In today's fast-paced world, it's important to take a break and recharge every now and then. Why not treat yourself to a long weekend on an island! Imagine relaxing on peaceful beaches, enjoying amazing food, and experiencing beautiful nature and wildlife.
We've put together a three-day plan for Kangaroo Island that's all about exploring the great outdoors, chilling out, and trying delicious dishes. It's a perfect mix of fun, rest, and tasty eats packed into a weekend getaway. Think of it as a sneak peek of what you could do on a longer trip next time!
Day 1: Explore the Western End
Morning
After a quick breakfast, begin your Kangaroo Island adventure by taking a step back in time and exploring the mysteries of the Kelly Hill Caves. Providing a unique glimpse into the Island’s history, this tour covers not only a walk taking in the regeneration of the landscape post the bushfires that ravaged this area in 2019-2020 above the ground, but also an incredible audio-visual experience beneath the surface taking you back millions of years. It is a must stop destination on the western end of the Island.
From the depths of the earth to the edge of the sea! Journey to Admiral’s Arch, a majestic natural rock formation shaped by the forces of the ocean. Take in the rugged coastline and keep an eye out for the playful fur seals. They are captivating to watch sunning themselves and playing in rockpools in their natural habitat.
Just a short drive from Admiral’s Arch, nothing quite prepares you for the sheer size and magnificence of Remarkable Rocks. Huge rock formations in bizarre shapes moulded by wind and sea sit atop an enormous granite dome. It almost feels as though a giant has abandoned their toys at the edge of the sea. Offering stunning panoramic views of the ocean, you will want to spend some time here – and capture those incredible photo opportunities.
Lunch
All that adventuring builds a healthy appetite and the famous Whiting Burger at Vivonne Bay General Store is the perfect way to satisfy your hunger. If whiting isn’t your thing, Vivonne Bay General Store has an extensive menu to explore and a lovely setting to sit and enjoy. Alternatively, get your food to go and head down to Vivonne Bay Beach or the Jetty, sit on the sand or dangle your legs over the edge and eat your lunch by the crystal-clear waters of Vivonne Bay.
Afternoon
No visit to Kangaroo Island is complete without experiencing Seal Bay. You may have had wildlife experiences before, but this one is truly special. Home to an Australian sea lion population for thousands of years, this incredible place offers one of the most intimate glimpses into nature in the world.
From a self-guided boardwalk or a guided beach tour, you will have the privilege of observing this protected colony in their natural habitat. Dependent on the time of year, you might see mothers and their pups getting to know each other for the first time, lots of frolicking in the ocean, or simply lying in the sun gathering energy for another forage out at sea.
Late Afternoon
Unwind with a pitstop at Penneshaw Beach (Hog Bay), a peaceful spot to soak up serene beach vibes to reflect on the day’s adventures while watching the ferry departing and arriving. Or, take a stroll to the eastern end to Frenchman’s Rock, inscribed by members of Nicolas Baudin’s crew on the ship Le Geographe in 1803. A monument now protects the original rock from the elements.
Dinner
Conclude your day with a delicious Asian inspired cusine crafted by award-winning Chef Kate Sumner at Mooncake. With breathtaking views overlooking Penneshaw, Mooncake is a culinary experience not to be missed and a perfect end to a big day of exploring.
Day 2: Incredible food and an award-winning beach not to be missed
Morning
Start your day in the best possible way surrounded by the soothing scent of lavender and incredible food at Emu Bay Lavender Farm. This tranquil spot offers not only an extensively delicious breakfast (and lunch) menu, but also their famous lavender scones. They are enormous, so can definitely be shared as an extra treat after breakfast or are also great as the main event.
After enjoying a relaxing breakfast, it is time to explore one of the many incredible beaches on Kangaroo Island, Stokes Bay Beach. An approx. 40 min drive from Emu Bay Lavender Farm, this beach is a Kangaroo Island icon and was voted Australia’s Best Beach in 2023 by Tourism Australia. Accessed through a secret rock tunnel, it opens onto a stunning, secluded beach which is perfect for relaxing, walking and swimming. There is even a sheltered rock pool, perfect for floating and any younger visitors. This stop is a must for any visit to Kangaroo Island!
Late Lunch and Afternoon
From relaxing on a sandy beach to relaxing in front of breathtaking views, treat yourself to a leisurely late lunch at Dudley Wines. Overlooking the sea with views across backstairs passage to mainland Australia, enjoy a grazing board or selection of gourmet pizzas paired with locally produced wines. You can even try your luck at the one hole, one par golf course. Located only 12 kilometers from Penneshaw, you can while away the afternoon here very easily, taking in the tranquility of this stunning clifftop cellar door.
