Kangaroo Island

If enjoying some of South Australia’s most idyllic scenery — without so much as a soul to interrupt the views sounds appealing, Kangaroo Island has got you covered. Spend any amount of time on the island, and it inevitably becomes apparent that despite numerous pockets of paradise to be found, for the most part, the island is uninhabited, which for many will be a big tick of approval.

The majority of the island consists of land reserved for agriculture and primary industry. In stark contrast, there are hidden pockets on the island of nature-based bliss that are sure to melt away the slightest of concerns. It’s this contrast between the island’s environments that gives this place its alluring charm.

The most populated section of the island is on the eastern side, where the ferry drops off visitors from the mainland each day. Here you’ll find a collection of sparsely populated towns, each with its own shops, cafés and restaurants, many serving up exceptional local produce. Adding to the island’s rustic charm, these offerings highlight the freshness and quality of goods available throughout the island.

As Kangaroo Island is located twenty kilometres off the coast of South Australia, access is via the Sealink ferry service — which has enough room for your car and tow vehicle. The ferry may be expensive, but if you have enough time up your sleeve, there are plenty of free activities to sink your teeth into once you arrive on the island.

The following free things to see and do on Kangaroo Island range from popular big-ticket attractions to gorgeous hideaways you’ll more than likely have to yourself. If South Australia is on your to-do list, Kangaroo Island may very well be the secluded paradise that you’ve been looking for.

If you could only pick one place to see on Kangaroo Island, the Remarkable Rocks within Flinders Chase National Park would be a good choice. Aptly named, the Remarkable Rocks are a natural wonder that proves to be highly popular — and rightly so.

As you drive alongside a towering cliff line leading to the final location, the rocks can be seen at first from quite a distance. The awe continues right up until you’re standing under their shadow, with both the coastal views and the rocks themselves proving to be breathtakingly spectacular. Scattered like building blocks on the edge of a cliff, it’s as if Mother Nature hadn’t quite finished the job, leaving several giant rocks on top of the otherwise smooth granite headland.

While many roads at the far end of Kangaroo Island are unsealed, the route from the ferry drop-off to Flinders Chase National Park is sealed all the way. If you’re staying in accommodation near the ferry, travelling to the other end of the island should be hassle-free. It’s a big island though — and from the ferry, it’s about 150 kilometres each way. Allow yourself plenty of travel time, and be sure to fuel up the car before you go.

Note: Flinders Chase National Park is not covered in the South Australia Multi Parks Pass. See here for entry information.

Flinders Chase National Park has quite a few attractions to be discovered, with Admiral’s Arch the second must-see destination during your visit. Thanks to the high-energy swells of the Indian Ocean that lash this southern frontier, a cavernous tunnel has been gouged out of the headland over millions of years.

It’s quite a sight to take in first-hand and would be worthy of a trip in itself. As a bonus, the arch and its surrounding rocks are also home to a large colony of long-nosed fur seals.

Via a series of staircases and platforms, visitors to the area can get quite close to the seals — witnessing their behaviour in the wild. It’s a thrilling experience and a rare chance to see such beautiful animals in their natural environment. For those with a zoom camera, you’re close enough to capture these seals in great detail, which is quite a rewarding and enjoyable experience in itself. Having said that, simply admiring these creatures in the wild is an experience to remember, as they bask in the sun and interact with each other.

There are so many great beaches on Kangaroo Island that once you arrive — you really are spoiled for choice. Each of the beaches on the island has something unique to offer, with all worthy of a day trip. Having said that, on a bright sunny day, Emu Bay comes alive with turquoise waters that stretch for miles on end. It’s also one of the closest beaches to the ferry, yet as it’s situated on the lesser-visited northern side of the island, it sees very little traffic.

Being located on the north side also protects the beach from the elements. Without any swell and given low wind (most of the time), this stunning seaside environment is the kind of place that melts away the worries of the world, whilst you unwind and enjoy the sublime atmosphere.

You also have the option to drive onto the beach with your car, with easy ramp access and hard sand along most of the beach. Given such a calm seaside environment, even a two-wheel drive vehicle should have no trouble here, making this a great day out for everyone.

The water is quite shallow all along the shore and, with low swell, is perfect for families. On a calm day, the only sound you’ll hear is the gentle crash of small waves. It’s one of those places where you can truly unwind and relax, perhaps with your favourite book or a picnic out of the back of your car. A stroll out along the jetty is also a great way to soak up the atmosphere of this highly scenic beach.

In short, be sure to save the best-weather day for Emu Bay, and you’ll be left with a lasting impression.

If the thought of a day trip along the lesser-visited northern coastline of Kangaroo Island sounds appealing, you’ll be glad to know that there’s much to discover. With a string of stunning beaches, you’ll have to pinch yourself that no one is around to spoil the fun.

Arriving at Stokes Beach, you’d be forgiven for thinking that someone had led you astray, as stepping out of your car leads to a beach that is nothing to write home about. Never fear, though, as a secret path through (yes, through) the headland leads to the ‘real’ Stokes Beach.

