7 Best Sights in Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Created as a wildlife sanctuary in 1919, this broad swathe of native bushland was so highly regarded that several Australian species that are not native to the island, including koalas and platypus, were introduced here to preserve their populations (a little too successfully in the case of the koalas, which have expanded into nearby timber plantations). The catastrophic wildfires that swept through Kangaroo Island in early 2020 burnt 98% of the park but within weeks green shoots had begun to reemerge and wildlife returned soon afterward. Now the regenerating landscape offers a unique chance to observe how well adapted Australian flora is to bushfires; many native species need fire to reproduce.

The best way to see the park is on foot and several short walking trails meander through shaded valleys, along spectacular coastal cliffs, and between granite boulders that have been sculpted into surreal shapes by the elements. But the undoubted highlight is the 61-km (38-mile) Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, which adds tannin-stained creeks, mallee scrub, sugar gum forests, and isolated beaches into the mix as well as passing the aforementioned geological marvels. Walkers can hike the full five-day trail or tackle a single section with a range of licensed tour operators. The effects of seas crashing mercilessly onto Australia's southern coast are visible in the oddly shaped rocks on the island's shores.  

This top Kangaroo Island attraction gives you the chance to visit one of the state's largest Australian sea lion colonies. Several hundred animals usually lounge on the beach, except on stormy days when they shelter beneath the vegetation in the surrounding dunes. You can visit the beach and get surprisingly close to females, pups, and bulls on a 45-minute tour with an interpretive officer; otherwise, you can follow the self-guided boardwalk to a lookout over the sand. The park visitor center has fun and educational displays, and a touch table covered in sea-lion skins and bones. There is also a souvenir shop.

This beach is off the beaten path. A narrow unsealed road off South Coast Road, 46 km (29 miles) west of Seal Bay Road, ends at this perfect little sandy cove where a tannin-stained creek meets the ocean. Rocky headlands on either side protect the gently sloping beach so swimming is safe. To the east are several even more secluded beaches; these are more exposed, though, and riptides make swimming dangerous. Amenities: parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

Known locally as Millionaires' Row for its fabulous real estate, Island Beach is the quintessential Aussie beach holiday location. Framed by dense bushland, the sandy beach is secluded, stretches almost as far as the eye can see, and provides very safe swimming. Walking along the coast toward American River yields plenty of bird-watching opportunities. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

There are now only around 15 breeding pairs of the delightful little (formerly called fairy) penguins in the colony here at Penneshaw. From the indoor interpretive center, where you can read about bird activity—including mating, nesting, and feeding—a boardwalk leads to a viewing platform above rocks and sand riddled with burrows. Because the penguins spend most of the day fishing at sea or inside their burrows, the best viewing is after sunset. The informative hour-long guided tours leave from the center after sunset daily except Wednesday and Thursday. You might see penguins waddling ashore, chicks emerging from their burrows to feed, or scruffy adults molting—although sometimes you may not see any at all. Bookings essential.

Sip smooth Chardonnay while overlooking Eastern Cove at this calm, cool, and pristine place among Kangaroo Island's thriving wine industry. You can sample wines at the cellar door, and opt for the shareable Savoury Platter: a selection of Kangaroo Island and regional cheeses, KI Source Relish, South Rock Salami, local olives, crackers, and more. Alternately, try a Dukkah Plate from the Fleurieu, served with local Wild olive oil and delicious local bread.

A narrow, winding, unsealed road off South Coast Road, 46 km (29 miles) west of Seal Bay Road, ends at this perfect little sandy cove. Rocky headlands on either side protect the gently sloping beach so swimming is safe. To the east are several secluded beaches; these are more exposed, though, and riptides make swimming dangerous. Amenities: parking; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking; surfing.