11 Must-Visit Kangaroo Island Beaches

The sparkling sapphire waters off Kangaroo Island beckon, promising countless hours of dreamy beach days.

Going to Kangaroo Island without going to the beach is like going to Italy and not eating pasta. It just isn’t done, and one should never try to resist. And with hundreds of miles of coastline to explore at the South Australian island, there’s no chance you’ll be able to. To make the temptation all the more irresistible, we’ve laid out the best Kangaroo Island beaches for you to explore.

Beach days on Kangaroo Island are a must. (Image: Gab Rivera)

Need to know before you go

Can you swim at Kangaroo Island?

Not only can you swim on Kangaroo Island, but it’s also one of the most popular activities to do here. Alongside surfing, fishing, trekking and wildlife spotting, the beaches here provide an endless number of things to do. As any good beach lover knows, care should of course be taken when entering the water, especially if conditions look like they could be rough. Pay attention to any signs – or locals – warning about conditions or the presence of marine life.

Are there sharks at Kangaroo Island?

Sharks such as the great white or bronze whalers can occasionally be found off the coast of the island.

1. Emu Bay

One of the best-known Kangaroo Island beaches, Emu Bay is a gorgeous, languorously long stretch of white sand along the island’s north coast. Snorkel in the clear turquoise waters and try to spot the flipper of a wild dolphin, 4WD up the four-kilometre-long bay or amble up the jetty to try your hand at a catch. Emu Bay is just a 15-minute-drive from the town of Kingscote, and just a few minutes’ drive to Emu Bay Lavender Farm. Overall? It’s hands down one of the best things to do while on the island.

Aerial shot of people swimming in Emu Bay's turquoise waters.

Emu Bay is known for its turquoise waters. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Elliot Grafton)

2. Vivonne Bay

Rocking up to Vivonne Bay, it’s not hard to see why a recent study by Australian marine scientists found it to be ‘Australia’s best beach’. Head down a dirt path by foot to find a white, sandy bay, hugging around incredibly clean, sparkling blue water. Drop your towel wherever – it’s unlikely to be crowded, despite its fame – or take a walk up the jetty. Surfers are also welcome here.

Vivonne Bay is Australia’s best beach. (Image: As We Wander)

Vivonne Bay is on the south coast of the island. The Vivonne Bay General Store (and its famous, oh-so-delicious whiting burgers) is a few minutes up the road, and the Little Sahara Adventure Centre is 10 minutes by car.

People and dog walking into ocean at Vivonne Bay.

Vivonne Bay is the ideal beach spot. (Image: As We Wander)

3. Stokes Bay

Pick through a cave system tunnel to get to this magical hidden cove. On arrival, adventurous beach lovers can explore the pools, and wade through the clear waters. Stokes Bay is on the island’s north coast. The Stokes Bay Campground is nearby, and has a cafe that is open October to May – but if camping is your thing, then be sure to read up on the island’s most beautiful camping sites, as Stokes is only one of many.

Man wades through the cave to get to Stokes Bay.

Wander through the caves to get to the bay. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Elliot Grafton)

4. Snelling Beach

After a beach that will satisfy both surfers and swimmers? Go to Snelling Beach. Facing north-west, this beach has a 100m zone for the most avid surfer, as well as multiple places to take a dip. Barbeque, toilet and picnic facilities can be found here. Snellings is in the north of the island and is just a stone’s throw across the road from the famous KI Fig Tree (formerly Gastronomo’s Enchanted Fig Tree) – one of Kangaroo Island’s best dining experiences.

Aerial view of Snelling Beach and the rocks.

Surfers and swimmers unite at Snelling Beach. (Image: @saltythebus)

5. Hanson Bay

A secluded bay known for its surf waves; you can get to Hanson Bay via the unsealed West River Road. Wake up to the beauty of the beach by booking a holiday cabin at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and tie in your beach time with a guided tour to learn more about koalas, tammar wallabies and other Kangaroo Island inhabitants. Hanson Bay is located on the western end of the island.

6. Brown Beach

Head up to the Dudley Peninsula for a kid-friendly paddle at Brown Beach. Hunt for shells with the little ones, or head out for a snorkel. The Browns Beach Campground is just next door and has barbecues, toilets and showers available to use.

Person kayaking on Brown Beach with One Kangaroo Island in the background.

Brown Beach is great for the whole family. (Image: Kane Overall)

7. Western River Cove Beach

A remote and spectacular beach, Western River Cove Beach can be found on the northern side of the island. Travel here by a dirt road before finding yourself at a meandering river that leads down to the serene swimming spot. A calm little bay, this is also a popular spot for fishing. Camping, picnic and toilet facilities are available.

Spectacular wide shot of Western River Cove Beach.

