Getting Around Kangaroo Island

A Big Island - As the third largest island off the coast of mainland Australia, Kangaroo Island is more than a day-trip destination. At 155 kilometres long and up to 55 kilometres wide, it covers an area of 4,500 square kilometres. 'We didn't realise the Island was so large' is frequently stated by visitors soon after their arrival.

Hire Cars

Budget
(08) 8553 3133 or www.budgetki.com
All vehicles covered by insurance to drive on the unsealed roads.
Not covered for driving after dark.

Hertz
13 30 39 or www.hertz.com.au
Only 4WD vehicles covered by insurance to drive on the unsealed roads. Smaller vehicles available for hire. Not covered for driving after dark.

Public Transport

Ferry Coach Connections

Sealink
13 13 01 or www.sealink.com.au
Provide twice daily coach connection services from Penneshaw, American River & Kingscote return.

Airport Shuttle Service

Between Kingscote Airport and all Island townships and accommodation. Bookings are necessary.

Kangaroo Island Transfers
0427 887 575 or www.kitransfers.com.au
Provides a door to door passenger transfer service from Ferry, Airport and all Accommodation.

Smartcar
1300 887 121 or www.smartcaraustralia.com/kangaroo-island.php
Chauffeur driven transfer service.

Touring

There is a wide range of tours on the Island. Tours enable you to sit back and allow someone else to do the driving, and your guide can provide great Kangaroo Island knowledge. Coach tours are available or, alternatively, more personalised four-wheel drive tours. Most tours will pick-up from your accommodation, ferry terminal or the airport. For those with determination and energy, biking or hiking can be considered, but this decision should not be taken lightly. The Island is large (155km long) and careful assessment of your fitness level and equipment should be made.

See the tours section of this site for more information.

For self-guided touring see Island Intrigue

Driving On Kangaroo Island

There are nearly 1,600 km of roads on the Island. The major roads between Penneshaw, American River, Kingscote, Parndana and Flinders Chase are sealed. The remainder are unsealed and require reduced speed and caution - particularly on corners and when approaching other traffic. Kangaroo Island has a small permanent population so it is impossible to keep the whole road network constantly maintained. From time to time some of the unsealed roads will be corrugated and in poor condition. Always carry a spare tyre in your vehicle.

Fuel

Fuel is available from Kingscote, American River, Island Beach, Penneshaw, Parndana, Vivonne Bay and KI Wilderness Retreat near Flinders Chase National Park. LPG is available at Kingscote and Penneshaw. A full tank is recommended before heading out on a full day of touring. Fuel stations have limited hours, some closing at 6pm.

Road Courtesy

People drive at different speeds, based on their ability, safety comfort zone or desire to see the Island at a relaxed pace. Please give consideration to other road users. Keep left and allow faster moving traffic through. If stopping to sightsee, ensure that your vehicle is not parked on the road, just around a corner or over a hill from oncoming traffic.

Agricultural Vehicles

Please be aware of agricultural vehicles, particularly when approaching blind corners or on undulating, narrow and unsealed roads. These vehicles are often longer and wider than anticipated and require care when approaching and overtaking. Approach vehicles displaying 'oversize' signs with caution - you may not be able to overtake immediately. Keep a safe distance behind trucks so that the driver can see you. Remember that if you can't see the mirrors, the driver can't see you.

Wildlife

Kangaroo Island wildlife is precious and protected - and active at night! Native animals are blinded by bright light. Slow down, dip your lights and take time to observe the wildlife. During the day, be especially careful not to hit goannas basking on the warm roads.