Kangaroo Island Driving Trips

Flinders Chase National Park

Spend at least a day visiting Flinders Chase, Kelly Hill Caves and Seal Bay. Flinders Chase National Park is about an hour and a half's drive from Kingscote. Make it one of your first stops, as tour buses usually visit later in the afternoon. To get to Flinders Chase, follow the Playford Highway, then turn left onto West End Highway at Gosse. 

While you're in the park, see its top attractions - Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks. Look out for the colony of New Zealand fur seals near Admirals Arch.

Koala Avenue and Kelly Hill Caves

You'll find Koala Avenue just outside Flinders Chase National Park. See koalas in their natural habitat.

Head east along South Coast Road and stop by Kelly Hill Caves. Take a cave tour to get the most out of your visit.

Vivonne Bay and Seal Bay

Vivonne Bay and Seal Bay are located along South Coast Road. Vivonne Bay has been described as one of the best beaches in Australia. Its long, sandy beach and turquoise water make it a great place for relaxing.

Drive further along South Coast Road to Seal Bay Conservation Park. Take a guided tour and see Australian sea lions up close on the beach. Go on a self guided tour by walking along the 800 metre boardwalk. Stop at viewing platforms and watch the sea lions below.

When you have finished at Seal Bay, head back towards Kingscote. The Little Sahara Desert is nearby. Park your car and go for a walk along the vivid white sand dunes.

Kingscote is about an hour's drive away. Continue north east along South Coast Road (it eventually becomes Birchmore Road and Playford Highway).

Kingscote and Emu Bay

Kingscote is Kangaroo Island's largest town and is a good starting point for your driving trip. It's also the location of the airport, which is 13 kilometres out of the town.

Head north from Kingscote along North Coast Road towards Emu Bay. Only 18 kilometres from Kingscote, Emu Bay offers wildlife and swimming with dolphin tours, sightseeing and fishing charters. If you have a four wheel drive (4WD), you can drive along the beach. If not, take a four wheel drive (4WD) tour.

Penneshaw and American River

Penneshaw is a 60 kilometre drive from Kingscote and is where the SeaLink Ferry docks. To reach Penneshaw from Kingscote, follow the Playford Highway, then turn left on Arramore Road. Continue along Arramore Road and the joining Hog Bay Road. You'll pass American River. Join a fishing charter or hire a boat for the day. Grab some Kangaroo Island oysters while you are there.

Travel further along Hog Bay Road. Stop at Pennington Bay, just 18 kilometres out of Penneshaw. Climb the 550 step hill at this beautiful beach for great views.

If you stay in Penneshaw, go on the night tour at the Penneshaw Penguin Centre. Follow the viewing platform and see little penguins return to their burrows at night. (Please contact the tour operator as some tours may not be running at certain times of the year).

Audio tour

If you want to do the whole trip at your own pace, grab a self drive audio guide from Island Intrigue. It'll help you to find your way around. Listen to stories about the local animals and cultural history, with an interesting yarn or two thrown in for good measure. Narrated by a fifth-generation islander, it's like having a guide in your car.

The locals love Kangaroo Island and we want you to love it too, so please drive at less than 60 kilometres per hour on unsealed roads. It will help keep you and the wildlife safe.