Kangaroo Island isn’t just a nature-lover’s paradise - it’s a place where rugged coastlines, close wildlife encounters and top-shelf food collide. Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, the island feels worlds away, with its wild beauty, relaxed pace and proud community of producers, artists and conservationists.
Here are 10 unforgettable local experiences that go well beyond the average itinerary - because on Kangaroo Island, the magic is in the detail.
Walk Among Sea Lions at Seal Bay
Seal Bay offers one of the most accessible and unforgettable wildlife experiences in the country. Home to a significant population of endangered Australian sea lions, it’s the only place where you can walk directly onto the beach alongside these wild creatures. On a guided tour, you’ll hear the roar of the surf, the bark of sea lions, and the stories of their survival. It’s powerful, personal and deeply moving.
Explore Admiral’s Arch and the Casuarina Coastal Walk
A short drive from Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch is a natural sea cave formed over thousands of years. You’ll reach it by boardwalk, where the air is salty and the wind brisk. The view through the arch, with waves crashing and long-nosed fur seals sprawled on the rocks below, is a real highlight. For those keen to stretch their legs, the Casuarina Coastal Walk nearby is one of Kangaroo Island’s best day hikes. It traces the wild southern cliffs and delivers knockout views at every turn.
Have a Sunset Encounter at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
For guaranteed sightings and up-close encounters, head to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park near Parndana. This family-run park is home to over 150 species and offers opportunities to feed kangaroos, hold a koala, and meet dingoes and reptiles. Educational talks and interactive experiences make it ideal for families, but adults will enjoy the genuine care and conservation efforts just as much. Try visiting at the end of the day - sunset casts a golden glow across the grounds.
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Wander the Enchanted Fig Tree at Snellings Beach
Hidden in a paddock near the island’s north coast, this colossal fig tree has grown into a natural wonder over 120 years. Its branches twist and arch to form walls, nooks and tunnels - it feels like stepping into a green cathedral. During select times of year, local chefs host intimate, multi-course lunches and dinners beneath its canopy, blending storytelling, local produce and atmosphere in unforgettable style. Book ahead, as spots are limited and in demand.
Discover Native Botanicals with Emu Bay Lavender
Just inland from Emu Bay, this working lavender farm is as charming as it is fragrant. In peak season (December to February), the purple rows burst into bloom. But even outside the bloom, the farm is worth visiting. Enjoy a lavender scone or iced tea at the café, browse the gift shop for soaps and salts, or try their house-made lavender gin. Everything is grown, made and packed on site, supporting island growers and small business.
Stand Among Giants at Remarkable Rocks
Perched high above the Southern Ocean in Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks live up to their name. These surreal, wind-sculpted granite boulders balance dramatically on a cliff edge, shaped over 500 million years by the elements. Their smooth curves and honeycomb textures resemble abstract art, especially when the low sun throws dramatic shadows. Wander among them at your own pace and soak in the panoramic coastal views. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful, when the rocks glow orange against the blue sea.
Try Pure Ligurian Honey at Clifford’s Honey Farm
Kangaroo Island’s bees are something special. The island is home to the world’s only remaining pure strain of Ligurian bees - brought over from Italy in the 1800s and isolated ever since. Clifford’s Honey Farm invites you to taste their unique flavours, learn about bee behaviour, and sample their famous honey ice cream. Their shop is packed with honey-infused goodies, including mead, skincare and even honeycomb chunks to take home.
Taste Local Gin at Kangaroo Island Spirits
A short drive from Kingscote, Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) is a micro-distillery with global reach. They make gin, vodka and liqueurs using native botanicals, and have won numerous international awards. You can sample their range at the cellar door, try a cocktail in the garden, or book a hands-on gin-blending workshop. The setting is relaxed and rustic, and the spirits are a true taste of place.
Spot Koalas at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Located on the island’s west, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a stronghold for native species, especially koalas. The sanctuary is still recovering from the 2020 bushfires, but nature here is resilient - trees are regenerating, animals are returning, and visitors are welcomed back with open arms. Walking trails wind through gum trees where koalas nap overhead, while kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas cross your path. For a deeper experience, try a twilight or nocturnal tour.
Sip Island Wines with a Sea Breeze
Kangaroo Island’s wine scene is small but impressive. The island’s cool climate produces elegant wines, especially shiraz, cabernet and semillon. Many cellar doors come with knockout views, including Dudley Wines (with a deck overlooking Backstairs Passage), Bay of Shoals (on the waterfront), and The Islander Estate (more inland, but surrounded by vines). Most offer food pairings or platters loaded with local cheese, olives and smoked goods.
Where the Wild Things Are
Kangaroo Island is about more than ticking off the sights - it’s about slowing down and sinking into a different rhythm. It’s a place where nature still runs the show, where food is grown with intention, and where people share what they make with quiet pride. Whether you’re here for a weekend, a road trip or a full-on escape, leave some space in your schedule to just explore. Pull over when you see a track. Follow the sound of the sea. Stay a little longer than planned.
Because this island rewards the curious - and the curious are rarely disappointed.
Ready for a getaway on Kangaroo Island? Click here to view our top packages, or get in touch with one of our travel experts!
1300 854 897 | holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
Images courtesy of SATC.