Western River Cove Beach is accessible by dirt road. (Image: Ben Goode)

8. Penneshaw Beach

Have you hopped off the Kangaroo Island ferry, desperate to throw your towel on the first beach you see? Penneshaw is your best bet as it is right next to where visitors depart and leave. Also known as Hog Bay (a historical quirk that relates back to the fact a whole host of pigs were once released here), Penneshaw makes for a refreshing dip and picnic area if you’re early to catch a ride back to the mainland.

Penneshaw is also known as Hog Bay. (Image: Greg Snell)

9. Seal Bay

While you definitely can’t swim at Seal Bay, it’s still a must-see beach on the island. This, of course, is because of its star residents: the Australian sea lions who have lived here for thousands of years. Visit Cape Ganthaume/Seal Bay Park to see the pups of the ocean, yawning and stretching on the warm sand, via the accessible boardwalk or take a guided tour. Seeing them dive through the waters got you craving the feel of saltwater on your own skin? Vivonne Bay is just up the road.

You can’t swim at Seal Bay but you can observe plenty of sea lions frolicking in the waves and on the sand. (Image: Ben Goode)

10. D’Estrees Bay

After the ultimate D’Estree-ssing experience? This south coast surfing beach is also not far from Seal Bay and its residents. Here you can surf and fish, swim at low tide and even read up on the history of the shipwrecks in the area. Those seeking a beachside camping experience on Kangaroo Island can pitch their tents at the grounds nearby.

11. Pennington Bay Beach

One of Kangaroo island’s most famous surf beaches, with stunning breaks courtesy of the strong swell, and surrounded by bushland. Grab your board (or your fishing rod) and get over to the south side of the island as soon as you can to see for yourself. The surf can be a challenge, so even if you’re confident, keep an eye on the conditions.

High shot looking down at Pennington Bay.

Pennington Bay is a famous surf beach. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Head to our Kangaroo Island travel guide for more on where to go and what to see while you’re there.

When exploring an island that is four times the size of Singapore, it pays to book a tour with locals to see all the sights.

With its clean, bright waters, Mediterranean climate and super-local food scene, a trip to Kangaroo Island in South Australia is bound to take your breath away.

Cut off from the mainland thousands of years ago, this ‘Galapagos of Australia’ has become a wildlife and nature-lovers paradise. To make the most of the few days you’re here, we’ve lined up some of the top Kangaroo Island tours to do.

Best Kangaroo Island one-day tours

1. SeaLink One-Day Tours

If you only have one day to spend in the area, be smart with your time and book a one-day tour with SeaLink. With the price of the ferry included, SeaLink has a variety of one-day tour options that include Kangaroo Island highlights such as the Seal Bay Conservation Park, the granite sculptures of Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park, Clifford’s Honey Farm Shop and a First Nations expedition with Ngarrindjeri Elder Mark Koolmatrie. Extend the magic by opting for one of their multi-day tours.

SeaLink’s one-day tours are ideal for the time-poor. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Best Kangaroo Island boat tours

2. KI Marine Adventures

If you’ve ever wanted to swim with wild dolphins, now is your moment. Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures offers tours for eco-conscious visitors to swim with the dolphins that live in the waters around the island. The operators guarantee a chance for you to dive in with dolphins on their three-hour Island Explorer Tour, and you’ll also be keeping an eye out for seals, ospreys and sea eagles.

Dolphins swimming next to Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures boat.

The eco-conscious way to see your favourite marine animals. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari

KI Marine Adventures aren’t the only ones to rule the seas around the island. Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari also offers up some salty adventures. Join its 75-Minute Coastal Safari to get to know the marine wildlife that is found here or go on a two-hour snorkelling safari to swim among long-nosed seals or dolphins. There are also private charters available.

4. Emu Bay Fishing

The sea around Kangaroo Island has got plenty for the experienced fisher, whether you prefer to dangle a line off the jetty or head out by boat. Fishing charters such as Emu Bay Fishing will take you out offshore on half and full-day trips on the hunt for catches like King George whiting, tuna, trevally and snapper.

Emu Bay Fishing charters are perfect for any type of fisherman. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Best Kangaroo Island adventure tours

5. KI Outdoor Action

Rev up for a quad biking adventure with KI Outdoor Action. From quad bike discovery tours (perfect for families who want to get used to riding through the bush) to spending three hours speeding along coastlines and farmlands as part of its Edge of the Earth Adventure, there are levels to suit everyone.

People on quad bikes for Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action.

Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action will get the adrenaline pumping. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

6. Little Sahara

Switch the surfboard for a sandboard over on the huge inland sand dunes of the Little Sahara Adventure Centre. You can also grab a fat bike to cruise, hop onto a guided buggy tour or take a guided walking tour that goes from koala spotting to watching the sunset across the sands as part of golden hour.

