Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, is Australia’s third-largest island and one of its best places for wildlife. Free of many introduced predators such as foxes and rabbits, it has thriving populations of Australian sea lions, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and birds. Much of the island burned in the catastrophic bushfires of 2019–2020, and its recovery is an inspiring story.
At a glance
| Best time | Year-round; spring (September to November) for flowers and young animals |
| Getting there | Ferry from Cape Jervis (45 minutes) or a flight from Adelaide (30 minutes) |
| Time needed | 2 to 4 days |
| Big draws | Australian sea lions, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, birds |
| Good for | Families, road trips, photographers |
Wildlife
- Australian sea lions: at Seal Bay Conservation Park, guided walks take you onto the beach among a breeding colony of this endangered species, found only in Australia.
- New Zealand fur seals at Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park.
- Kangaroo Island kangaroos: a darker, shaggier subspecies of the western grey kangaroo. See our red kangaroo profile for their larger mainland relative.
- Tammar wallabies and short-beaked echidnas, often seen at dusk. See our short-beaked echidna profile.
- Koalas: introduced to the island in the 1920s; some areas, such as Hanson Bay, offer good sightings. See our koala profile.
- Birds: the endangered glossy black cockatoo (which feeds only on sheoak seeds), hooded plovers, little penguins (now rare), and many seabirds.
- Kangaroo Island dunnart: a tiny, critically endangered marsupial found only here.
The 2019–2020 bushfires
Fires burned about half of the island, including most of Flinders Chase National Park, killing large numbers of animals. Recovery has been remarkable, with vegetation regrowing and wildlife returning, supported by conservation programmes. Visiting supports local businesses and recovery work.
Other highlights
- Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase.
- Kelly Hill Caves and the Hanson Bay wildlife sanctuary.
- Local produce: honey from Ligurian bees, wine and seafood.
When to go
- September to November: spring flowers, joeys and nesting birds.
- December to February: warm summer, busy.
- March to May: mild autumn; good wildlife.
- June to August: cool and wet, with whales passing the coast.
Getting there
Take the SeaLink ferry from Cape Jervis (about 2 hours’ drive from Adelaide) to Penneshaw, or fly from Adelaide to Kingscote. A car is essential to explore.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see koalas on Kangaroo Island? Yes, particularly in eucalyptus areas such as Hanson Bay, though numbers fell after the fires.
Is Seal Bay worth visiting? Yes. It is one of the few places where you can walk on a beach among wild Australian sea lions.
How many days do I need? Two to three days to see the main wildlife sites; longer to explore properly.
Has the island recovered from the bushfires? Much of it has regrown, and wildlife is returning, though some species remain at risk.
Related guides
- Where to see koalas in the wild
- Tasmania wildlife guide
- Australia wildlife itinerary: 3 weeks
- Animal profiles: Koala, Short-beaked echidna, Red kangaroo
Cover photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons