Explore Australia

Kingscote

Flinders Chase National Park, Nick Rains / Explore Australia Publishing

Population 1691

In the early days of Australia's European settlement, Kangaroo Island was a haven for some of the country's most rugged characters – escaped convicts and deserters from English and American whaleboats. These men formed gangs, hunted more than their fair share of whales, seals, kangaroos, wallabies and possums, and went on raids to the mainland to kidnap Aboriginal women. It was an island truly without law. Two centuries on, the only ruggedness to speak of is found along the island's southern coast, where the surf is Southern Ocean–style and the seals are now left in peace. The north shore is a rippling line of bays and coves, with grass-covered hills sweeping down into Investigator Strait. On the shores of the resplendent Nepean Bay is Kingscote, the island's capital and the state's first official settlement (est. 1836). Amidst the beautiful scenery and wildlife, Kingscote is also the island's main commercial and business hub.

Visitor Information

Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre, Howard Dr, Penneshaw; (08) 8553 1185

www.tourkangarooisland.com.au

Nearby national parks

  • Flinders Chase National Park

    www.exploreaustralia.net.au/South-Australia/Kangaroo-Island/Kelly-Hill-Conservation-Park/Eco-friendly-activity...more

  • Innes National Park

    Innes National Park, at the south-western extremity of the Yorke Peninsula, comprises a coastal environment of saline lakes, salt flats,...more

  • Onkaparinga River National Park

    The rugged Onkaparinga River National Park features South Australia’s second longest river as it slices through a steep valley and...more

Nearby towns

  • Edithburgh

    Edithburgh is located on the foreshore at the south-eastern tip of Yorke Peninsula. This is an area synonymous with shipwrecks and,...more

  • Yankalilla

    Since the first land grant in 1842, Yankalilla has been the centre of a thriving farming industry. It is a growing settlement just inland...more

  • Yorketown

    Yorketown is a small rural community at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula. The surrounding landscape is dotted with many inland salt...more

In Town

Kangaroo Island Penguin Centre A visit to this interpretive marine centre is a must. The size and shape of the aquariums allow visitors to get up close and personal with the vast array of sea life, which includes big-bellied seahorses and giant cuttlefish. The Penguin Tour is the ultimate highlight, where you can observe the little penguins interact with each other. The penguins' breeding season is Mar–Dec, which is the best time to visit. There are two tours every night; times vary during the year. Pelican feedings and aquarium tours also on offer; the Wharf; (08) 8553 3112.

Hope Cottage Museum: this National Trust museum exhibits the town's long pioneering and maritime history through memorabilia and photographs; open 1–4pm daily; Centenary Ave; (08) 8553 3017. St Alban's Church: view the impressive stained-glass windows and pioneer memorials; Osmond St. Kangaroo Island Gallery: beautiful local artworks from ceramics and glassworks to paintings and woodcrafts; Murray St; (08) 8553 2868. Fine Art Kangaroo Island: traditional and contemporary artworks showcased in two renovated heritage buildings located in the main retail precinct; 10am-5pm; 80 and 91 Dauncey Street; (08) 8553 0448.  Cemetery: SA's oldest cemetary; Seaview Rd. Fishing: the jetty is a hot spot for keen anglers.

