Only a few places on Earth make you feel so immersed in the past— where landscapes have remained pristine through time, wildlife roams without constraint, and nature embraces you with a shock. Australia’s Kangaroo Island is one such gem.
Extending over 4,500 square kilometres (3,400 square miles) of untamed wilderness, Australia’s Kangaroo Island teems with mind-surging experiences. And the best part? It goes on all year round!
Join us as we guide you through the best experiences at Kangaroo Island; including the lesser-known gems. If you are planning a trip to Kangaroo Island, you might also like to read our post: How To Get To Kangaroo Island
Photo credit: Simeon Pitukolo
1. Walk the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
Walks on Kangaroo Island are an ever-unfolding adventure. Each kilometre-long stretch reveals invigorating landscapes and wildlife encounters sure to keep you on your toes. The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail walk is a perfect way to discover this unique island's blazing tapestry of encounters. This explosive 60.4-kilometer trail takes you through the core of the island over 5 days, revealing top gems, spine-tingling wildlife encounters, and a unique opportunity to camp outdoors where nature is all that surrounds you.
2. Seek the Top Gems of Kangaroo Island on an E-bike
While walking tours are a common way to explore Kangaroo Island, many visitors may find the idea of scooting around this vast, open wild on two wheels quite fascinating. An e-bike tour offers an environmentally conscious and leisurely way to cover more ground and visit many of the island’s top attractions in just one day. The routes range from back roads and paddocks to country tracks and off-road paths through forested areas, providing a diverse and expansive exploration of the island
3. Swim with Dolphins in the Vast, Clear Blue
On the island, many experiences are rooted in land-based adventures. However, some offer the chance to venture beyond the island’s charm and plunge into the Southern Ocean, where majestic dolphins swim freely. One of the most captivating activities is the Kangaroo Island dolphin swim, an unforgettable experience filled with intrigue. The protected bays of Emu Bay and Eastern Cove offer visitors a chance to dip into calm, clear waters.
The adventure begins with the serene sound of dolphin calls picked up by a hydrophone, gradually building as you slip on a wetsuit and dive into the crystal-blue waters to gracefully swim side by side with wild dolphins
4. Glide Across the Clear Waters of Harriet River on a Kayak
The Harriet River offers kayaking tours year-round, with its calm, clear, and shallow waters perfect for a relaxed adventure. Paddle through open stretches and winding paths, exploring up to 5 kilometres of secluded scenery. Choose between joining a guided tour or renting a kayak to navigate the river on your own, where you can enjoy wildlife sightings along the banks and luxuriate in the tranquillity of the experience.
5. Explore Kangaroo Island’s “Fenceless Zoo”
It is a known fact that more than one-third of Kangaroo Island is either a Conservation or National Park. This unrestrained wildlife exhibition is what makes encounters with the island’s fauna so unique. The moment you step foot on the island, it may seem somewhat surprising if your first sighting doesn’t occur almost immediately—the wildlife here is quite fond of making their presence known rather than hiding in the underbrush. And as you explore its expanse, you’ll find koalas lazily dozing in the treetops, kangaroos, and wallabies casually grazing in open clearings, and perhaps even echidnas, sea lions, fur seals, and over 260 species of birds as you leisurely walk the Kangaroo Island’s Stretch.
Photo credit: A Different Perspective
6. Discover the Sea Lion Colony at Seal Bay
For thousands of years, Seal Bay has been home to an Australian sea lion population that thrives in its unique coastal environment. Guided tours in this area allow you to spot these majestic creatures who have found the sheltered beaches and clear waters the perfect spot to breed. On good days, you’ll find sea lion pups playing along the shores while the males gradually return from fishing expeditions. And it gets even more interesting with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. You’ll learn about the breeding habits, conservation efforts, and social structures of these interesting sea animals.
7. Tour a Beehive and Taste Kangaroo Island’s Famous Honey
Kangaroo Island is home to the world’s only remaining pure-bred population of Ligurian bees, introduced from Italy in the late 1800s. The island’s isolation has kept them free from disease, making the bees and their honey something truly special; a smooth, delicate, and floral flavour that reflects the pristine environment of the island.
You can join a guided tour to learn about these unique creatures and perhaps savour various types of its distinguished honey offerings, from the classic Ligurian honey to more exotic blends like creamed honey or honey with lemon myrtle.
8. Sample Local Wines and Culinary Delights
It's not every day that you get the chance to savour flavours as pristine and unique as those found on Kangaroo Island. With several vineyards crafting prestigious wines and local farms offering a bounty of the island’s unique fresh produce, a visit to Kangaroo Island is never truly complete without seeking out its gourmet offerings.
Pay a visit to local wineries like Dudley Wines, the Islander Estate, or the several distilleries on the island for a hands-on session with the several fine, crafted wines and spirits. Or chase the local delicacies from fresh seafood and lamb to artisanal cheese and preserves. Many restaurants on the island focus on farm-to-table dining, ensuring that every bite is a taste of Kangaroo Island’s fertile lands and pristine waters.
Craft Your Own Unforgettable Kangaroo Island Adventure
The pristine flair exuded by nature on Kangaroo Island is like none you have ever experienced. Yet, to truly appreciate the unique diversity of this untamed beauty, you must venture beyond the well-trodden paths and truly embrace the Islands’ rich offerings. Making a trip here is a life-changing opportunity to experience nature at its purest while relishing an epic adventure.
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