Several of my French friends living down under rank Kangaroo Island at their favourite destination in Australia. It always makes me wisd I spent more than a weekend on Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo Island is the perfect place for wilderness and wildlife lovers.
I went there in 2009; I booked a tour from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island for three days. It is also easy to fly to Adelaide, hire a car there and catch a ferry to Kangaroo Island. The visit can be done over a weekend. I think one day would rush it too much – but if it’s the only option you have, it’s still worth it.
Looking for a tour to visit Kangaroo Island?
Most tours on Kangaroo Island focus on Wildlife and Nature. I recommend booking a tour for at least one night (click here to find two to three-day tours*). If you only have one day, a tour will ensure you optimise your short time on the island (click here to find one-day tours*).
Kangaroo Island is also reputed as a foodie destination. I have friends who loved exploring it this way. Check out these tours options*
Wildlife not to be missed on Kangaroo Island
We met wallabies, echidnas, koalas, penguins, seals, sea lions, birds… It was incredible to see them all in just one trip on Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo Island is one of the best places to see wildlife in Australia.
As they are less common, my highlight was my encounter with the sea lions. I will never forget being sat on this beach with sea lions all around waking up or playing for the youngest. We were told by the guide not to approach them: they are wild animals, not pets. So when a little one started to slide close to me, I began to move away. The guide told me not to: if we must not approach them, they are allowed to come to us! While the sea lion was getting closer, he explained the young ones are curious, and it may even come closer to smell me. It was such a special moment with the young animal watching me! The beach is only accessible with a guide.
Seeing wild penguins was a dream coming true as well, and the second highlight of this trip. Penguins can only be seen after dark with a guide.
I also really liked the Bird of Prey show, where we could meet birds of different kinds. When I was a child, I used to love kingfishers and even created a presentation on them to do in front of my entire class. On Kangaroo Island, I had the incredible opportunity to have one of them (a Kookaburra, very popular in Australia) gently landing on my arm.
My only regret?
I have not dived yet in Kangaroo Island, but I have heard it can be great, so since I have been open-water certified, it has come back on my to-do list.
Enjoy Kangaroo Island’s wilderness
Although it is a popular tourist destination, Kangaroo Island has been preserved from construction.
Hence, on top of the amazing wildlife, the island also has a great feeling of wilderness combined with stunning landscapes to offer. I loved the Remarkable Rocks; it was a fun place to explore.
I chose to sleep in swags at night, under the stars, to thoroughly enjoy the wilderness. Although it was summer, it gets chilly down there so this may not be done all year round – but it was a great experience!
Where to stay on Kangaroo Island?
If you’re travelling as a group (up to six people), have a look at the eco-friendly A Dune Escape*. I did not stay in this holiday home – as I joined a tour that included accommodation – but it would be my first choice if I was planning another trip. Stunning views, wildlife, secluded beach, fireplace… What else do you need?
Did you like Kangaroo Island, or is it still on your list? Share your experience in the comments below!
Where is Kangaroo Island?
Kangaroo Island is near Adelaide, in South Australia. It is Australia’s third-largest island (after Tasmania and Melville Island): at its widest, it is 145km from West to East and 50km from North to South.
