Kangaroo Island

The attraction of walking on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a pristine, laid back destination where wilderness and wildlife are the star attractions. It’s Australia’s third largest island and part of the state of South Australia. It feels remote but it’s only 112 km from Adelaide. Access is by air or via a short (45 minutes) car ferry trip from Cape Jervis on the mainland. The best walking is to be found in the Flinders Chase National Park and other conservation areas at the western end of the island. 

The island features a dramatic coastline with clifftop ocean views and pristine sandy beaches such as those at Vivonne Bay and Hanson Bay. The breathtaking scenery also includes rock landscapes which have been sculpted by the erosive forces of wind, sea and rain. Favourite rock sites include the giant granite boulders known as the “Remarkable Rocks” and “Admirals Arch” complete with stalactites. The inland plains feature bushland, rolling hills, rivers and wildflowers.

Walkers also get to see abundant wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, goannas, echidnas, birds, sea lions, fur seals and dolphins. The absence of pollution results in the clearest star-filled skies at night. The Kelly Hill Caves are another popular site, as are several historic lighthouses and related museums dotted across the island’s capes.

The best time to visit is between March and November to avoid the extreme summer heat. There is a range of accommodation options including dedicated walkers’ campgrounds, caravan parks, luxury resorts and historic lighthouse cottages. The island has several townships where friendly hospitality is on offer including food/supplies shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Kangaroo Island was severely affected by widespread fires in late 2019 and early 2020. Walking tracks, remote camping grounds and remote accommodation were particularly impacted. Between 2020 and 2024, an enormous amount of building and infrastructure recovery work was undertaken and, at the same time, the natural world got on with its business of adaption and growth. It’s now an excellent time to visit. Tourism is flourishing again and the natural environment is as amazing as ever. In each case, the fires are not forgotten but the island has moved forward.

Interested in walking on Kangaroo Island?

Kangaroo Island offers many day and multi-day walks and there are a number of tour operators offering a variety of walking trips. We can help you choose an operator that best suits your interests and requirements.

One of the best multi-day walks on Kangaroo Island is the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. Click the button below for a description of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail.

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is just one of several Kangaroo Island walks we can tell you about, and help you to plan and book. Click below to learn more.

To read a Walk Travel Advisory December 2023 News article on the re-opening of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, click the button below: