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The SA island named one of Australia’s top under-the-radar spots

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
Remote, rugged and on the rise – this is one of the country’s top hidden gems, as voted by you.

If there’s one thing Aussies do well, it’s celebrating local destinations that are pushing the envelope. And in our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, you proved your impeccable taste once again. We asked you for the one destination that deserves a little more of the spotlight. Clearly, one South Australian gem stood out – and it’s not hard to see why.

Which SA island made the list?

Kangaroo Island, SA
The sea and the bush exist in peaceful harmony on Kangaroo Island. (Image: Frame)

It may only be 15 kilometres off the coast of South Australia, but Kangaroo Island feels a world away from anything. At just over 150 kilometres long and 55 kilometres wide, it’s a small but mighty sanctuary that lives and breathes the hyperlocal. Kangaroo Island is one of those deeply Australian places where the ocean and bush peacefully coexist, not just in close proximity, but in complete harmony.

It’s this gentle way of life, deeply rooted in the natural landscape, that captivated the island’s roughly 5000-strong population. It’s also what attracted over 180,000 visitors last year, a number the South Australian Tourism Commission expects to climb in 2025.

Kangaroo Island, SA
Kangaroo Island remains relatively untouched thanks to a sustainable ethos. (Image: As We Wander)

So, how has such a magical place managed to fly under the radar for so long? The answer is pretty simple – a sustainable ethos that respects the environment, paired with a conservationist mindset that aims to protect it for years to come. Visiting Kangaroo Island is all about treading lightly, with stays and experiences that blend low-impact and luxury in order to showcase the landscape, instead of competing with it.

Your guide to exploring Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island, SA
Take to the crystalline waters with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Kangaroo Island may be small in size, but it certainly isn’t lacking in things to see and do. In fact, you’ll be spoilt for choice. On the west coast, Flinders Chase National Park is a natural haven for wildlife.

It offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Kangaroo Island’s furred and feathered locals, from koalas, kangaroos, pigmy possums and penguins to a range of reptiles and over 260 bird species.

A baby seal on Kangaroo Island, SA
Kangaroo Island is home to a thriving colony of sea lions. (Image: Southern Ocean Lodge)

If you’d rather meet the residents of the sea, join a tour with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari . The locally run business offers a range of experiences, from group snorkelling to private charters, where seals, sea lions, dolphins and turtles come out to play.

Prefer to take things a little slower? Spend an afternoon sampling local gin at Kangaroo Island Spirits , or pop into Kangaroo Island Brewery for a pint of beer brewed onsite. You can also taste your way through some of the island’s best restaurants – with menus that are inspired by the landscape and hero local ingredients.

Kangaroo Island Spirits on Kangaroo Island, SA
Sample gin infused with local ingredients and distilled on the island. (Image: Kangaroo Island Spirits)

Did you know that Kangaroo Island is also home to one of Australia’s most spectacular lavender farms? That’s right – head to the northern side of the island and you’ll find Emu Bay Lavender Farm , where you can purchase souvenirs like soap, lotion and oil, honey, jam and gin.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Where to stay on Kangaroo Island

Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, SA
Southern Ocean Lodge is designed around 180-degree ocean views. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

While there’s an accommodation type to suit travellers of all budgets, Kangaroo Island offers some truly luxurious stays. Take the recently revamped Southern Ocean Lodge, which was meticulously restored following severe damage from the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires.

Thanks to the dedication and determination of owners James and Hayley Baillie of Baillie Lodges , it reopened to the public in 2023. Guests can expect spacious suites, a day spa, wet-edge pool, walk-in wine cellar and uninterrupted ocean views – all futureproofed against fire.

Wander on Kangaroo Island, SA
Settle into your private outdoor tub overlooking Snelling Beach. (Image: Wander/Remy Brand Creative)

Or go off-grid at Wander on Kangaroo Island , a five-star stay that’ll have you feeling like the last person on Earth. Overlooking Snelling Beach, each WanderPod offers its own little pocket of private luxury. Your cosy cabin is complete with a fireplace, rainshower, outdoor bath and fully equipped kitchenette, plus some of the most jaw-dropping views you’ll ever see.

A few things to remember

Kangaroo Island, SA
Adhere to Kangaroo Island’s biosecurity laws to protect local wildlife. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Kangaroo Island is only accessible via air or sea. To get there, you can take a 45-minute ferry from Cape Jervis or hop on a 30-minute flight from Adelaide. SeaLink runs up to 12 services per day (dependent on the weather) and QantasLink offers daily departures.

Visitors should familiarise themselves with Kangaroo Island’s strict biosecurity laws before they arrive. Its remote location has protected it from many of the pests and diseases found on mainland Australia.

If introduced, these harmful organisms could have devastating effects on the island’s natural environment and agricultural industry. The exchange is beautifully uncomplicated: take only memories, leave only footprints.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Your guide to slowing down in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

    Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

    But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

    If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

    Where to eat

    Yarra Valley Dairy
    Treat your taste buds to Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

    Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

    By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

    And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

    Things to do outdoors

    two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park
    Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

    A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

    The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

    While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

    Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

    For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

    The arts and culture scene

    TarraWarra Museum of Art
    Take in the displays at TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

    The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

    Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

    On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

    Stay at a local retreat

    Re’em yarra valley accommodation
    Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

    No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

    Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

    And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

    Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.