Nearby

Seal Bay Conservation Park This park protects the habitat of the rare Australian sea lion, which faced extinction on the SA coast during the 1800s. Guided beach tours provide close-up encounters with the snoozing creatures. There are also views down to the beach from the 400 m boardwalk that runs through dunes to an observation deck; (08) 8559 4207; 58 km SW. Flinders Chase National Park On the south coast of this vast park are the precariously positioned granite boulders called the Remarkable Rocks, gradually being eroded by wind and sea to form spectacular shapes. Nearby is the Cape du Couedic lighthouse, and a colony of New Zealand fur seals that can be seen from the boardwalk down to Admirals Arch, a sea cave. There are many walking trails throughout the park and a detailed map is available from the visitor centre at Rocky River. Watch for the Cape Barren geese around the visitor centre; (08) 8559 7220; 93 km SWKingscote wine region Make sure to take home at least one jar of Kangaroo Island’s unique Ligurian honey, as well as a bottle or two of local wine. Around 10 vineyards are scattered across the eastern side of the island, although only a few have cellar doors. The most prominent establishment is The Islander Estate Vineyards, run by a well-known French winemaker. The wines come from 100 per cent estate grapes and are made and bottled on-site. There are interesting blends, such as sangiovese, cabernet franc and malbec; (08) 8553 9008. Another option is the Bay of Shoals winery, offering great wine and a view; 3 km N.  Island Pure Sheep Dairy: tasting and sales of produce, and milking demonstrations; open 1pm–5pm daily; (08) 8553 9110. Cygnet River; 12 km SW. Emu Bay: excellent swimming at the beach with fishing from the jetty; 17 km SW. Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery: sales of eucalyptus-oil products; open 9am–2pm daily; Wilsons Rd, off South Coast Rd; 20 km S. Clifford’s Honey Farm: sales and free tasting of honey produced by pure Ligurian bees; (08) 8553 8295. Hundred Line Rd; 30 km S. Prospect Hill Lookout: spectacular views from the spot where Matthew Flinders surveyed Kangaroo Island; on narrow neck to Dudley Peninsula; 35 km SE. American River: a fishing village overlooking Eastern Cove and Pelican Lagoon, havens for birdlife; 40 km SE. Parndana: a small town known as The Place of Little Gums, featuring the Soldier Settlement Museum; 40 km SW. Murray Lagoon: well-known waterbird area with tea-tree walk; 40 km SWStokes Bay: natural rock tunnel leads to a rockpool, ideal for swimming; 50 km W. Little Sahara: large sand dunes surrounded by bush; 55 km SW. Penneshaw: a small town on Dudley Peninsula where the vehicular ferry arrives from Cape Jervis. The town features a National Trust folk museum and nightly penguin tours from the Penguin  Interpretive Centre at Hog Bay Beach; 60 km E. Vivonne Bay: popular beach for surfing and fishing (beware of strong undertow – safe swimming near the jetty, boat ramp and Harriet River); 63 km SW. Antechamber Bay: picturesque beach and area, excellent for bushwalking, fishing and swimming; 72 km SE. Kelly Hill Conservation Park: sugar gum forest walks and guided tours of limestone caves; 85 km SW. Western River Wilderness Protection Area: 2.5 km track to winter waterfall; 85 km E. Scott Cove: from here you can view the highest coastal cliffs in the state, at 263 m; near Cape Borda; 100 km WCape Borda Lightstation: historical tours offered of 1858 lighthouse. Also here is the Cape Borda Heritage Museum. Cannon is fired at 12.30pm; 105 km W.

Fishing spots near town

Marion Bay 75 km

Situated at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, Marion Bay is angler central and offers access to spectacular offshore and beach fishing. Southern beaches from Marion Bay east to Troubridge, such as Butlers, provide top... Find out more


West Coast 87 km

Head to Innes National Park, at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula, to find two noteworthy places for anglers. The first is Pandalowie Bay where boats can be launched and, north of this, Browns Beach. The latter is well... Find out more


Wedge Island 122 km

Wedge Island is one of a number of small islands making up the Gambier Group, about 19 nautical miles west of the southern toe of the Yorke Peninsula. Viewed from the sea it is easy to see how the island got its name... Find out more


Ardrossan 139 km

Located on the east side of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan is bountiful water just 150 km west of Adelaide, so is a popular weekend fishing destination. Looking out on the long pier at Ardrossan, it’s striking how... Find out more


Neptune Islands 149 km

Ever wondered where the filming was done for one of those documentaries where divers film great white sharks from the safety of underwater cages? One of the most popular areas for that sort of adventure is around South... Find out more


Wallaroo 193 km

The small SA seaport of Wallaroo, north of Moonta, offers an excellent base for anglers wanting to catch big snapper, King George whiting, Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish. Many of the reef systems are close to... Find out more


Port Broughton 232 km

Port Broughton is a favourite destination for anglers wanting to fish from charter boats. The boat ramp in the sheltered harbour is next to a small pier complex and is popular for small fish including salmon, Tommy ruff,... Find out more


Coffin Bay 249 km

When it comes to big bruisers, yellowtail kingfish are up near the top of the list. Fishing with live bait set under a balloon, you watch as the balloon starts to move across the surface of the water, a sign of nervous... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Diving and snorkelling off Kangaroo Island 33 km

The sheltered north coast of Kangaroo Island is favoured for water activities, and is home to some 270 temperate fish species – such as blue devils, boarfish and blue groper – along with seals, dolphins and... Find out more


Swimming on Kangaroo Island 55 km

Kangaroo Island’s many beaches and white sands are inviting but not all are safe so take extreme care when swimming. Those to the north of the island are usually the spots with the calmest waters. Do not miss... Find out more


