• Location
• Size
• Wildlife and Birdlife
• Vegetation
• National Parks
• Other Facts
• Climate and Weather
• How to get to KI
• Flights
• Ferry

Location

Kangaroo Island is the most significant island off the South Australian coast and the third largest island off the Australian coast. 110 km south of Adelaide, the capital city. 35°S latitude, approximately the same latitude as Canberra, the capital of Australia.

Size

The size of the island (approx. 155 km in length and approx. 50 km at its widest, and 4350 square km in area) surprises many visitors. The population is approx. 4500, with Kingscote being the largest town.

The greatest attraction is its wildlife and the variety of coastal scenery, which is largely unspoilt by any development. There are sheer cliffs, rocky headlands, sheltered coves, long sandy beaches and massive sculpture like boulders at Remarkable Rocks.

Due to its sheer size Kangaroo Island needs some time to be explored and the best way to do this, is to stay for a minimum of 2 days, choosing a HIGHLIGHTS OF KANGAROO ISLAND tour (KI23) or a 3 Day / 2 night - Natural Wonders of Kangaroo Island (KI33) or another longer 3 day tour.

Wildlife and Birdlife

The most common wildlife found on Kangaroo Island are Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, Tammar Wallabies, Koalas, Australian Sealions, New Zealand Fur Seals, Rosenberg Goannas and Echidnas.

There is over 250 species of birds on KI of which some are endemic to the island.

Kangaroo Island is the only Sanctuary in the world for Ligurian Bees. These bees have been introduced to Kangaroo Island in the late 1800s.

Vegetation

Most of the island's vegetation is formed by mallee and a large variety of eucalypt trees. Especially during late winter and early spring a large variety of wildflowers transform the island in a colourful carpet.

National Parks

Approximately one third of the Kangaroo Island is national park and protected areas like conservation parks or reserves.

The largest and one of the first national parks in Australia is Flinders Chase National Park, declared a national park in 1919. Within Flinders Chase National Park you find such famous attractions as Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and the Cape du Couedic lighthouse.

Other Facts

The main ring road around the island is sealed, although the main part of the roads is unsealed (gravel) and their conditions can vary depending on the seasons and weather conditions.

There is no public transport on Kangaroo Island. A shuttle service (operated by Hertz) operates between Kingscote airport and Kingscote township. pre-booking is essential. We do recommend to pre-book all services on Kangaroo Island before arrving on KI including touring, accommodation and if needed rental vehicle.

Climate and Weather

Kangaroo Island is very exposed to the elements, as the next landmass to the south is Antarctica. Therefore changes in weather can occur very suddenly and without much warning.

Note: summer temperatures can occasionally get as high as 35º C.

Between April and November is the winter season, and the countryside is lush and temperatures are cooler. Experience a temperate climate ranging from 10°C to 20°C, with frequent sunny days.

December to March are the Summer and Autumn months when the landscape changes. Conditions are dry and warm, and the earth becomes sun-bleached with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C.

How to get to Kangaroo Island

Getting to Kangaroo Island is easy either by aircraft from Adelaide or by ferry from Cape Jervis with a coach connection from Adelaide.

As part of our service we do offer you to book a choice of either transportation or a combination of both. Some tours may not be available with a ferry connection.

Flights

We use and recommend Rex Air (REX = ZL) that have regular connecting flights from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island. All our tours are tailored to accommodate their morning and evening flight connections.

Transfers in Adelaide - As part of our packages (when flights are booked with KIO) we offer complimentary limousine transfer from / to all Adelaide city hotels incl. Glenelg. Pick up time is between 7:50 a.m. and 8:10 a.m.

Ferry

SeaLink operates the ferry between the mainland and Kangaroo Island. There are only two daily ferry crossings that offer a coach connection from / to Adelaide. We do offer complimentary pick up and drop off to Adelaide inner city hotels. For exact details of pick up times, please refer to our booking confirmation as each hotel has a different pick up time. Generally pick-up in Adelaide starts at 6:00 a.m.

Transfers on KI - If transportation to/from KI (ferry / flights) is booked with KIO, we will provide all necessary transfers from the accommodation to the airport or ferry.

See our great selection of tours - for however long you choose to visit us.