At one point, you’ll have to crouch a little to get through to the stunning beach on the other side, but it’s not overly burdensome. In fact, for those with a sense of curiosity, it’s an enchanting walk and fun for all ages and abilities.

As you step out into the light, a shallow rock pool awaits you at the left-hand end of the beach, which is an excellent spot for young ones to play in. For the grown-ups, the beach’s length is a joy to stroll along, with the surrounding hills creating an expansive yet secluded atmosphere. For those who love perfect examples of nature, this beach is as pristine as any you’ll find.

Tip: The Rockpool Café across the road from the carpark is pretty much the only food option on this side of the island.

Continuing west along the north coast road, if you don’t mind leaving the bitumen behind, then Snelling Beach is just the spot for you. You could be forgiven for thinking that people were allergic to the dust of an unsealed road here, as there’s every chance you’ll have this beach to yourself. Snelling is another car-accessible beach with hard sand similar to Emu Bay, if a tad softer. There is also a carpark right behind the dunes, so accessing the beach by foot is straightforward for those who venture here.

Highly atmospheric, the rewards of travelling here will become apparent from the moment you step onto the brilliant-white sands of this incredible beachside setting.

Be sure to make your way down to the eastern (right-hand) end of the beach, as the lichen-covered formations here are as good as you’re likely to see, with fiery red and yellow hues covering many of the rocks. Also, keep an eye out for the Kangaroos that inhabit the grassy hills here, as there are some great photo opportunities with an ocean backdrop capping off the experience. You may even see dolphins cruising past — such is the natural beauty of the island’s northern side.

Head further west along Kangaroo Island’s northern coast road, and you’ll eventually arrive at Western River Cove. Tucked away in a quieter, less-travelled section of the island, it has the secluded feel this part of Kangaroo Island is known for. As pristine as the surrounding region, it’s a very scenic beach, with azure waters and stunning rock formations along the water’s edge.

You’ll find picnic facilities adjacent to the carpark, which may come in handy should you wish to stop for a packed lunch. A short walk away, a charming footbridge over a river inlet provides access to the beach.

If you’re looking for beauty and seclusion, Western River Cove is a great find and a fitting end to a highly enjoyable scenic drive.

If you’re travelling down the southern coastline of Kangaroo Island to see the attractions within Flinders Chase National Park, there are a couple of fantastic locations to check out along the way. Vivonne Bay, with its red sand and turquoise waters, is a sight to behold on a clear day. As an open-water beach, there are good waves to be had with surfers spread right along the stretch of this amazing bay — many of which have a break all to themselves.

Take note that there are two access roads to two very different sections of Vivonne Bay. Turning off from the arterial South Coast Road, Knofel Drive takes you to the surf beach, whereas Jetty Road takes you to the highly scenic jetty. Whether you’re sightseeing or enjoying the waves, one thing’s for sure: you won’t forget this magnificent place in a hurry.

Also on the southern coastline, Hanson Bay is another must-see location if you’re heading down to Flinders Chase National Park. Whether you choose to bask upon the pristine sands or are merely passing through, it’s a spectacular setting — with a sunny day lighting up the beach like no other on the island.

Serenity is the reward for investing time within the powdery-white sand here, with a ruggedly pristine quality to be discovered by all who venture to this humble abode. Can it be that good? You’ll have to find out for yourself. Getting to the beach is easy enough, with a signposted road teeing off the arterial South Coast Road.

Accessing most attractions on Kangaroo Island requires driving past Prospect Hill Lookout. Offering panoramic views, it’s not only the highest point on the island, but also one of the island’s most historically significant attractions.

Assigned with charting the coast of Australia, the pioneering explorer Matthew Flinders climbed this very hill on 4 April, 1802. For the longest time, the hill was known as Mount Thisby. To commemorate two hundred years since Flinders’ historic landing, the name Prospect Hill was officially restored in 2002.

Getting to the top involves some effort, with steep steps to the summit. As the lookout is situated on a very narrow neck of the island, the views are engaging in all directions, with Pelican Lagoon adding extra interest to the vista. Kangaroo Island’s major arterial road out of town leads right by this lookout, so you really won’t miss it once you head out for the day. It’s a very accessible lookout and well worth the short hike.

Pennington Bay is yet another superb beach on the southern coastline of Kangaroo Island. With so many gorgeous beaches already mentioned, it may be hard to get to every single one. This beach’s strength is its proximity to the masses — with but a short drive out of town all that is required. It’s big, raw, and rugged, with a couple of impressive vantage points high up on the foredunes that provide expansive views.

Down along the shoreline, there are a few rock pools which are located pretty much in the centre of this very long sandy stretch. Whether you choose to swim or view from above, they add an element to the landscape and are worth investigating.

The access road for this stunning beach starts 100m further down the road from the Prospect Hill Lookout carpark, so teaming up these two destinations one after another is a great option while in the area.