Kangaroo Island

Things to do in Kangaroo Island

Australia’s cities are great for deep-diving into the fascinating history and culture of the country, but there’s one thing they’re not so good for – seeing the incredible array of animals that Australia is famed for.

It’s unlikely you’ll see kangaroos hopping along the busy sidewalks in Sydney, or koalas climbing up skycrapers in Melbourne’s central business district, but you can see these cute critters on Kangaroo Island. This is one of the premier wildlife spotting destinations in the whole of Australia and, set against a backdrop of lush rainforest and pristine beaches, you can explore the wonderful animal world in all its glory.

If you’re not yet convinced, here’s why you absolutely must visit Kangaroo Island.

• The Wildlife

  The landscape of Kangaroo Island makes it the perfect habitat for all manner of cute and cuddly creatures. The sprawling coastline is home to Australian sea lions, whales, and dolphins, while in the dense forests you can spot koalas, echidnas, wallabies, and possums.

• It’s Really Easy to Get To

  You might think that to see some of Australia’s wildlife you’ll have to travel for miles and miles off the beaten track. This just isn’t true. In fact, Kangaroo Island is just 15 kilometres from the mainland, and can be reached by ferry in just 45 minutes.

• You Can Avoid the Crowds

  Australia’s cities are a vibrant hub of life and culture, but the crowds can get overwhelming at times. When you feel like getting away, Kangaroo Island boasts the perfect mix of quiet scenery and breath-taking attractions. There are just 4,000 residents on the island, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily city life.

• It’s Amazing Year-Round

  Kangaroo Island can be visited and thoroughly enjoyed at any time of year. The huge collection of animals that live there mean that different migratory patterns are happening all the time. In winter, you can spot whales, in autumn you can catch a glimpse of the local penguins, and from May until February, keep your eyes peeled for the sea lion pups as the frolic on the shore at Seal Bay.

• All the Birds!

  As well as mammals and marsupials, Kangaroo Island is also home to a mindboggling number of bird species – 250 in fact. While there, you can become a keen bird watcher, spotting eagles, geese, emus, falcons, owls, and even albatrosses.

Related article: What to do on Kangaroo Island?