry

Some car hire places in Adelaide do not allow their vehicles to be brought on the ferry, or drive on dirt roads or after dusk so make sure you check the details if  you need to hire a vehicle in Adelaide. Vehicles can also be hired on the Island from Penneshaw.

Budget     Hertz

 

 

KIConnect is a passenger service ferry only that connects via bus from Adelaide and offers vehicle hire in Penneshaw. You can also drive to Cape Jervis and leave your car there.

Click to know more

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 allow time for check-in and loading.

 

Flight with Qantas Airline or Regional Air Express(REX)

Flights from Adelaide (ADL) to Kingscote (KGC) with either Regional Express  or Qantas is about 30 minutes in duration. COVID has affected schedules so please check availability. Vehicles are available for hire at the Kingscote Airport. It is recommended that you prebook your vehicle.

 

Budget     Hertz

 

 

What is there to do on Kangaroo Island?

To make sure you have the best time possible on your stay, a handy guide has been compiled to the island’s top attractions. Find places to eat, attractions to visit, driving times and other information that will be helpful on your visit. As you’ll see, there is so much to do that at least a 4 night stay is recommended. At Emu Bay Holiday Homes we offer a minimum two night stay and discounted rates for longer stays.

 

Click the map to learn more.

 

Where to stay and why Emu Bay?

If you enjoy your own space, privacy, peace and quiet, good social distancing, great sea views, easy access to the beach and Kingscote – Emu Bay Holiday Homes gives you great balance between being close enough to what you need and away from everything for a good break.
Emu Bay is well positioned to be able to access Kingscote easily with a  15 minute drive for access to restaurants, stocking up on any provisions you may need and to visit the many attractions around the area.

Some suggested excursions.

  • Half day outings: Stokes Bay and the other North Coast beaches, KI Wildlife Park and Parndana for lunch at the Cafe or local pub.
  • South Coast Road – Raptor Domain, Seal Bay, Bales Bay, Vivonne Bay could be full or half day.
  • Adventure excursions: Sand boarding or E-Bikes at Little Sahara, Quad biking at Vivonne Bay.
  • Wineries including Islander Estate, Springs Road Winery, KIS Gin distillery, Bay of Shoals Winery and the KI Brewery. Recommended to visit False Cape Winery (mention you’re staying at Emu Bay Holiday Homes for a discount) and Dudley Winery on arrival or departure day.
  • Art galleries, gift, craft, The Beehive and other shops in Kingscote, with a nice lunch at Cactus.
  • Fishing – from the jetty or beach in Emu Bay or Kingscote, fishing charters or dolphin excursions.
  • Multiple hikes all around the island. The Sculpture Trail in Penneshaw is great for arrival or departure day, and the lookout at Prospect Hill near Vivonne Bay gives you expansive views.  https://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/walks-and-hikes
  • Full day: Visit Flinders Chase National Park and see the iconic Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

As you can see, definitely too much for a 2 day stay, although you’ll get a taste for what you want to come back for. 

 

Emu Bay Holiday Homes is very popular with our guests. Have a look at what they say on Tripadvisor and Google. 

Trip Advisor Google Reviews

 

Eating out?

 

Multiple options for dining out in Kingscote (click here). An array of pop up caravans operate as well. Look for the sign as you drive in or on the foreshore. Fresh local fish at the Fish and Chips Shop at the Caltex Service Station and a Beef Brisket Burger from Amanda’s Take Away is a must. Cactus and the Emu Bay Lavender Farm that is open for breakfast and lunch are favourites among the locals. 

If you feel like “eating out” with the views from your home at Emu Bay Holiday Homes contact Lucy’s KIKitchen that does delivered meals to your accommodation for self heating. 24 hour notice required.

 

Emu Bay Holiday Homes looks forward to being your HOME AWAY FROM HOME when you choose to use as your base for your Kangaroo Island Holiday.

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Reviews and Testimonials

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Ideal location, great stay

Two friends and I spent 3 lovely nights in a cabin at Emu Bay Holiday Homes over the final weekend of October. The cabin was very clean and well maintained. Rene warmly welcomed us on arrival and provided us with some great local tips. The cabin was well equipped and had everything we needed for a home away from home experience. Spectacular views of Emu Bay and convenient location. We return home to Adelaide refreshed and with many lovely memories. A big thank you to Rene and Johannes. We now keenly await our next memorable KI experience.

– Holly P

What a gem

We had a fantastic five night stay with four other friends in Jireh House. Spotlessly clean and well appointed it was a great location to enjoy the views set among beautiful gardens with numerous colourful flowering plants. Mornings and evenings on the front verandah were memorable in the tranquil setting with numerous birds using the bird bath or feeding on the flowers. Easy access to Island attractions. Great assistance and communication with all our arrangements from Christine and Rene. We’ll definitely recommend it to friends and return some time.

– Peter F

Family friendly home

A house with stunning views. Home away from home comfort. Great facilities provided. A fantastic location . House situated amongst beautiful gardens so tranquil and peaceful.
Beautiful grounds for taking a walk and enjoying the Australian flora and fauna. Spotting koalas in the trees near the house was a highlight.

– Artkat