Kangaroo Island is one of South Australia’s greatest treasures. This island holiday destination was once a closely guarded secret before attaining worldwide fame for its impressive display of world-class beaches. Explore the island’s endless coastline of idyllic beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, natural wonders, and secluded villages all with the luxury of your Hertz rental car.
Uncover Life at Australia’s third largest island
On Kangaroo Island, you’ll be greeted by pristine rivers, untouched sandy beaches and wondrous wildlife but if you’re looking for the real star of the show, you’ll find awe-inspiring beauty at Flinders Chase National Park.
Nestled at the west end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is a sanctuary for various threatened species. Here, you’ll also spot kangaroos, koalas and platypi along several of the island’s popular nature walks. It’s a paradise for nature lovers with plenty to see and do, from the aptly named Remarkable Rocks to Admirals Arch at Cape du Couedic where a colony of New Zealand fur seals have set up camp. The state-of-the-art boardwalk and viewing platform are perfect for watching these majestic seals meander in their natural habitat. The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, known as one of Australia’s great walks, traverses sections of Flinders Chase National Park including the famed Platypus Waterholes.
The award-winning Seal Bay Conservation Park is a hidden gem and the only place in the world guests can observe a colony of endangered Australian Sea Lions in the wild. Stroll along the 900-metre boardwalk that borders the bay, watch the adults lounging on the shores while the pups wade in the shallows. Guided tours allow visitors a closer insight into the Australian sea lions while a world-first behind the scenes tour sheds light on the latest research associated with conserving these beautiful animals.
Additionally, visitors can explore the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary; hold a koala at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park; spy the fairy penguins at the Penneshaw Penguin Centre; or sneak underground into the mysterious karst caves at Kelly Hill Conservation Park.
Explore Kangaroo Islands Endless List of World-Class Beaches
A natural aura envelops Kangaroo Islands dazzling array of world-class beaches, garnering world recognition after Stokes Bay attained the coveted prize of ‘Australia’s Best Beach’ in 2023. A secluded bay huddled along Kangaroo Island’s northern coastline, this hidden paradise is lined with pearly white sand where you can lay down your beach towel and laze away.
Only a 15-minute drive from Kingscote in your Hertz rental car is Emu Bay. While the beach is only accessible by 4WD, you can still find a slice of calm at the Emu Bay Lavender Farm. Pick up some lovely gifts here before hopping back into your rental car and exploring more of what the island has to offer including Hanson Bay, Snelling Beach, Western River Cove Beach, and fan-favourite – Vivonne Bay.
Kangaroo Islands’ lure extends beyond its compass of enchanting beaches and inspiring natural wonders. Made for foodies, there’s plenty that will tempt your taste buds here. From freshly harvested oysters to Kangaroo Island honey, there’s plenty of deliciousness waiting to be discovered. For a quiet afternoon interlude amidst your exploring, stop at Dudley Wines and share a gourmet platter or fresh pizza while staring out at gorgeous coastal views. If you can’t resist the wine, be sure to nominate a designated driver for the next leg of your journey. For those looking for something extra special, we recommend Gastronomo. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience inside the majestic limbs of a 120-year-old fig tree paired with an irresistible menu. If you’re looking for the freshest, farm-to-plate Marron, you can’t go past The Marron Cafe at the Andermel and if you’re after a casual meal that highlights seasonal produce, try The Odd Plate.
Beyond just a distinct destination, Kangaroo Island offers a feast for the eyes and the belly. From enthralling natural sights to wildlife, world-class beaches to world-class dining, you’ll find it all right here.
