PLACES TO VISIT
Places to Visit
Places to Visit on Kangaroo Island lists some of the places that are highlights to visit on Kangaroo Island. Listed below is a short description of each place and what it has to offer. Contact Kangaroo Island Escapes if you require more information!
KINGSCOTE
Kingscote, the main business district and one of the most visited places to visit on Kangaroo Island, due to its ideal location, is a great spot to stay and make your base. You will find everything you need in Kingscote, including restaurants, hotels, cafes, a Foodland, hairdressers, real estate agents, hardware stores and much more. With a variety of accommodation options, it has something to suit every need, including hotels such as Seaside Inn, Ozone Aurora Hotel, B&Bs, and a backpackers hostel, all within walking distance of most amenities. Roughly a 45-minute drive from Penneshaw, where the ferry arrives, or 15 minutes from the airport, you can get a coach transfer to Kingscote with companies such as Sealink, Kangaroo Island Transfers or Kangaroo Island Trails which can be booked through Kangaroo Island Escapes.
AMERICAN RIVER
American River is another stop to add to your Places to Visit on Kangaroo Island. A small seaside village located on a tidal channel on the Western Shore of Eastern Cove, it is home to The Oyster Farm Shop. Having amenities such as a cafe, camping grounds and the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, American River is located roughly 25 minutes from Penneshaw and 25 minutes to Kingscote. It is a short drive to Pennington Bay and is a wildlife haven for photographers and nature lovers.
PENNINGTON BAY
Pennington Bay is a must-see destination on your Places to Visit on Kangaroo Island. Located on the island’s stunning south coast, this spectacular bay is known for its powerful waves, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping coastal views. Just a short drive from American River and around 20 minutes from Kingscote, it’s a popular spot for experienced surfers and photographers chasing breathtaking scenery. While the beach is not suitable for swimming due to strong rips, it offers a peaceful and wild atmosphere, perfect for soaking in the raw beauty of Kangaroo Island. With its elevated lookout and unspoiled surroundings, Pennington Bay is a true hidden gem for nature lovers.
PENNESHAW
Penneshaw is the gateway to Kangaroo Island and a must-visit on your Places to Visit list. Located on the island’s eastern coastline, it is the arrival point for the ferry from Cape Jervis and offers stunning coastal views across Backstairs Passage. This charming seaside town features cafes, local eateries, a supermarket, and essential amenities, making it a convenient first stop for visitors. Just a short drive from American River and around 45 minutes to Kingscote, Penneshaw is also home to the Penguin Interpretive Centre, where you can learn about the island’s little penguins. With safe swimming beaches, scenic walking trails, and a relaxed coastal vibe, Penneshaw is the perfect introduction to Kangaroo Island.
FLINDERS CHASE
Flinders Chase National Park is one of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic destinations and a must-see on your Places to Visit list. Located on the island’s rugged western end, this expansive national park is home to remarkable natural landmarks, including the world-famous Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Around a 90-minute drive from Kingscote, the park showcases dramatic coastal scenery, native wildlife, and unspoiled wilderness. Visitors can explore walking trails, spot kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas, and take in breathtaking ocean views where the Southern Ocean meets towering cliffs. Flinders Chase offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and those wanting to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Kangaroo Island.
VIVONNE BAY
Vivonne Bay is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on Kangaroo Island and is a must-add to your Places to Visit list. Located on the south coast, about an hour from Kingscote and on the way to Flinders Chase National Park, this pristine stretch of coastline is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beach, and peaceful surroundings. It’s a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing, with a jetty and nearby Harriet River adding to its charm. With its calm atmosphere and postcard-perfect scenery, Vivonne Bay is the perfect place to unwind and experience the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island.
EMU BAY
Emu Bay is located roughly 18 km’s from Kingscote, making it an ideal destination, as it’s far enough away to be secluded and quiet but close enough to Kingscote for shopping and restaurants as well as other conveniences, without having to travel too far. You’ll find a nice long jetty where you can go fishing for squid or whiting when in season, along with boat ramps, clean public toilets, a BBQ area and playground. With a stunning long beach that has vehicle access, you can be captivated by the gorgeous aqua-clear water. Definitely a great spot for a family holiday with many holiday homes to choose from. Along the way, visit Kangaroo Island Brewery and Emu Bay Lavender Farm. Make Emu Bay one of the Places to visit on your list, as you won’t be disappointed.