Diving and snorkelling off the Fleurieu Peninsula 55 km

Some of the state’s best diving – particularly in-shore and around jetties – is on the Fleurieu Peninsula, with leafy sea dragons, shipwrecks, dolphins and myriad fish species. Second Valley is great... Find out more


Swimming along the Fleurieu Peninsula 90 km

There are plenty of great swimming beaches along the peninsula. Victor Harbor has a plethora to choose from – including Kent Reserve and Dump Beach – but there is also Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot, and the... Find out more


Whale-watching on the Fleurieu Peninsula 95 km

Between May and October, southern right whales often cruise right next to the shore of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Popular viewing spots include Port Elliot, Goolwa, Middleton and Victor Harbor, but your best starting point... Find out more


Birdwatching around the Fleurieu Peninsula 105 km

Abutting the Coorong, and with wetlands, beaches and a wide variety of terrain, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a top spot for birdwatching. There is a hide off Barrage Road at Goolwa, and the Goolwa Effluent Ponds can have... Find out more


Swimming with dolphins off Glenelg 109 km

Since 2002, the eco-accredited Temptation Sailing has offered a ‘swim with the dolphins sail’ on a 17-metre catamaran out of Glenelg, in which the bottlenose and common dolphins reputedly come to the vessel... Find out more


Morialta Conservation Park 119 km

One of the most stunning parks in the region and located only 10 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, this has waterfalls and deep gorges, woodlands, koalas, echidnas and southern brown bandicoots. The pick of the walks is... Find out more


Aboriginal gallery, Adelaide 120 km

The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum holds the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the world. Some 3000 are on display at any one time.... Find out more


Adelaide Zoo 120 km

With its catchphrase ‘We exist to save animals from extinction’, this is another of Australia’s excellent zoos. The sea-lion display and walkthrough rainforest aviary are particularly recommended.... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Links Lady Bay Resort 65 km

‘A pleasurable golf course,’ Dr Alister MacKenzie once wrote, ‘is not necessarily one that appeals at first sight, but rather one that grows on a player like good music, good painting, or good... Find out more


Glenelg Golf Club 112 km

Glenelg is to Adelaide what Bondi is to Sydney – the city’s most popular beach suburb. The terminus for the City to Bay tram, a Glenelg icon, can be found where Jetty Rd meets the beach, where you will... Find out more


Kooyonga Golf Club 115 km

Kooyonga is a thinking player’s golf course. One of the game’s greatest strategists, Peter Thomson, gave an insight into what is required to play well at Kooyonga after winning the 1972 Australian Open... Find out more


The Grange Golf Club (West Course) 116 km

Melbourne’s sandbelt wasn’t the only region in which golf course construction was booming during the 1920s. Various sites in Adelaide’s western suburbs – Kooyonga in 1922, Glenelg in 1926... Find out more


Royal Adelaide Golf Club 116 km

In the city of churches, Royal Adelaide is the golfing equivalent of the Vatican. Every visiting golfer should make a pilgrimage to this Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed layout, one of Australia’s top 10 courses,... Find out more


The Grange Golf Club (East Course) 116 km

Vern Morcom was working on the final changes to The Grange’s West course redesign when the club announced plans for a second course. Morcom was asked to design it, on 150 acres of adjoining land, and the East... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Marron Cafe

Take a tour of this modern marron farm, just north of Vivonne Bay, home of Kangaroo Island’s famed freshwater crayfish. This bright and breezy cafe serves ultra-fresh marron with simple, tasty sauces, many tweaked... Find out more


Sorrento’s Restaurant

Part of the Kangaroo Island Seafront Resort, Sorrento’s well-appointed dining room and adjacent terrace are close to the ferry and enjoy fine ocean views across Investigator Strait. Local oysters, squid, crab and... Find out more


The Rockpool Cafe

This is the quintessential seafront kiosk, with laid-back, alfresco-style dining. Stokes Bay is one of the prettiest spots on the island’s north coast, with a fun ‘hole in the wall’ you pass through en... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Goodlife 109 km

This innovative restaurant and takeaway not only makes carbon-neutral pizzas, but also places an emphasis on sourcing produce that is organic and local. Takeaway pizzas here even come tied up with string.... Find out more


The Organic Market and Cafe 122 km

This bustling cafe and organic produce outlet in Stirling was the national winner of the best organic retailer award. Something of an institution in the area, it has delicious antipasto platters and great coffee. About... Find out more


The Locavore 122 km

The Locavore (‘local eater’) at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills sticks to the ‘100-mile’ philosophy of sourcing food, which in its case includes the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the... Find out more


