11 Best Camping Spots On Kangaroo Island

Camping on Kangaroo Island includes options that range from rustic log cabins and glampsites to pared-back places to pitch your tent.

Kangaroo Island has a mix of privately owned caravan parks, council-run sites and conservation areas and national parks where you can throw up a tent or pull in with your caravan. Here are some of the best Kangaroo Island camping spots.

Pennington Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia

See amazing views of Pennington Bay on your camping trip. (Image: Isaac Forman)

1. Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park

Roughing it has never been so appealing. Forget tinned spaghetti. Stock up on permaculture produce from Petite Provenance, and artisanal goods from Vivonne Bay General Store, one of the best places to eat on Kangaroo Island, before settling into your glamping tent at Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park.

Glamp or camp at Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park.

Located 300 metres from the SeaLink Ferry, the campground has views over Hog Bay Beach and the ruffled sea surging through Backstairs Passage.

SeaLink Ferry, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

From the SeaLink Ferry, the campground has views over Hog Bay Beach. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Accommodation options include Eco Luxury Tents, Eco Family Tents and Oceanview Villas as well as powered campsites for caravans and camping.

Inside an Eco Luxury Tent at Seafront Holiday Park.

2. Western KI Caravan Park & Wildlife Reserve

You will find your days start to vanish rather quickly when you’re out and about enjoying the wide, open spaces and nature trails that loop around the Western KI Caravan Park. The campground has powered and unpowered tent sites, as well as modern and well-maintained shower blocks and a children’s playground. Got a gammy back? Say goodbye to your sleeping bag and bunker down in the self-contained log cabins or luxury cabins.

Western KI Caravan Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Enjoy the wide, open spaces and nature trails.

3. Discovery Lagoon Caravan and Camping Grounds

Eco campers and caravanners will appreciate the fact the Discovery Lagoon Caravan and Camping Grounds is run entirely on renewable energy. The campground is surrounded by red river gums on a 40-hectare property that is about three kilometres from Emu Bay Beach, where you can set sail on a fishing charter and see the sea open up. The campsite also has two one-bedroom eco glamping cottages which are designed for couples.

Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia

Three kilometres from Emu Bay Beach, you can set sail on a fishing charter and see the sea open up. (Image: @jay.bevs)

4. Harveys Return

Harveys Return Campground is a short (steep) hike away from Harveys Bay, going from green to cyan as it traces the original horse cart track used by the Cape Borda lighthouse keepers on the northwest tip of the island. The bare bush campground has sheltered picnic tables, gas barbecue facilities and toilets and is surrounded by a grove of eucalyptus trees with leaves that flicker in the light. Walk through the scrubby grey-green terrain to get to the lighthouse, built in 1858.

5. American River Campground

This council-run campground is located near a boat ramp near a narrow neck of the American River, which, incidentally, is not a river, and has capacity for just 15 or so campers. Like many of the campgrounds on Kangaroo Island, the American River Campground is basic, making it well suited for old-school campers: there are toilets and hot showers, sheltered picnic tables and powered and non-powered sites, too. Rise at dawn to cast a line in the ‘river’.

American River, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia

The American River Campground is well suited for old-school campers. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

6. D’Estrees Bay Campgrounds

There are five campsites scattered across four campgrounds located within the vast tract of wilderness at D’Estrees Bay. The Big Sand Dune Campground has just one campsite, and is the campground of choice for hard-core campers who like to sleep under a sky confetti’d with stars with not another soul around. It’s the stillness and solitude that is most luxurious at this site which accommodates camper trailers and tents and offers easy access to Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park.

7. Duck Lagoon Campground

Bird-watchers will appreciate the purpose-built bird hide and observation platform at Duck Lagoon Camp Ground, a small reserve near Cygnet River that is a haven for migratory birds. Enjoy a quiet walk along the banks of the lagoon and read the interpretative signage about the area’s history as squadrons of birds (such as Australian pelicans) fly overhead. Walk along the shore and note the presence of pied oystercatchers, royal spoonbills and black swans in your little black bird book.

Duck Lagoon Campground, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia

The Duck Lagoon is a haven for migratory birds.

8. Western River Cove Campground

The Western River Cove Campground is situated on the rugged north coast of Kangaroo Island, about an hour’s drive from Kingscote. A footbridge runs like a corridor through the campground over the river that runs through it and down onto the white sand. The Western River Campground is not suitable for caravans and has no powered sites, but like all the council-run grounds, it is pet-friendly.

Western River Cove Campground, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

See the rugged north coast of Kangaroo Island.

9. Browns Beach Campground

Browns Beach Campground occupies a prime piece of real estate on Nepean Bay, just 15 minutes’ drive from Penneshaw. Set up your camp chair, pour yourself a glass of Dudley Kangaroo Porky Flat Shiraz, and sit in the sunshine on your own private patch of sand on the dunes overlooking Brown Beach. The family-friendly beach is located on the north coast of Dudley Peninsula and is hard to beat for beachside camping nirvana.

Aerial view of Browns Beach, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia

Sit in the sunshine on your own private patch of sand on the dunes overlooking Brown Beach. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

10. Vivonne Bay Campground

The six-kilometre U-shaped beach at Vivonne Bay is regularly ranked as one of Australia’s best. From above, the bay presents like a colour catalogue of all the possible blues and greens. Get amongst it by surfing, fishing, snorkelling, playing classic catches or beach cricket, just a few of the many excellent things to do on this corner of Kangaroo Island. Located about 45 minutes from Kingscote, the campground is accessible for caravans and has both powered and unpowered campsites.

Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia

Witness the colour catalogue of all the possible blues and greens.

If you are looking to mix up your stay on Kangaroo Island, spend a night at one of our luxury accommodation recommendations or one of our picks of best places to stay.

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)