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SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival

Bookings

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SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival

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Send an enquiry

SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival

Enquiry sent

Thank you for your enquiry. Our customer service team will contact you shortly.

The SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival is a country-style, two-day horse racing event held on the third weekend of February each year, and is a must-do on the South Australian event calendar.

It is the biggest event to take place on Kangaroo Island attracting over 3,000 race-goers each year and visitors come from far and wide across Australia for this well-known Carnival.

Race meets are held on the Thursday and Saturday at the picturesque Cygnet River Racecourse, situated 7 kilometres from the island’s main town of Kingscote.

Thursday is the more casual race day, and a prelude to the main race day on the Saturday, and the famous ‘Kangaroo Island Cup’ race.

Saturday punters dress up in true racing style, soaking up the racing atmosphere with great local food, wine, gin and cocktails. The annual Fashions on the Field is very popular with great prizes to be won!

Hugely popular is the Kangaroo Island Spirits Long Lunch, a private marquee including all food and beverages.

Past The Post, a new hospitality experience at the Kangaroo Island Races. With entry to the course, private bar access, betting facilities, a race book, sparkling on arrival, four drinks, an exclusive food menu designed by KI Providore and DJ beats, it’s designed for those who love to celebrate in style.

As this is one of the busiest weekends on the Island's calendar, it is wise to plan and book your ferry travel and accommodation as early as possible.

Read: 5 reasons you need to attend the SeaLink KI Cup

Other information

  • General Admission

    • Entry to the racecourse
    • Access to bookmakers and Sportsbet
    • Bars and food vans
    • Access to "Cocktail Garden"
    • Children under 16 years are free and do not require a ticket

    KI Spirits Long Lunch Marquee

    • Entry to the racecourse
    • Long lunch style seated private marquee
    • Three course gourmet lunch
    • Drinks package (beer, wine and soft drinks)
    • Private bathrooms
    • Private betting facilities and race book

    KI Cup Past The Post

    • Brand new raceday experience
    • Entry to the racecourse
    • Private bar
    • Private betting facilities and race book
    • 4x drink vouchers and welcome sparkling on arrival
    • DJ entertainment
    • Exclusively designed menu by KI Providore

    KI Cup Packages

    • Departing Adelaide or Cape Jervis
    • Morning pick-up and evening drop-off at selected Adelaide hotels (departing Adelaide only)
    • Return ferry
    • Return transfer from ferry terminal to racecourse
    • General Admission ticket

    Trackside Party Tents

    • Small private marquees for up to 20 people
    • Tables and chairs included
    • Pre-order platters from local caterers, purchase from food vans on the day or bring your own food
    • Pre-order alcohol or purchase from the bar on the day (no BYO permitted)
    • Contact the Kangaroo Island Racing Club for more information

    KI Cup Day On-Island Transfers

    To book, call 13 13 01 or email [email protected]

    • Departing Penneshaw or American River
    • Transfer only. Please purchase a General Admission, KI Spirits Long Lunch or Past the Post ticket to enter racecourse
  • Thursday 18 February 2027

    SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival Day One
    Cygnet River Racecourse, Kingscote
    First race meet of the Carnival
    Gates open at 11:00am

    Friday 19 February 2027

    Punter's Intermission #1
    Dudley Wines Cellar Door, Penneshaw
    Live music and annual golf competition
    Includes shares starters for the table, followed by gourmet pizzas and a glass of wine on arrival
    Bookings essential

    Kangaroo Island Racing Club Welcome Event & Calcutta
    Ozone Hotel, Kingscote
    Auction and draw commencing at 8:30pm
    Free entry to the welcome event. For Calcutta, tickets are $5 each, or books of ten for $50
    Tickets available on course on Thursday 18 February or at the Ozone Hotel from 5.30pm on Friday 19 February

    Saturday 20 February 2027

    SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival Day Two - Kangaroo Island Cup Day
    Cygnet River Racecourse, Kingscote
    Gates open at 10:30am
    Fashions on the Field competition

    Sunday 21 February 2027

    Punter's Intermission #2
    Dudley Wines Cellar Door, Penneshaw
    Live music
    Includes shared starters for the table, followed by gourmet pizzas and a glass of wine on arrival
    Bookings essential

  • General Admission
    • Tickets purchased online are transferable, however are non-refundable, and the cost cannot be held in credit for future travel.
    • Online ticket purchase price includes $1.00 booking fee per ticket.
    • Children under 15 years are free of charge, for both Thursday and Saturday race meetings, and do not require a ticket.
    • Customers purchasing tickets online will receive an electronic bar coded ticket via email. This barcode will appear on the last page of the ‘Itinerary’ document and must be presented on your mobile device, or in paper form at the race course to gain entry. No barcode, no entry. We suggest taking a screen shot of the barcode as soon as you receive the email and keep in your photos.
    Kangaroo Island Spirits Long Lunch
    • Tickets are transferable, however are non-refundable, and the cost cannot be held in credit for future travel.
    • SeaLink must be advised of the transferred ticket holder(s) immediately. Please be aware that if these tickets were purchased as part of a group, the new ticket holder(s) will remain seated with that group.
    • If tickets have been purchased as part of a day package, the lunch ticket portion of the package is non-refundable. Cancellation fees may apply to the remainder of the package cost, depending on when the travel is cancelled.
    • Dietary requirements must be confirmed with SeaLink no later than Friday 8 January 2027. Please call SeaLink on 13 13 01 and quote your Booking Number to advise.