Raptor Domain
Birds of Prey Centre on the South Coast Road with flying displays of eagles, falcons, and owls, and reptile shows. Performances are at fixed times.
Australia
Kangaroo Island
Region
Kangaroo Island is located about 15 km off the coast of South Australia and is Australia's third-largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island.
by Felix Gillen
Kangaroo Island is located about 15 km off the coast of South Australia and is Australia's third-largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island. Approximately one-third of its area is a protected nature reserve, home to sea lions, echidnas, koalas, and its own subspecies of kangaroo.The island is known for regional products like honey, oysters, wine, and gin. The ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw takes about 45 minutes.
Kangaroo Island, located south of South Australia, is a unique nature reserve and offers an unparalleled concentration of Australian wildlife. Here, you'll encounter kangaroos, koalas, and seals in their natural habitat, far from urban centers. In the Flinders Chase National Park in the west of the island, the quirky rock formations of the Remarkable Rocks and the impressive Admirals Arch are striking. Another highlight is the Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you can observe Australian sea lions up close. The island is characterized by diverse landscapes, from dense eucalyptus forests to secluded sandy beaches. For optimal wildlife viewing, a visit in the early morning or at dusk is recommended. Plan at least three full days to comprehensively experience the island's expansiveness and natural beauty.
Sights in Kangaroo Island
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Little Sahara
White sand dunes in the south of the island, some of them up to 70 m high. On-site, you can rent sandboards and sleds to ride down the slopes.
Seal Bay Conservation Park
On the south coast lives a colony of Australian Sea Lions, one of the world's rarest seal species. A wooden boardwalk with viewing platforms leads over the dunes; on guided tours, a ranger takes you to the beach among the animals. The skeleton of a humpback whale also lies by the boardwalk.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery
The distillery extracts eucalyptus oil from the leaves of the Kangaroo-Island-Narrow-Leaf-Mallee. Visitors can see the historic still and a shop with oils and care products.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
Wildlife park with koalas, kangaroos, wombats and other native species. After the 2019/20 bushfires, injured animals were also cared for here.
Clifford's Honey Farm
Honey farm selling honey from Ligurian Bees. Kangaroo Island is considered the last pure refuge for this bee breed. Their homemade honey ice cream is also famous.
Essen & Trinken
A bakery with a café and a small grocery store in Parndana, in the island's center, conveniently located as a stop on the way to the west.
Cafe with terrace at Stokes Bay on the North Coast, serving seafood, burgers, and cakes. Open seasonally.
Farm shop in American River with fresh oysters, abalone, and marron to enjoy on-site at simple tables.
Food & Drink
The island is known as a gourmet region. Many producers sell direct from farms, with restaurants mainly in Kingscote, Penneshaw, and American River.
Honey
From Ligurian bees, whose pure lineage has been protected here since the 19th century.
Oysters and Marrons
Oysters from American River Bay and Marron, large freshwater crayfish from island farms.
Wine and Gin
Several small wineries and distilleries with tasting rooms, especially on the north coast and around Kingscote.
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time for your trip?
15–20°C·15–35 mm(little rain)
From October to April, it is mild and dry, ideal for beach and wildlife viewing. In mid-summer, there is a bushfire risk on hot days. Winter is cool and windy, but quiet.
Kingscote's climate. The sea moderates temperatures; it's rarely very hot or cold.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Summer, Holidays
Spring and Autumn, mild
Winter, cool and damp
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20.0 | 15 |
| February | 20.0 | 20 |
| March | 19.0 | 20 |
| April | 16.0 | 35 |
| May | 14.0 | 50 |
| June | 12.0 | 65 |
| July | 11.0 | 70 |
| August | 12.0 | 60 |
| September | 13.0 | 45 |
| October | 15.0 | 35 |
| November | 17.0 | 25 |
| December | 18.0 | 20 |
History & Character
Unlike the mainland, no people lived on the island when Europeans arrived, though archaeological finds indicate earlier settlement. The Briton Matthew Flinders named the island in 1802 after the kangaroos his crew hunted here. Kingscote was founded in 1836 as South Australia's first official settlement.The bushfires in summer 2019/20 burned almost half the island, including large parts of Flinders Chase. The vegetation has visibly recovered since then, and many tour offerings support species protection.
Out and About on the Island
The island is around 150 km long; getting around without your own vehicle is difficult. There are no public buses.Ferry: SeaLink operates multiple times daily from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw; cars can be taken. Book early during peak season.Flight: Kingscote has an airport with connections to Adelaide.Roads: Main roads are asphalted; many side roads are gravel. Many car rental companies do not permit mainland cars on the island; check the conditions.Wildlife: At dusk, kangaroos and wallabies are on the roads; drive slowly or not at all then.
