Roadtrip Adelaide to Kangaroo Island: Explore the Wild!
Roadtrip Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, and getting there is half the fun! You’ll leave the cityscape of Adelaide or your other  accommodation behind, and drive through stunning landscapes of South Australia. Cruise past McLaren Vale Vineyards before catching the ferry from Cape Jervis to one of Australia’s most iconic destinations – Kangaroo Island. It’s worth booking your ferry ticket and accommodation in advance, and this great itinerary provides a mix of natural wonders, fabulous wildlife encounters, and total relaxation.
So, let’s go!
Day 1: Adelaide to Cape Jervis
- Distance: Approx 198 km
- Ferry time: Approx 1 hr 23 min
- Welcome to Cape Jervis – gateway to Kangaroo Island. Be on the lookout for dolphins, seals, seabirds and other marine wildlife. Check out the local boat/fishing/and wildlife spotting charters – The Big Duck.
- If you’ve got extra time, take a walk along secluded Morgan Beach –Â a perfect spot for swimming or sliding down sandhills or fishing. And if you could go a bite yourself – Cape Jervis Tavern offers classic pub meals as well as a good Thai menu.
Day 1: Cape Jervis to Penneshaw (main port of Kangaroo Island)
- Distance: Approx – 16 km
- Drive time: Approx – 45 min -1 hr (depending on weather conditions)
- Welcome to Penneshaw – the gateway to Kangaroo Island. You can’t miss the little penguins at the Penneshaw Penguin Centre and look out for sea lions on the beach at Seal Bay Conservation Park. Check out the Maritime and Folk Museum with rich maritime history, and if you’ve arrived on a Sunday, the Penneshaw Markets is a treasure of Kangaroo Island’s finest arts, jewellery, and handcrafts with a great village atmosphere. Also go explore the Penneshaw Sculpture Trail with a stunning coastal backdrop or hop on a fat bike tour. For a coffee and sweet treat, swing ’round to Millie Mae’s Pantry or head to the home of classic beer, fabulous food and welcome at the Penneshaw Hotel.
Day 1 – 4: Exploring Kangaroo Island
- Don’t miss Flinders Chase National Park to see the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Walk the boardwalk, take in the stunning views and picnic or head to one of the islands standout eateries – Cactus, Sunset overlooking the ocean or The Fig Tree (Gastronomo), Kangaroo Island Fresh Seafood in Telegraph Rd. Grab a meal at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery Café, offering hearty meals amidst native bushland. Savour a cheese platter with a glass of the best from Dudley’s.
- Â If you’re into adventure, swim off pristine beaches at Stokes Bay, Emu Bay and Snellings. Join snorkelling tours or hire equipment from local operators. try fishing charters, ocean safaris, quad biking adventures, sandboarding at Little Sahara or explore the limestone caves of Kelly Hill Conservation Park. You’ll love the kangaroos, koalas, and more at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, or the majestic Birds of Prey show at Raptor Domain! Hop on a guided tour of Kangaroo Island even for twilight adventures. There’s also artisanal food and wine tours, snorkelling and diving excursions, historical site visits, birdwatching expeditions, and camping or glamping under the stars, ensuring there’s something for everyone!
Day 5: Kangaroo Island to Victor Harbour (via Cape Jervis)
- Distance; Approx – 61 km
- Drive time: Approx – 39 min
- Welcome to Victor Harbour – home of horse drawn trams! They cross the causeway to Granite Island (one km away) with awesome walking trails and cute fairy penguins. Visit the South Australian Whale Centre on all things whales and sea critters and then Encounter Bikeway for some epic views. Victor Harbour. Looking for Good Eats? Swing by Ninos or Belicious (the waffles are fantastic) and The Anchorage Cafe while gazing out over the ocean. Spend time at the shops, boutiques and galleries and support local.
Day 5: Victor Harbour to Goolwa
- Distance; Approx – 18 km
- Drive time: Approx – 20 min
- Welcome to Goolwa – home of riverside charm on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Walk along the Goolwa Wharf Precinct – plenty of cafes, galleries, and shops in restored railway buildings. You can also take a ride on the historic Paddle Steamer Oscar W or check out maritime history at the Goolwa Wharf Museum. Visit the Motor Museum, Animal Farm and the Murray Mouth, (where the Murray meets the Southern Ocean) for a fish, picnic, canoe the Coorong, kayak or paddle board. And don’t miss Goolwa’s cooking classes or fabulous eateries – Motherduck and Bombora, or if you’re looking for something a bit different, try The Steam Exchange Brewery.If you have time, take a drive or cycle across the bridge to Hindmarsh Island with Indigenous sites, walking trails, beaches and the Murray Mouth lookout.
Day 5: Goolwa to Hahndorf
- Distance; Approx – 74 km
- Drive time: Approx – 49 min
- Welcome to Hahndorf – home of Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Grab a strudel or pretzel and wander Hahndorf’s charming streets (walking tours available) and visit art galleries and craft shops for unique finds. Try try local wines at Hahndorf and Somerled. Walk on nearby nature trails for awesome views. Don’t miss Beerenberg Farm for their yummy jams and sauces, and if you’re into art, you can’t miss The Cedars to see Hans Heysen art. Afterwards, grab a bite or a drink at the historic German Arms Hotel, or The Haus and keep an eye out for fun events like Oktoberfest and Christmas markets.
Day 6: Hahndorf to AdelaideÂ
- Distance; Approx – 26 km
- Drive time: Approx – 29 min
- Welcome to Adelaide – home of culinary delights and rich culture! Returning home to Adelaide after the road trip, why not grab a quick bite at Adelaide’s Central Market? Indulge in the diverse range of delicious food before deciding whether to dive into the vibrant nightlife, alive with bars and live music venues, or simply head home to drop off your bags and unwind.
If you think South Australia sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.