Girl carrying bodyboard at Little Sahara adventure centre

Little Sahara is fun for all the family. (Image: Megan Crabb)

Best Kangaroo Island food and wine tours

7. Kangaroo Island Living Honey

Did you know: Kangaroo Island has the only genetically pure population of Ligurian bees left in the world? To see how a working honey farm is operated, head to Kangaroo Island Living Honey and find out just how the honey is extracted from the 250 hives on the property. After seeing the sweet life for yourself, it will be near impossible not to pick up some bee-autiful goodies like beeswax wraps, lip balms, and (of course) honey.

Bees making honey at Kangaroo Island Living Honey.

Kangaroo Island has the only genetically pure population of Ligurian bees left in the world. (Image: Kangaroo Island Living Honey)

8. Kangaroo Island Spirits

It’s not just the bees here who are good at crafting up some sweet nectar – the humans are pretty incredible at it too. Head over to Kangaroo Island Spirits, Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery.

The exterior of Kangaroo Island Spirits distillery.

Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery. (Image: Kangaroo Island Spirits)

The spirits here benefit from the one-of-a-kind botanical mix of the area, with resulting tipples such as vodka and limoncello, as well as gin. There are several KI Spirits experiences to be had at their cellar door, including a cocktail masterclass and tasting experience.

The Kangaroo Island Spirits collection of alcohol.

Don’t miss one of the Kangaroo Island Spirits tastings. (Image: Kangaroo Island Spirits)

9. Kangaroo Island Trails

If you’re more into the savvy b’s than the G&Ts, Kangaroo Island is also a famous grape-growing area. Hop between the wineries on the Kangaroo Island Trail Hopper, or Kangaroo Island Trails’ half or full-day food and wine tour. You’ll stop off to sample foodie delights at places like Clifford’s Honey, as well as try out the ciders and spirits.

Clifford's Honey Farm honey alcohol pouring

Kangaroo Island Trails will take you to Clifford’s Honey Farm. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Best Kangaroo Island wildlife tours

10. Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park tour

It just isn’t a trip to Kangaroo Island without a day out at its Wildlife Park, paying a visit to some of KI’s cutest residents. Book in for a full-day trip that can include wallaby feeding, koala holding, encounters with dingos and seeing a spiky echidna up close. We’ve also put together a guide for the ultimate day out at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.

Koala's in the tree at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

Spend the day with these furry creatures. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

11. Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Visitors to Kangaroo Island can also visit Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides a habitat for native Australian animals to live in the wild and remains the best place to see a sustainable population of koalas in the wild.

Tours include a 90-minute Guided Koala Walk & Bush Fire Ecology Tour, which offers a window into the island’s flora and fauna and the abundant species’ response to bushfire. Hanson Bay was devastated by the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires and, having moved past the recovery phase, provides an opportunity today for visitors to understand the regenerative effects of fire on the landscape.

People standing in front of a sign with the animals at Hanson Wildlife Sanctuary

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary provides a habitat for native Australian animals to live in the wild.

12. Seal Bay guided tour

The Seal Bay Conservation Park is where you will find Australia’s third-largest seal lion population. While you can watch the colony yawn, stretch, scrap and snuggle from the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk under your own steam, the Seal Bay guided tour ($42 for an adult) means you’ll also make the walk with a guide, who can interpret the sea lion behaviour for you and the rest of the group.

Seal Bay Guided Tour looking at the seals.

The best way to see Seal Bay is on a tour with a guide who can interpret the sea lion behaviour. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

13. Penneshaw Penguin Centre

Kangaroo Island is home to the world’s smallest penguins: Little Penguins. Stop by the Penneshaw Penguin Centre as the sun is going down. You will then follow the guide, and watch the little penguins toddle up the sands with determination, back to their homes; all while being under the fantastically clear night sky and stars of Kangaroo Island.

Penneshaw Penguin Centre Little Penguins on Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island is home to the world’s smallest penguins. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Milton Wordley)

Best Kangaroo Island luxury tours

14. Kangaroo Island Touring Company

Wild about wildlife? Focused on food? Love local stories? Or all of the above? Kangaroo Island Touring Company offers bespoke private tours tailored to your interests but all underscored by immersive nature-based experiences aimed at getting you to the heart of Kangaroo Island.

Each full-day tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your island accommodation, private touring in a luxe vehicle, local naturalist guide and a gourmet picnic lunch with South Australian wine in a secluded spot.

You’ll end the day with a true sense of place.

An esky in the back of a vehicle on tour with Kangaroo Island Touring Company.

Gourmet experiences await when exploring with Kangaroo Island Touring Company. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

15. Exceptional Kangaroo Island

Exceptional Kangaroo Island has been running luxury small-group and private tours of the island since 1986, appealing to lovers of food, wine and wildlife with a focus on all things sustainable.

Choose between one-day and multi-day tours, with focuses on everything from food and drink to conservation to art and culture to birdwatching.

There are also private tours tailored especially to couples, young families, active explorers and more.

An Exceptional Kangaroo Island tour vehicle drives down a road on Kangaroo Island

Explore the island with long-running tour operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)