# Kangaroo Island

> Australia's third-largest island, reached by ferry from Cape Jervis, combines sea lions, fur seals, koalas and kangaroos with granite coasts, white dunes and

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/au-kangaroo-island/

Australia's third-largest island, reached by ferry from Cape Jervis, combines sea lions, fur seals, koalas and kangaroos with granite coasts, white dunes and quiet farmland, much of it protected.

- **State:** South Australia
- **Best season:** Spring to autumn
- **Suggested time:** 3–4 days
- **Nearest town:** Kingscote

## Before you go

- Book the ferry and vehicle space from Cape Jervis well ahead, especially in summer and school holidays.
- The island is large: Seal Bay and Flinders Chase are about 100 km apart, so plan at least three days.
- Watch for wildlife on roads at dawn and dusk, and fuel up in Kingscote or Parndana before heading west.

## Wildlife and landscapes

Kangaroo Island has no foxes or rabbits, and wildlife is easy to see. Australian sea lions breed at Seal Bay, New Zealand fur seals gather at Cape du Couedic, and koalas, echidnas and tammar wallabies live in the bush. Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch are the best-known coastal sights.

## Recovery after the 2019–20 bushfires

Bushfires in the 2019–20 summer burned a large part of the island, including much of Flinders Chase. The bush has regrown strongly, and wildlife and tourism have returned, although some areas still show fire scars. Check park and facility status locally before you plan.

## Getting around

The ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw takes about 45 minutes. Main roads are sealed, but many side roads are gravel. Kingscote is the main town; park entry for Flinders Chase and Seal Bay requires a fee or tour booking. Allow driving time, because distances are longer than they look.

## FAQs

**How do I get to Kangaroo Island?**
Drive about 110 km from Adelaide to Cape Jervis and take the vehicle ferry to Penneshaw, a crossing of about 45 minutes. There are also flights from Adelaide to Kingscote.

**Is it safe to swim at the beaches?**
Many south-coast beaches have strong rips and big swells, and few are patrolled. Choose sheltered bays on the north coast, such as near Penneshaw and Kingscote, and follow local signs.

**Can I see koalas and kangaroos easily?**
Yes, especially in the evening: kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas are common, and koalas can often be spotted in eucalypts. Keep your distance and never feed wild animals.

## Places to see

- [Seal Bay Conservation Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-seal-bay/)
- [Remarkable Rocks](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-remarkable-rocks/)
- [Cape du Couedic and Admirals Arch](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-admirals-arch/)
- [Little Sahara](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-little-sahara/)
- [Vivonne Bay](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-vivonne-bay/)
- [Kingscote Wharf Pelican Feeding](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-kingscote-pelicans/)
- [Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-innes-national-park/)