A family holiday to Kangaroo Island becomes an even more enchanting experience during the summer season. It's the ultimate destination for you to savour the very best of nature, wildlife, and adventure. So, pack up your car, get the kids off their iPads, and head over to Kangaroo Island. From enjoying quiet family time on Kangaroo Island’s beaches to finding new adventures along the way, there’s something for everyone. Here are our recommendations on the best things to do with kids on a three-day and two-night family getaway itinerary on Kangaroo Island, awarded Lonely Planet's #2 Best in Travel Top Region's Hotlist destination.
Day 1:
Travel to Kangaroo Island early morning from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw onboard a SeaLink ferry. Upon arriving in Penneshaw, drive to Cape Willoughby Conservation Park and join the Historic Lighthouse Tour. Learn about the fascinating history of Cape Willoughby as you climb to the top of the lighthouse.
For lunch, return to Penneshaw and head to Penneshaw Pub or Fat Beagle. After a nice meal with the family, it's time for an exciting water adventure with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari. This experience is ideal for older children, where they can see cute dolphins and seals in their natural habitat. The tour takes about two hours and offers plenty of opportunity to see marine wildlife. Make sure you carry a warm jacket as it can get quite windy on the speed boat.
If you stay at a self-contained accommodation, stop by IGA in Penneshaw to stock up before heading over to your accommodation.
Day 2:
After a hearty breakfast, take your family to Seal Bay Conservation Park to visit the island’s friendly mammals, the Australian sea lions. Join a guided tour and beach walk with a National Parks Ranger and find out fascinating facts about the endangered local fauna. Then, stop by Raptor Domain to catch the only free flight Birds of Prey presentation in Australia. During the presentation, your little ones can hold falcons, owls, and the show’s superstars, wedge-tailed eagles offering great photo opportunities.
Head over to Vivonne Bay for lunch at the Vivonne Bay General Store and continue your adventure to the Flinders Chase National Park. Be sure to have big lunch and pack some snacks and bottled water for the road as there are no shops or restaurants around the National Park. While inside the park, visit Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Don’t forget to take some family photos of the island’s natural wonders.
Wrap up day two by making a quick stop at Vivonne Bay Beach and relax as you admire the white sandy beach and the turquoise water.
Day 3:
Take the family for one last thrilling adventure before you head back to the mainland. Join a quad biking tour with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action. Ride through winding bush trails, and open grasslands, and see spectacular views of the island’s coastline.
Stop by Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for lunch and learn how eucalyptus leaves are processed into various products. Don’t forget to bring home some eucalyptus products for yourself or to give to friends and family as souvenirs. Then for desserts, take a short drive to Clifford’s Honey Farm for some honey ice cream. Challenge your kids to find the queen bees in the glass beehive.
End your holiday on the island by visiting one of the cellar doors, such as False Cape Wines, and Dudley Wines. Relax with a glass of wine while your kids keep themselves busy in the play area.
Family Accommodation on Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is home to a variety of family-friendly accommodations, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.
Nature enthusiasts yearning for an immersive outdoor experience are in luck, as the Island has a mixture of privately owned caravan parks, council-run campsites and national parks. Read our comprehensive guide on where to camp.
Families who prefer the convenience of a fully-equipped kitchen and captivating sea views, the Seafront Hotel in Penneshaw beckons with its spacious family units, ideally positioned in close proximity to the ferry terminal. Another appealing option is Waves & Wildlife Cottages in Stokes Bay, boasting family-sized cottages overlooking the beach and affording close encounters with resident kangaroos. Alternatively, consider Emu Bay Holiday Homes, set upon a spacious property with picturesque bay views, creating a serene retreat for families.
If you're looking for luxury and a truly unique experience, the Sea Dragon Lodge will have the whole family in awe. Nestled in a secluded coastal paradise, the Sea Dragon is the only full-service boutique hotel on Kangaroo Island and even offers exclusive access to a private beach.
Discover a range of Kangaroo Island Accommodation options, and choose the perfect haven for your family’s getaway.
Helpful Tips for travelling with kids to Kangaroo Island:
- There are two supermarkets on the island, Drakes in Kingscote, and IGA in Penneshaw. We recommend stopping by and stocking up, especially if you stay at an accommodation far away from the two main towns on the island.
- Driving at night is generally not advisable as kangaroos and other animals on Kangaroo Island are normally out and about during this time. If you must drive, please be cautious of your surroundings and drive slowly.
- Remember to purchase your entry tickets to the Flinders Chase National Park before you visit the park. You may purchase your entry tickets online on the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA website.
- There are some family-friendly restaurants open for dinner in Kingscote and Penneshaw if you feel like eating out, such as Zone Restaurant & Bar, and Penneshaw Hotel.
- There are three playgrounds on the island that you can take your kids to Kingscote Playground, Wright Park, and American River Playground.
