Spectacular Kangaroo Island Drives

Kangaroo Island is full of special places, and they are all special to us for so many reasons. The beach we played on as kids, unique camping trips, memorable adventures, brag-able fishing trips, or taking an unbelievable drive across the changing landscape for the first time.

Kangaroo Island is full of spectacular drives, and we would like to share just four of our favorites, that all have something unique to offer.

Flinders Chase National Park

Flinders Chase National Park has one of the most instagrammable roads in South Australia, and to be honest it is better in real life. The road from the entrance of Flinders Chase has changed due to the recent bush fires, and the experience is now different and spectacular in its new but old way. Sitting atop Bunker Hill you can truly come to appreciate just how vast Flinders Chase is, with views clear through to Remarkable Rocks and an amazing spectacle at Yakka flats.

North Coast Road

North Coast Road truly is the road less travelled. You may have travelled across some of the North Coast Road from time to time, but have you travelled the entirety of the road, starting from the Western end, and travel East? It is truly the best way to take in the natural beauty at its best. Start the drive by discovering some of our heartlands most productive agricultural land, with picturesque rolling hills and big trees. You will then be taken down Constitution Hill, one of Kangaroo Island’s most photographed outlooks, into Snelling Beach. Middle River, which flows into Snelling Beach is glorious, and you would think you have been taken into another world as you take the winding road up the hill through the gum lined road.

Not too far down the road, you will soon find yourself descending into Stokes Bay. This is the perfect stop to make sure you take the cave-like walk to discover our secret beach, just follow the signage. When you can finally pull yourself away from the beach, stop off at the Café for some of the freshest seafood on the Island.

Continuing along North Coast Road, you will travel through the fire affected Lathami Conservation Park, which then opens out onto more spectacular agricultural land. It is here that you soon discover the Islands vastness. Your next descent is into Smith Bay, and the vista is unmistakably stunning.

From here you are not far from a little KI fun. Georges Castle is just around the corner, along with the Old Wisanger School, and before you know it, you are back at the Emu Bay turnoff. To round off a brilliant day on the road, we think knock-off drinks at the Brewery are in order!

Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill

Dudley Tree Arches

If you are coming to the Island via ferry, then your welcome to Kangaroo Island is pretty unmistakable. Penneshaw is a vibrant little seaside town with lots to offer, but when you decide to make the trek up the hill to discover more, you will be met by spectacular tree arches. The Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee (Eucalyptus cneorifolia) is endemic to the eastern part of Kangaroo Island, and most of the roads through the Dudley Peninsula are lined with the species that are tall and arching, you will feel like you are driving through natures tunnels.

Dudley Tree Arches
Dudley Tree Arches

Antechamber Bay to Cape Willoughby

If you take Cape Willoughby Road from Penneshaw, you will eventually descend into Antechamber Bay and Chapman River. The beauty of Antechamber Bay is only really starting to be discovered and warrants a stop to discover whenever you are driving past. You will meander past Lashmar Lagoon where there is a myriad of birdlife, and continuing on you will eventually come to the spectacular descent to Cape Willoughby lighthouse. As the States oldest lighthouse, established in 1852, this lighthouse still operates today to guide shipping through the narrow backstairs passage and warn from the perils of the South Coast of the Island.