Scenic Drives

540 km of coastline, 155km long by 55km wide − Kangaroo Island is Australia's third largest island, you'll need at least a week to explore. Here's 8 days of activities, just to get you started. Maybe then you'll need another week, just to relax.

These tours can be enjoyed in any direction and from your accommodation anywhere on the Island. However, please refer to the attraction opening times throughout this website and the Kangaroo Island Visitor Guide to ensure you don't miss an opportunity.

Rolling North Coast Drive

The drive to Western River Cove is beautiful with rolling hills typical of the entire North Coast. Stop at Wind in Wings Gallery for art, food and wine in spectacular surrounds. Look for dolphins from Constitution Hill lookout at spectacular Snellings Beach. Continue  on route to Stokes Bay include Rare Breeds Farm , with its unusual farm animals, Paul's Place hands-on wildlife experience and Stokes Bay Bush Garden. Do not miss the hidden beach at Stokes Bay - make your way through the tunnel on the eastern end of the beach. Emu Bay is a peaceful retreat and a safe swimming beach - visit the Emu Bay Lavender Farm on the way out of town towards Kingscote.

South West Corner

A whole day could easily be spent exploring Flinders Chase National Park. The interactive visitor centre, the justifiably named Remarkable Rocks, historic and awe inspiring Weirs Cove and stalactite fringed Admirals Arch with its population of New Zealand fur seals playing below, is simply spectacular. Leaving the park, enjoy a walk among Koalas or a wildlife tour at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, before walking the white sandy beach to the rocky headlands at Hanson Bay. A cave tour at Kelly Hill Conservation Park or for the more adventurous, a tight squeeze through the adventure caving circuit is rewarding. Why not stay an extra day in this area and enjoy one of the spectacular walks in Flinders Chase.

South Coast & Kangaroo Island Heartland

Be sure to park somewhere along the drive to Parndana and listen for the scratching of wildlife in the roadside vegetation - where the road weaves through a canopy of trees is perfect. Among Parndana's facilities, the Soldier Settlement Museum is worth a visit. Parndana Wildlife Park and Roo Lagoon wood turning Gallery are also good stops. Andermel Marron Cafe and Two Wheeler Creek Wines on Harriet Road is beautifully presented with farm gate tours and sales of fresh water crayfish (marron) and wine. Make this your stop for lunch or an afternoon snack with a variety of fresh marron and other chef's special available. Complete the day at Vivonne Bay with a glass of wine and a toast to Australia's Best Beach.

West End

The Lighthouse Keepers cemetery near Cape Borda is the day's first grim reminder of the tragedies that struck early settlers. Further along, Scott Cove lookout is great reward for the long drive to Cape Borda, with stunning views of the coast and cliffs of the North Coast, the tallest in South Australia. A Cape Borda lighthouse tour is a must. The 12.30pm tour includes a firing of the signal cannon. The Ravine des Casoars hike is a good option for the energetic. Later, wind along Shackle Road to Flinders Chase, a self-guided tour brochure is available from National Parks.

Northern Eastern Highlights

Outside the many attractions of Penneshaw, unfolds a winding drive. Sunset Winery is set atop Eastern Cove with expansive views to Kingscote. Wine matches perfectly with a tasting plate of island produce. At Baudin Beach, an eclectic mix of local art is on display and constantly changing at KI Artworks. Climb the 512 steps towards lofty views at Prospect Hill. Pennington Bay is breathtaking with stunning cliffs and rolling surf. At American River, Glossy Black Cockatoo spotting on the Fish Cannery walk and watching waterbirds settle on Pelican Lagoon is popular.

Dudley Peninsula

Penneshaw attractions include a maritime museum, regular art exhibitions, the Information Centre for Kangaroo Island and popular cafes. On the drive to the eastern most point of Kangaroo Island, Cape Willoughby, stop at Antechamber Bay/Chapman River for unspoilt coastline and attractive picnic areas. Take the tour to the top of the lighthouse at Cape Willoughby for magnificent views before enjoying a local produce platter and a glass of wine at adjacent Dudley Wines. Enjoy a rural drive along Wilson River Road before touring Pennington Bay, Prospect Hill and American River. Complete the day with a guided penguin tour in Penneshaw.

Kingscote & District

A morning walk through historic Reeves Point is spectacular. Nearby Hope Cottage Museum tells much of the history of the area. Stop by Dauncey Street, the island's cappuccino strip before exploring KI Gallery. On the way out of town Ferguson Australia sells fresh lobster products seasonally and all things sweet can be found at nearby Island Beehive. Watch the milking at Island Pure Sheep Dairy. Twenty minutes away is Emu Bay's long white sandy beach and nearby lavender farm. Marine aquarium and penguin tours are hosted in the evening at Kingscote.Why not enjoy a 1 hour, 1⁄2 day or full day cruise with KI Marine Tours and explore the marine environment of Kangaroo Island.

Penneshaw to Seal Bay

Driving from Penneshaw, take the opportunity to stretch your legs at Pennington Bay, one of the Island's spectacular beaches. Moving off the highway, Jumbuck Australiana sheep shearing industry showcase, Clifford's Honey Farm (don't miss the icecream) and the self sufficient Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery are all novel attractions dotted among quiet country lanes. At Seal Bay, join a ranger on a guided walk of the beach, among Australian Sea lions. If time permits try sand surfing at Little Sahara sand dunes (boards available from KI Outdoor Action) or view birdlife at Murray Lagoon or D'Estrees Bay.