Looking for a destination with a difference? Kangaroo Island is the place for you!
There’s so much packed into this beautiful location that you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do.
While Kangaroo Island might not offer a huge 4WD adventure, you will be treated to some amazing scenery as you drive along its country roads, whether paved or dirt.
Kangaroo Island has plenty of dirt roads. While you can navigate these in a 2-wheel drive vehicle, you’ll enjoy the experience even more in a 4WD with good suspension and slightly reduced tire pressures.
Kangaroo Island is a tourist's dream, with lots of new infrastructure making it easy to access most areas. This means you can enjoy stunning coastlines and breathtaking scenery with ease. For those with a 4WD, there’s some fantastic beach access. It's pretty easy driving, but it lets you park right next to the waves and enjoy some quality family time in your favorite spot.
If you’re thinking of heading to Kangaroo Island, you’ll need to book your vehicle ferry with Sealink in advance. I've heard stories of folks securing accommodation on Kangaroo Island only to find they can'tactually get there because they didn’t book the ferry early enough. So, plan ahead!
Kangaroo Island offers so much to see and do, you might find it tricky to fit everything into your schedule. It’s a stunning destination with rugged coastlines, warm country hospitality, and cozy accommodations. Spanning approximately 155 km in length and 55 km at its widest point, Kangaroo Island is well-cared for by both locals and the National Parks. They take great pride in maintaining its natural beauty and tourism features, making it a truly pristine island.
Kangaroo Island is surrounded by coastline, so it’s no surprise it needed a few lighthouses to guide sailors safely. These historic lighthouses are real gems and a must-see when you visit. You really have to see them in person to appreciate their charm and beauty.
We took a tour of the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse on Kangaroo Island, and it was quite informative.
The tour lets you walk to the top of the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, offering some amazing views. Plus, you'll get a fascinating look into the history of how the light and lenses operated.
On the northern side of Kangaroo Island, you’ll find an intriguing natural feature at Stokes Bay. To reach the beach, you follow a path through a cave-like passage. It’s quite the adventure! From the car park, you’re surrounded by rocky outcrops, making it hard to believe there’s a beach nearby. But just follow the signs, mind your head, and weave your way through the rock formations. Suddenly, you’ll emerge onto a stunning beach that’s perfect for the whole family.
Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island is a fantastic spot for 4WD enthusiasts. It offers easy access to a beautiful beach where you can fish, have a picnic, or just relax and unwind for the day. Keep in mind there’s a rocky outcrop halfway along the beach. Watch the tides, because at high tide, you might find yourself stuck there for a bit. But that’s all part of the adventure!
Down in the southwest corner of Kangaroo Island, you’ll discover some incredibly rugged coastal terrain. This area is a fantastic spot to see how new infrastructure has made it easier for tourists to get up close and personal with this stunning part of Australia. A must-see here is Admirals Arch. It’s one of those iconic experiences you absolutely have to include in your visit.
The weathered rock formations are a photographers dream so make sure you take a camera.
If you're into photography, consider packing a longer lens when visiting this area. Kangaroo Island's seal colonies are a delight to watch. You can catch them putting on a show as they navigate the waves to return to their young on the rocky outcrops right in front of you.
Or you might simply see them chilling out on a rock somewhere.
In the same area, you'll find Remarkable Rocks, a stunning example of weathering over the years. It's a favorite among tourists for good reason. Take your time exploring to fully appreciate all the unique angles and views it offers.
If you are keen to get a little closer to the seals and discover more about them, head to Seal Bay Conservation Park on one of their tours.
This is performed with a local Ranger who will guide you down onto the beach spending time alongside this beautiful marine mammal.
While you are there, head out to the viewing platform to see this whale skeleton.
Did You Know?
Kangaroo Island got its name from Matthew Flinders back in 1802. Sailors and travelers passing through the area used to supplement their ship's rations with meat from the kangaroos here, hence the name.
Despite enduring its share of devastating fires over the years, Kangaroo Island has always managed to recover, thanks to good land management practices.
Kangaroo Island has so many amazing spots to explore that we couldn't possibly list them all here. We’d love to hear from those who have visited: what’s your favorite spot on this beautiful island?
If you're looking for more information follow this link to learn more about Kangaroo Island and make sure you download the map!
“Cheers”
Michael Ellem | Offroad Images
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