Size & Regions
Kangaroo Island is 155 km long by 55km wide with 540 kms coastline covering some 4,500 sq kms. It is Australia’s third largest island after Tasmania and Melville Islands.To enable you to have a snapshot of Kangaroo Island, we recommend a minimum 3 night stay but if you can stay for five or seven, then all the better. This will allow you time to take in more of the famous sights and most importantly take some time to relax – after all, isn’t that what a holiday is all about!
Below is a list of the many regions of Kangaroo Island as we see them. All regions are unique in their own way and have various attractions that are a must-see! When you see a region that you might like to spend a few nights in, click here to view our accommodation selections.

01. American River
A narrow tidal channel, known locally as ‘The River’, separates Pelican Lagoon and Eastern Cove. This channel forms the Island’s most protected harbour. American River is nestled on the hillside in native bushland, offering superb views of Eastern Cove and the mainland. With the integration of bushland and accommodation, the nightlife in American River is naturally wild.Main attractions: birdlife, nocturnal wildlife spotting, sailing/fishing, fresh oysters, historic walks.
02. Baudin Beach
A picturesque hamlet only 7 minutes from Penneshaw. Formerly known as American Beach and renamed in April 2002 to honour the French explorer, Nicholas Baudin, who was the first to circumnavigate Kangaroo Island. Baudin Beach now provides a quiet holiday location with a beach, small jetty and beautiful panoramic views over the bay towards American River.Main attractions: fishing, art gallery, beachcombing.
03. Brownlow
Brownlow is a small beachside town only a short drive from the Island’s largest town, Kingscote. Relax by the beach or have a hit of golf at the nearby golf course.04. Central Kangaroo Island (Heartland)
On the southern coast in the centre of KI, you can enjoy a guided beach walk at Seal Bay Conservation Park amongst a colony of wild Australian Sea-lions in their natural habitat. Alternatively, visit Parndana, often described as a typical Australian country town located in the heartland of Kangaroo Island. It provides convenient access to the north and south coasts and has a small shopping centre, bakery, a community hotel and a museum.Main attractions: settler’s history, rural hospitality, koalas, exploring country tracks, marron farm, cellar doors.
05. Eastern Kangaroo Island
Climb the 512 steps at Prospect Hill and experience the rewarding view which includes American River, Pelican Lagoon and Pennington Bay which faces the Southern Ocean is a must visit with its long, white sandy beach, rolling surf and giant cliffs. Prospect Hill is the highest point in the eastern area of Kangaroo Island.06. Emu Bay
Emu Bay has a beautiful, long, white 4km sandy beach with vehicle access. It is one of the most popular spots on the Island for holidaymakers with safe, clear water for swimming and water activities. Anglers can try their luck from the jetty or launch their boats from the boat ramp. Most holiday homes have beautiful, panoramic views across the bay and beach.07. Island Beach
Island Beach is the quintessential beach holiday location with its stunning, tranquil waters, white sandy beach and row of spectacular homes. It is well known for local wildlife such as wallabies, goannas and possums and is a famous fishing spot for King George Whiting.08. Kingscote
Kingscote is situated on the shores of Nepean Bay, with panoramic views of a boat-studded harbour. Kingscote is the Island’s capital and is a bright, bustling town of about 1,800 people. It is the centre of trade and commerce with banks, extensive shopping and major services including cafés and hotels.Main attractions: Seawater aquarium, penguin tours, wharf, jetty fishing, colonial history, pelican feeding, art galleries, cellar doors, shopping.
09. Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
Situated on the northeast coast of the Island, Penneshaw is an attractive welcome for visitors arriving on the SeaLink ferries. There is a wide range of accommodation in Penneshaw, many with spectacular views over Hog Bay. The Hog Bay Jetty is famous as a fishing spot and Penneshaw is home to a colony of Little Penguins with tours conducted each evening. Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is a popular attraction with daily tours.Main attractions: fishing, swimming, penguin tours, Antechamber Bay, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, cellar doors, eating venues, public skate park, galleries, ferry terminal.
10. Vivonne Bay, Seal Bay & South Coast
Vivonne Bay, proclaimed as the ‘best beach’ in Australia after extensive research by Sydney University, is a long, curved, sandy beach. It is a superb site for picnics, beachcombing, surfing and fishing and is home to Kangaroo Island’s crayfishing fleet. Seal Bay is a must see when visiting Kangaroo Island. Take a guided tour amongst a colony of wild Australian sea lions, an experience you will never forget. The region incorporates D’Estrees Bay, Murray Lagoon, Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay, Flour Cask Bay.Main attractions: Seal Bay Conservation Park, Little Sahara, Vivonne Bay.
11. Western Kangaroo Island & Flinders Chase National Park
Western Kangaroo Island is home to many key attractions. Enjoy an afternoon at Flinders Chase National Park with a visit to the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre and Café and a walk along the coastline on specially constructed boardwalks to Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch. Remarkable Rocks provides a spectacular backdrop for photographers. Admiral’s Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to a spectacular rock arch and is a haven for New Zealand fur seals.Fire swept through this area in December 2007 resulting in what is now a site of regeneration and rebirth. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience.
Main attractions: Hanson Bay, Cape Borda, Kelly Hill Caves, Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch, Cape du Coeudic.


