Kangaroo Island - SA

Kangaroo Island, often called Australia’s “zoo without fences,” is a haven for wildlife, rugged coastlines, and pristine natural landscapes. Located off the coast of South Australia, it’s renowned for its abundant native animals including kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and sea lions, as well as its dramatic rock formations like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park. Visitors will also find beautiful beaches, local produce, wineries, and artisanal food experiences that make the island a well-rounded destination.Access to Kangaroo Island is by ferry from Cape Jervis (about 2 hours’ drive south of Adelaide) to Penneshaw, or by plane from Adelaide to Kingscote. Once on the island, you’ll need a car to explore—there’s no public transport, and distances between attractions are too great for walking. You can bring your own vehicle across on the ferry, or hire a car locally.The best time to visit is generally spring (September–November) for wildflowers and wildlife activity, or summer (December–February) for warmer weather and ideal beach conditions. Autumn and winter bring fewer crowds and lush landscapes, but some tourism services may be reduced.Much of Kangaroo Island is protected land, with around a third of the island made up of national parks and conservation areas. You don’t need special permits to enter the island, but national park entry fees apply for certain sites such as Flinders Chase. Camping is possible at designated sites within the parks and at private campgrounds, with options ranging from basic bush camping to caravan parks with full facilities. Free camping is not permitted outside of designated areas.