FAQ'S

Kangaroo Island is 4,416 square kilometers in size. Think 6 times larger than Singapore. It is approximately 155 kilometers long and 55 kilometers wide and is separated from the mainland by a 15 kilometer stretch of ocean called Backstairs Passage. It is deceivingly big, and there is quite a bit of distance between locations, so be prepared to stay longer than you think.

You can see SOME of it in a day, but we recommend longer so that you receive a better experience. Most guests who visit for Kangaroo Island day trip leave disappointed that they did not allow more time. If one day is all you have available, we will do the best to give you a memorable experience.

Our advice in this instance is to take a tour, that way you are relying on a local to show you all the icons as well as places of interest only a local can show you, and impart some of their knowledge and passion.

If you are looking for picture-perfect landscapes, seasonal produce and ample wildlife-spotting opportunities, make the island a top holiday destination all year-round. As each season has its appeal, come more than once to experience all the highlights! You will find our guide to all of the seasons to help you plan the time of the year to visit.

Summer - December to February

Average summer temperatures are 24°C (75°F) maximum and 14°C (57°F) minimum.

Autumn - March to May

Average autumn temperatures are 20°C (68°F) maximum and 13°C (55°F) minimum

Winter - June to August

Average winter temperatures are 15°C (59°F) maximum and 8°C (47°F) minimum

Spring - September to November

Average spring temperatures are 19°C (66°F) maximum and 11°C (52°F) minimum

Getting to Kangaroo Island is just the start of your adventure. Catch the ferry from Cape Jervis with SeaLink Kangaroo Island, or flights are available with Qantas from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport.

The Island has so many Kangaroo Island accommodation options, every one of our Island Stays is unique. Plan what you will be doing, then look to where you might be best situated.

Kangaroo Island is HUGE! We recommend giving yourself some time to explore the Island.

7 days or more will allow you to truly discover the magic of this natural paradise.

5 days will show you the main sights and highlights.

3 days will give you a small taste of the Island.

We promise it'll be a holiday you will never forget......

Check out our essential Kangaroo Island Camping and Caravan Tips

Rain Water – Generally rainwater is safe to drink. If the rainwater is clear, has little taste or smell and is from a well-maintained system, it is probably and unlikely to cause illness for most users. If concerned, distilling the water before consumption can be achieved by bringing the rainwater to the boil.

Mains Water – SA Water provides reticulated water within the bounds of Middle River Water Supply that supplies the townships of Parndana and Kingscote. Also, from the Penneshaw Desalination Plant on Dudley Peninsula which supplies Penneshaw township. The combined systems supply water to around the half of the Kangaroo Island population.

Telstra Next Generation coverage is widely available across the Island; however, other carriers drop in and out, or have no reception. There is limited Optus, Vodafone and Telstra GSM digital coverage available from Kingscote to Penneshaw and adjacent areas. Visitors are advised to contact their mobile supplier for updated information. Public telephones are located at various locations around the island.

Need a hire car to tour around Australia's third largest island? What better way to do a great South Aussie road trip than rent a big all-wheel-drive vehicle with a tiny environmental footprint!

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles can be hired on the Island through Budget Kangaroo Island Car Hire.

Electric Vehicles can be charged at charge points across Kangaroo Island. You will need a Chargepoint card to be able to activate the Chargepoint - these are supplied with your hire car keys from Budget KI and if you are visiting then you can obtain one free-of-charge from Penneshaw Community and Business Centre, Middle Terrace, Penneshaw (Monday to Friday during office hours) that will need to be returned at the end of your trip.

WHERE CAN I RECHARGE MY ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

You can plug in your hybrid (petrol/electric) vehicle in the main townships of Kingscote, Penneshaw, American River and Parndana, as well as the Kangaroo Island Airport located just south of Kingscote.

If needed, 24 hour petrol is available at Kingscote, Penneshaw and Western KI Caravan Park. Fuel is also available from Parndana and Vivonne Bay.

To find the Chargepoints and their locations please visit Kangaroo Island Council

Absolutely. Kangaroo Island’s remoteness and isolation has created a special eco-environment. Owing to its isolation from the mainland, the island has suffered less from the impact of European settlement and retains more than half of its native vegetation - a vast area of some 2,250 square kilometres. Help us Keep Kangaroo Island Special by checking out what items you cannot bring to the island.

For Kangaroo Island Bushfire Safer Place Maps:

KI Kingscote Bushfire Safer Place map

KI Penneshaw Bushfire Safer Place map

Bushfire Last Resort Refuges Locations:

Kangaroo Island Bushfire Last Resort Refuges map

You can obtain further information on the CFS website

For the location of current AEDs on Kangaroo Island:

HeartSafeKI - AEDs

In the event of an emergency, dial 000

According latest 2021 Census, Kangaroo Island has a population of 4,894 people.

Christmas Day is the only day of the year that the SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry does not run, and a day where many businesses close to enjoy the day with family and friends.

Be sure to plan ahead before the big day and shop locally for some great produce of award-winning wines, beers, ciders, distilled spirits, and liquors

Learn more about Christmas on Kangaroo Island 2023