Evening
The essence of a place is often encapsulated by its local pub, and the Penneshaw Pub stands as a prime example. For more than a century, the pub has played host as a gathering place for both locals and visitors to Kangaroo Island. Perched on a hill with commanding views across Backstairs Passage, you will be in for a culinary treat. From traditional pub fare through to an extensive seasonal menu, it is the perfect venue to reflect on your Kangaroo Island adventure thus far and plan your next day.
Day 3: Exploring farm gates and cellar doors
Morning
Enjoy one of the cozy café’s such as Millie Mae's Pantry, Fat Beagle or Penneshaw Beach Bar in Penneshaw for a sumptuous breakfast, or if you want to check out the Island’s largest township, head over to Kingscote (approximately an hour’s drive) where there are lots of cafés on offer. Cactus Café and So Sando are some local favourites.
After fueling up, head off to visit some of the Island’s fantastic farm gates where you can enjoy a behind the scenes look into the production of various locally produced products. Where you decide to eat lunch will be dependent on which farm gates you choose to visit, the options are a plenty! Just be sure to check distances to give yourself enough time.
Call in at one of the Island’s numerous Ligurian bee honey farms. If you decide to have breakfast in Kingscote, then drop into Island Beehive or Clifford’s Honey Farm. Kangaroo Island’s honey is very rare as it is derived from the purest strain of Ligurian bee remaining in the world and is the reason you are not allowed to take honey onto the island from mainland Australia. The taste of this pure honey is out of this world.
Lunch
Next stop, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery. As the name suggests they produce Eucalyptus Essential Oil from the Kangaroo Island Narrow Leaf Mallee, creating an incredible range of products. Emu Ridge offers tours of the distillery as well as an impressive breakfast and lunch menu. You must try their home-made damper – it is delicious! You might even be lucky to meet one of the joeys at the distillery that the owners have been known to rescue at times.
Afternoon
You’ll need to make some choices for your afternoon adventures based on your ferry time and what takes your fancy, but there are lots of options!
Kangaroo Island Wool is an interesting and unique stop and also in the Kingscote area. Their fully immersive 360 cinematic experience and guided working mill tour gives you a great insight into the history of agriculture and farming on the island as well as how raw fibre is turned into beautiful wool garments.
Or, take your pick of the cellar doors in the Kingscote and Cygnet River region. There are so many to choose from! Indulge in some wine tasting at Bay of Shoals, The Islander Estate, Springs Road Wines or if you are headed back to Penneshaw, False Cape Wines is on the way. If spirits are more your style, Kangaroo Island Spirits cellar door is a must stop for a quiet, award-winning beverage in their beautiful gardens.
It’s time to leave…
All good things must come to a pause for your next trip to beautiful Kangaroo Island. Make sure to check in at the ferry terminal 30 minutes prior to your departure and enjoy your crossing of Backstairs Passage.
Where to stay
There are so many accommodation options across the Island to choose from dependent on your mood. This itinerary is based on being nestled in the comfort of a Luxury Eco Tent at the Seafront Holiday Park in Penneshaw. It can easily be adapted dependent on where you are staying, just take care to check driving distances between areas, particularly at the beginning and end of each day. Check out all of these accommodation options.
Tips
- It is a good idea to book your ferry travel in advance of booking accommodation to ensure you are able to get to and from the island on the dates that you prefer.
- This itinerary adventure involves driving on mainly sealed roads but does include some unsealed sections. Make sure to leave plenty of time to get between destinations and ensure you fill up your tank in the major townships before heading off.
- It is a good idea to plan your driving for daylight hours due to the wildlife being out and about, particularly after dark.
- It is worth planning and where appropriate, booking your culinary experiences across the island to avoid disappointment. Particularly for the Western End of the island where there are more limited food options.
- You will need to purchase a Parks pass when entering various National Parks across the island. For more information on how to book and pay see the National Parks and Wildlife website.
- Be sure to pack your sunscreen and check the UV ratings. The UV can be high even in the cooler months.
- Consider contributing to conservation efforts on Kangaroo Island through important citizen science projects such as Passport to Recovery. Engaging in these projects not only helps in the sustainability of this beautiful island, but can be extremely rewarding.