Nearby breweries

The Steam Exchange Company 105 km

South Australia seems to have more than its fair share of craft breweries in significant historical locations, and The Steam Exchange Brewery is no exception. It’s housed in a heritage-listed former railway goods... Find out more


South Australian Brewing Company 119 km

Established in 1888, the South Australian Brewing Company became the state’s dominant beer-maker by steadily acquiring competitors like the Kent Town Brewery, West End Brewery and the Walkerville Co-operative... Find out more


Brewboys 121 km

One of the country’s newest craft beermaking enterprises, Brewboys is a partnership between Stephen Nelsen and Simon Sellick, who also operate the contract brewing company Fresh Cellars. At present they utilise a... Find out more


Coopers Brewery 121 km

More than any other Australian brewery, Coopers has grown significant market share over the past two decades on the back of increased demand for alternative beer styles. It was established in 1862 by Yorkshireman Thomas... Find out more


Adelaide Hills Craft Brewing 140 km

Located in the former Onkaparinga woollen mill complex at Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, this brewery/bar is run by Alistair Turnbull and Phil Jones. The pair turned their backs on careers in banking to study brewing in... Find out more


Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 221 km

History has turned full circle for the Clare Valley’s Enterprise Brewery, which ceased beer-making operations in 1916, but was revived for its original purpose in 2006. In between time, this gorgeous sandstone... Find out more


Campsites around town

American River camping area 18 km

This pleasant waterfront site overlooking the channel leading to Pelican Lagoon and its abundant birdlife is an easy stroll to the boat ramp and good fishing spots on the town jetty. It’s reached from Tangara Dr.... Find out more


Browns Beach camping area 25 km

Assorted sites for self-sufficient campers are tucked close to this long beach, part of the sweeping shoreline facing Eastern Cove. It’s suited to all ages, with sheltered swimming, beachcombing and good... Find out more


Murray Lagoon camping area 34 km

The island’s largest freshwater lagoon is a peaceful haunt for birdwatchers, nature photographers and wildflower enthusiasts, especially after winter rains. The camping area is off Seagers Rd, 46 km south of... Find out more


D’Estrees Bay camping area 36 km

For beachside camping on the doorstep of some of the island’s most windswept shores, this dramatic outpost comes with reefs, craggy headlands, shipwrecks and wild surf.  It’s 68 km south of Kingscote,... Find out more


Antechamber Bay camping area 41 km

Various sites are tucked among the bush to the west of Chapman River, signposted off Willoughby Rd, 19 km south-east of Penneshaw. Bring wood and water, and preferably a gas/fuel stove.... Find out more


Cobbler Hill Campground 48 km

Ridgetop camping on the park’s western boundary sits above wonderful Blowhole Beach, accessible by a steep 4WD track or walking trail. The campground is on Blowhole Creek Rd, 12 km south of Delamere. Pick up a... Find out more


Eagle Waterhole Campground (walk-in camping) 50 km

Offering secluded bushland camping along the Heysen Trail, this walk-in site 2 km east of Cobber Hill also has a simple bushwalker’s shelter. Bring a gas stove, water and a permit from the self-registration... Find out more


Trig Campground 52 km

This popular location in the heart of the park is sheltered and leafy, with good access to walking trails. It’s at the end of the steep Tent Rock Rd, 12 km south of Delamere. Bring wood and pick up a permit from... Find out more


Troubridge Hill camping area 54 km

The rugged limestone shore on the peninsula’s southern ‘heel’ was the scene of many a historic shipwreck. Nearby is the distinctive clay-brick Troubridge Hill Lighthouse. Camping is permitted all along... Find out more


Vivonne Bay camping area 55 km

These secluded sites are within easy reach of Harriet River and swimming areas by the town jetty, accessed from Jetty Rd. Beyond lies a vast sweep of windswept beach to explore, a great spot for whale-watching... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Jetty Caravan Park - Normanville 65 km

This is a neat tourist park alongside the beach. Bookings are required during Christmas and Easter holidays and a minimum-stay period applies at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends.... Find out more


Port Willunga Tourist Park 88 km

In a quiet rural location about 4 km from Aldinga, this is a spacious park with well-established shady trees. Bookings are necessary at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends and a minimum-stay period applies.... Find out more


Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park 89 km

Right on the beachfront, this park is also within walking distance of the town centre (1.5 km). It is a quality tourist park with good facilities. Ideal for a few days or an extended stay, bookings are required during... Find out more


