Centrally located on the North Coast of Kangaroo Island, there are several day trips ready to be explored . Whether you have young children wanting to explore the kid friendly beaches, older kids ready for action packed adventures or are an adults only group keen to eat & drink your way around the Island, we have plenty of ideas for you!
Header Video by @Lucas Baikrich Video
Cliffords Honey Farm
Three generations currently run the honey farm situated at Elsegood Road, Haines, East of the airport. Kangaroo Island is the world's oldest bee sanctuary and is home to the only pure strain of Ligurian Bee in the world. The farm-gate store is open 7 days.
Dudley Wines
If you arrive early enough in the day for lunch at Penneshaw, we highly recommend driving 10 minutes up the hill to Dudley Wines for delicious gourmet pizza, a wide variety of local wines, in particular “The Dudley Bubbly” and stunning views across Backstairs Passage to the mainland. They even have a fantastic playground to entertain the kids.
Photo: Instagram @dudleywines
The Enchanted Fig Tree
We are so lucky to be located next door to The Enchanted Fig Tree, no need for a designated driver - you can just walk home!
Dine under the 120 year old fig tree for a long lunch you will never forget! This magical dining experience is available December through until April and bookings are essential due to limited seating.
Photo: Instagram @duydash
Emu Bay Lavender Farm
With an estimated 7500 lavender plants growing over 51 acres, Emu Bay Lavender is a working farm and cafe open to the public. Famous for their freshly baked lavender scones, you can even pop in for morning or afternoon tea on your way to visit Emu Bay which is only minutes down the road.
The best season to view the plants in full bloom is over the summer months.
Photo: Instagram @satc
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery
Emu Ridge is a family owned business and they are the only commercial Eucalyptus Oil distillery in South Australia. They produce 100% pure Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oil from the Kangaroo Island Narrow Leaf Mallee, along with a range of natural products available through their farm gate retail shop, craft gallery and online store.
They are located 15 minutes from Kingscote in the MacGillivray area on the way to Seal Bay. They have a cafe offering meals all day long including barista coffee.
Flinders Chase National Park
The entrance to the Flinders Chase National Park is located a good 45 minutes south-west of Snellings. From here you can visit Remarkable Rocks on what feels like the edge of the Earth and see the seals playing in and around Admirals Arch.
96% of the park was ravaged by the January 2020 bushfires, but it is extraordinary to visit this natural wonder whilst it is regenerating and see the park in views we have never seen before in our lifetime.
Best to pre-book to guarantee your entry.
Photo: Instagram @liam.pixels
Kangaroo Island Brewery
Located 5 minutes from the heart of Kingscote near the cnr of Playford Highway and North Coast Road. Head into the brewery for a tasting board of their delicious locally made brews. There is a fantastic large lawn for the kids to run around.
Pizzas available on Fridays and Sundays. Ploughmans boards Thursday, Saturday and Monday.
Photo: Instagram @adelady
Kangaroo Island Fishing Adventures
Located 15 minutes west of Middle River at Western River, Kangaroo Island Fishing Adventures specialize in private charters for fishing enthusiasts.
Half Day or Full Day Tours available off the scenic North Coast of KI catching King George Whiting, Flathead, Tuna, Nannygai and Kingfish among others. Get in early as they book out months in advance!
Kangaroo Island Spirits
As makers of the world’s best contemporary gin, KI Spirits is a must-do if you are in the Cygnet River area. Spend some time relaxing in their gin garden or why not book at KIS Cocktail Masterclasss?
Photo: Instagram @samuelgravesphotography
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
5 minutes south of Parndana, the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is arguably one of the best wildlife parks in South Australia, with so many animals to view and interaction opportunities.
You can hold a friendly Koala or even a snake if that tickles your fancy, but the little people will love feeding the kangaroos and wallabies.
Photo: Instagram @kiwildlifepark
Little Sahara
Pictured is our little guy Hugo aged 4 in 2020 having the time of his life tobogganing at Little Sahara. Older kids and adults might like to try their skills on the stand up sandboards. The perfect half day action packed activity on the South Coast of KI!
KI Outdoor Action also offer Quad Biking Tours and Fat Bike Tours through the local bush trails or Kayaking on The Harriet River.
Prospect Hill
Formerly Mount Thisby, Prospect Hill as it is now known is a great newly refurbished steep walking trail with over 500 steps. Once at the top, you will have 360 degree views over the skinniest part of the Island where the Dudley Peninsula meets the main body of Kangaroo Island. Views to the North look over Pelican Lagoon towards American River and the views to the South Coast include the stunning Pennington Bay.
A great free activity to burn some energy for 30 minutes before your ferry and car trip home.
Photo: Instagram @bec_willox
Raptor Domain
Raptor Domain is an Environmental, Educational, Rehabilitation Centre and is located at Seal Bay. There are many orphaned, injured and sick Birds of Prey that come into Raptor Domain’s care each year. Unfortunately not all birds are able to go back to the wild so they use them as ambassadors for their kind, to create awareness and appreciation.
The staff train the animals to show the public their natural behaviour on command in a natural environment, so head along to one of their “birds of prey” or “fang-tastic” shows.
Photo: Instagram @cook_family_adventures
Seal Bay Conservation Park
Seal Bay has been home to an Australian sea lion population for thousands of years, and offers one of the most exceptional nature-based experiences in the world.
There are no enclosures or cages at Seal Bay. Instead, you will be taken into the heart of the colony where our experienced guides will teach you about these endangered animals. If you prefer, you can set your own pace on the wheelchair accessible 900 metre (return) boardwalk which meanders through the dunes to a number of viewing platforms.
Stokes Bay
Stokes Bay is a 10 - 15 minute drive East from Middle River. This secluded beach is quite the adventure for the little ones as you need to walk through a rock tunnel to reveal a gorgeous white sandy beach with a large rockpool big enough to swim in and then often good surfing waves for intermediate surfers in the open water. The Rockpool Cafe serves fantastic lunches, hot chippies, coffee and ice blocks for those who need refreshments from Sept - May.
The Islander Estate Vineyards
Explore the elegant French styled wines handcrafted in Australia’s most surprising wine region, Kangaroo Island. Drop in to the intimate Cygnet River Tasting room for a guided tasting. All tastings are offered on a walk-in basis (no booking required).
Our personal favourite is the very easy to drink Chardonnay called “The White” - RRP: $25 per bottle
Photo: Instagram @islanderestate
Vivonne Bay
A good 45 minutes drive south of Middle River is Vivonne Bay. It is a 6-kilometre long beach on the South Coast of Kangaroo Island. A great place to escape the heat in the peak of summer when the north wind is up, catch a wave when the surf’s up or marvel at the fact the next land mass is Antarctica approximately 5,000 kilometres away!
Head into the Vivonne Bay General Store for one of their famous King George Whiting Burgers!
Photo; Instagram @jackson.groves
Western River Cove
Located 15 minutes drive west of Middle River is another little gem, Western River Cove. It’s a mini version of Snellings, with a gorgeous scenic drive down rolling North Coast hills. Upon arrival, you will need to walk across a bridge to get to the beach and hence, no cars on this beach. Public toilets are located in the carpark, but you will need to pack a picnic to enjoy on this secluded beach.
Photo: Instagram @benjamingoode