Kangaroo Island Beaches
When Sydney University evaluated 10,000 beaches across Australia (rating them on things like clarity of water, privacy and cleanliness) it was only natural that Kangaroo Island's Vivonne Bay would come out tops. But with so many long, curved, sandy beaches - perfect for beachcombing, picnics, surfing, swimming or fishing - it's a wonder Kangaroo Island's other beaches didn't receive similar recognition.
Kingscote
The beach area in front of the Ozone Hotel is a popular family picnic spot with elevated grass banks. Little Brownlow Beach, in front of the Yacht Club, is also a pleasant area providing shallow swimming and wading.
Emu Bay
This bay has four-kilometre long beach with vehicle access onto the hard sand. It is one of the most popular beaches on Kangaroo Island with safe, clear water for swimming. Anglers can try their luck from the jetty or launch their boats from the access ramp. The jetty was built in 1916 and, until the early 1930s, grain, stock and merchandise were taken to and from the Island from this jetty. Barbecue and picnic area, toilets.
Stokes Bay
To the east of the rocky cove is an unusual walk through a headland of boulders that brings you to a fine, white sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. A large rock-enclosed pool provides protection from the surf, making this a safe swimming spot for all the family. Kangaroo Island residents and visitors frequent this great location, particularly on days when other, more open beaches, are windblown from the south. The Rockpool Café is perfectly positioned as a halfway point for sightseers taking a drive along the north coast bays and valleys. The cafe open from October to May and provides delightful alfresco dining. Barbecue and picnic area, camping, toilets.
Snellings Beach
The view from the top of Constitution Hill at Snellings Beach is spectacular. At the mouth of Middle River, this beach is excellent for swimming and surf-fishing, and, at either end of the beach, excellent rock-fishing. Care should be used when swimming in the river, because of hidden logs and weeds. Picnic area and toilets.
Western River Cove
Walk over the footbridge along the riverbank to a hidden sandy cove, and enjoy this picturesque area - ideal for swimming, rock and surf-fishing. You'll also find a barbecue, camping area and toilets.
Scott Cove
The spectacular north coast cliffs of Cape Torrens and Cape Forbin can be seen from this magnificent vantage point. At 263 metres, these are the highest coastal cliffs in South Australia.
Hanson Bay
A popular surf-fishing area with large Australian salmon often caught along the spectacular sandy beach. At a rocky outcrop a short way down the beach, a walkway leads to a second section of beach or, for the more energetic, a hike begins to Kelly Hill Conservation Park. The hike is approximately eight hours (18 kilometres) return.
Vivonne Bay
Proclaimed the 'best beach' in Australia after extensive research by Sydney University and it's not hard to work out why. The long, curved, sandy beach is a superb site for picnics, beachcombing, surfing and fishing. Experienced surfers enjoy the wonderful turquoise waters. Fishing from the jetty, beach, boat or the Harriet River mouth is excellent. The beach can be reached by taking the road just past the Vivonne Bay store. Safe swimming areas can be found near the jetty and boat ramp, or the sandy-bottomed Harriet River that enters the bay nearby. On the other side of the river, Point Ellen provides photographers with spectacular views of the Southern Ocean sending its waves crashing onto the cliff-face. Vivonne Bay is the only safe harbour on the south coast of Kangaroo Island and is the base for crayfishing boats from November to May. Barbecue and picnic areas, toilets, camping.
D'Estrees Bay
An attractive area that has seen much history with the establishment of a whaling station and the wrecks of ships. Today it is virtually unspoilt, with shore-wading birds and pelicans feeding on the long stretches of beach. Many hours can be spent exploring the large bay or driving along the coast to the south. The track is rough, but passable with a conventional vehicle, and leads to a horseshoe-shaped cove, site of a popular surf-break.
Note: trekkers to Cape Gantheaume should discuss their plans with National Parks staff at Kingscote before beginning their trek. The need for adequate and appropriate equipment is essential. Camping, swimming, fishing, toilets.
Pennington Bay
Pennington Bay is a wonderful surf beach, but extreme care must be used at this beach. It can even be dangerous for experienced swimmers and surfers. In rough weather, the southerly winds blow at gale force, crashing huge waves that can be heard at American River, 9 km away.
Brown Beach
A sheltered beach, safe for all ages. Barbecue and picnic area, toilets, camping.
Baudin Beach
The community of approximately 50 residents is actively preserving the local area for the enjoyment of all. Next to the boat ramp is an exciting copper sculpture celebrating Mary Beckwith, the first recorded European woman to set foot on South Australian soil. Facilities include a boat ramp, viewing platform and cliff-top walking path.
Penneshaw Beach
Clean sand, safe swimming and spectacular views across Backstairs Passage to the mainland make Hog Bay the ideal holiday beach for all ages. The Lloyd Collins Reserve provides toilets, electric barbecue and picnic facilities.
Antechamber Bay - Chapman River
Chapman River runs from Lashmar Lagoon into Antechamber Bay. The area is full of tracks leading through bushland, sand-hills and lagoons, and is a favourite spot for canoeists and campers.
Keep Yourself Safe
While Kangaroo Island's beaches are beautiful, there are some dangers associated with open ocean. Beware of rips and undertows. Seek advice from locals on current conditions. Shark attacks, although rare, have occurred in waters around the world and indeed around the Australian coastline. If diving, adhere to the usual diving rules. Advise someone of your whereabouts and dive with a 'buddy'. Use common sense, and enjoy the Island's beautiful beaches.