Moana Beach Tourist Park 91 km

Only a short distance from the Moana town centre and close to the beach, this park is also not far from Adelaide’s southern suburbs. Bookings are required at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends. There is a... Find out more


Mount Compass Caravan Park 94 km

As neat as a pin, this newly established caravan park in a rural setting has reached a high standard in its first three years. It is a great inland base for exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more


McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park 96 km

This is a spacious, quality park amid the vineyards of the McLaren Vale region. If you want to experience the great wines from the multitude of cellar-door outlets, you will find the park the best base on this part of... Find out more


Port Elliot Holiday Park 96 km

Located just 2 km from Port Elliot, between Victor Harbor and Goolwa in a fabulous beachfront position, this is an excellent place to stay year round. We feel this is one of the great seaside caravan parks on the... Find out more


Brighton Caravan Park and Holiday Village 105 km

Just 17 km from Adelaide city, this tourist park enjoys absolute beach frontage and has a nice, relaxed feel. It is a popular family park and bookings are essential during busy holiday periods. A 2-night minimum-length... Find out more


Goolwa Caravan Park 108 km

Located 4 km from the town centre, in a quiet waterside area, this is a big park with large numbers of both annual sites and powered tourist sites, as well as an enormous number of unpowered sites. Reservations must be... Find out more


Marion Holiday Park 110 km

This tourist park in the southern suburbs is close to the enormous Marion shopping centre. It has very good amenities, shaded areas and good facilities including a recreation room and a tennis court. It makes a good base... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Blue Seas Beach House

Beautifully crafted from local stone with a full-length glass frontage, this striking two-bedroom hideaway with unimpeded ocean views has a contemporary open-plan design that’s also ecologically sensitive and... Find out more


Cape Borda Lighthouse

Cape Borda is one of three heritage lighthouse precincts managed by National Parks & Wildlife South Australia on Kangaroo Island, each with cottages for rental. Cape Borda in the far north-west of the island is the... Find out more


Kangaroo Island Beach House

A glorious sweep of white-sand beach that’s sheltered for safe swimming and ideal for boating and fishing, Island Beach is the exemplary seaside holiday location. This elevated three-bedroom home has an absolute... Find out more


Sea Dragon Lodge

Coastal splendour and enchanting wildlife, blissful seclusion and fresh island fare – that’s the Sea Dragon experience. Nestled atop Kangaroo Island’s spectacular north-eastern shores near Cape... Find out more


Southern Ocean Lodge

An astonishing blend of coastal wilderness and absolute luxury, the remote location here is breathtaking: poised atop cliffs on the island’s wind-lashed south coast. And the lodge’s glass-walled main room... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Nautilus Lodge 32 km

This solar-powered, four-bedroom house is surrounded by Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and is situated right on the beach. It can sleep up to 12 people.... Find out more


Eleanor River Homestead 39 km

This beautiful two-bedroom log cabin in the middle of the island is solar-powered, has rainwater and a sewage worm farm.... Find out more


Antechamber Bay Ecocabins 41 km

This low-key, out-of-the-way spot in the east of the island is next to a beautiful and isolated beach. There are two fairly basic self-contained and solar-powered cabins with room for up to eight people each, half a... Find out more


Ridgetop Retreats 54 km

Three funky, architecturally designed cabins sit in quiet seclusion in Deep Creek Conservation Park at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. They have solar hot water, composting toilets, two bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling... Find out more


Lighthouse cottages 95 km

Stay in eco-accredited lighthouse keeper’s cottages on wind-swept hills at opposite ends of the island: Cape Borda, Cape Willoughby and Cape du Couedic. There are also daily tours of the lightstations.... Find out more


Clarion Hotel Soho 120 km

Completed at the end of 2008, this five-star boutique hotel was designed with many hidden environmental features, such as water-recycling systems, sustainable building materials and airflow and passive cooling to reduce... Find out more


Coorong Wilderness Lodge 161 km

Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out more


Shboo Shelly Beach Lodge 239 km

Completely wind- and solar-powered, with rainwater and greywater recycling, this beautiful and relatively new three-bedroom apartment at Mount Dutton Bay near Coffin Bay National Park (on the south-east coast of the Eyre... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Dublin Park Area 149 km

On the service road Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 27.119 E138 21.109 ... Find out more


What's on around town

Racing Carnival: Feb.

Ozone

Street Party: Feb.

Art Exhibition: Penneshaw; Easter.

KI Field Days: Feb.

Kangaroo Island Art Feast: Penneshaw; Oct.

Kangaroo Island Speed Shears: Parndana; Nov.

Kingscote Show: Nov.

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