Kangaroo Island with Kids
Are you planning a trip to Kangaroo Island with Kids?
We visited Kangaroo Island with our kids as part of a 2-week road trip through parts of South Australia. We weren’t sure how much time to spend on Kangaroo Island, whether to take a day trip or go on our own or if we needed a car.
As it turned out, we were all happy to have spent the extra money to bring a car across on the ferry and stay for a few days.
Not only did we see a lot of kangaroos, but we also saw koalas and seals on Kangaroo Island. Plus, we went to a few beaches, explored a cave, climbed on Remarkable Rocks, and tried fresh oysters.
Keep reading to find the best things to do on Kangaroo Island with kids.
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Map of Things to Do on Kangaroo Island
Getting to Kangaroo Island
There are 2 ways to get to Kangaroo Island. The first, and most popular, way is to take a 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis, which is an hour and a half from Adelaide.
The 2nd option is to fly from Adelaide on a short 30-minute flight.
We opted to take the ferry to bring a car along. Once on Kangaroo Island, you can rent a car, though we found it was more budget-friendly to bring one over from the mainland.
You can also join a tour from the mainland to Kangaroo Island. We priced it out and decided to take a rental car on the ferry, but if you prefer the ease of a tour, here are some kid-friendly options.
✅ Kangaroo Island Scenic Nature and Wildlife Tour can include transportation from Adelaide or Cape Jervis, though the base price does not include the ferry.
✅ Kangaroo Island Full Day Experience includes the ferry and lunch. This is the best option if you want to leave from Adelaide.
Sealink Ferry
Prepurchase your tickets to Kangaroo Island and reserve a timeslot. The ferry is for both passengers and cars. Those who bring cars park them and then join the rest of the passengers upstairs.
Due to common disruptions, they recommend purchasing travel insurance, and so do I. We usually use Cover-More. If this is part of a larger trip, Safety Wing offers annual travel protection.
Arrive 30 minutes before your ferry, and if you have a car, get in line. Only one person can be in the car. The others must leave the car when it drives onto the ferry.
A cafe, shop, and toilets are located at the ferry terminal, as is a tourist information booth.
The ferry also has a cafe on board with sandwiches, snacks, and treats, as well as hot and cold drinks.
Various seating arrangements are available on the ferry. We opted for a table with bench seats as we brought a picnic lunch and wanted to play games.
Seating is available on multiple levels, both inside and outside.
Best Things to Do on Kangaroo Island with Kids
Pick up a Kangaroo Island Parks Passport
Though we visited 3 out of the 4 parks, it wasn’t until after our trip to Kangaroo Island that I learned about the Kangaroo Island Parks Passport.
Don’t make the same mistake I did! Pick up your kid-friendly Kangaroo Island Parks Passport at one of the following locations.
- Cape Willoughby Lighthouse
- Seal Bay Conservation Park
- Flinders Chase National Park
- Kelly Hill Caves
- Kingscote NPWS Office
Kids can get their passports stamped at each spot and leave Kangaroo Island with a free souvenir.
Flinders Chase National Park
Flinders Chase National Park is on the southwest side of the island and is well worth the visit.
We didn’t have as much time as we would have wanted at Flinders Chase National Park, and I suggest not planning anything after your time in the park, so you can fully explore and take your time.
At the top of our list of things to see at Flinders Chase National Park is Remarkable Rocks.
The rocks are remarkable, and it is fun for the kids to climb them as you walk around. It was really crowded when we were there, as there was a cruise ship tour group, but even still, there was plenty of space.
Next on our list is Admiral Arch, which is nice and all, but the best part was seeing all the seals lying on the rocks nearby.
The day before, we had paid to see seals at Seal Bay, and had I known, I would have skipped it and just watched the seals at Admiral Arch (where we actually got closer to them anyway).
If we had more time, we would have done some of the shorter hikes at Flinders Chase National Park.
We drove into Flinders Chase National Park, but if you would rather take a tour, here are some options:
✅ Kangaroo Island Full Day Experience
✅ Kangaroo Island Scenic Nature and Wildlife Tour
The top tour includes the ferry ride and lunch while the second tour is best for those already on Kangaroo Island.
Kelly Hill Caves
The reason we were rushed at Flinders Chase National Park was that we had a booking to tour Kelly Hill Caves.
Thankfully, the tour was well worth it, even though we have toured plenty of caves around the world.
Tours are about an hour long and include a light and sound show inside the cave.
Note that there is a walk to get to the cave.
Sea Dragon Rock
Sea Dragon Rock is one of the natural beauties on Kangaroo Island. Take the kids for a walk along the shore.
Adelaide is well worth a stop. Check out our 24 hours in Adelaide Itinerary and our list of Things to Do with Kids in Adelaide.
Island Beach
Let the kids enjoy the shallow water and beautiful beach at Island Beach on Kangaroo Island’s eastern side.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery
Take a tour of the factory, stop for a snack in the cafe, and shop for eucalyptus oil products at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery.
One kid took the self-guided tour with me, which includes a book of information. Guided tours are also available, as are tours that include breakfast, tastings, or a picnic.
Their cafe is kid-friendly as well. Our kids enjoyed the kids’ drink paddle that included 4 different drink options.
Breakfast and lunch are served at the cafe, and each meal time has a kids’ menu.
It just so happened that there was an orphaned joey in a basket during our visit to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery. We also saw a koala in a nearby tree (as koalas eat eucalyptus).
Kingscote Tidal Pool
Island Beehive
Kangaroo Island Beehive is a shop that sells local honey and other local and bee-related products.
They offer kid-friendly tours almost every day. The tour is about 30 minutes, and they show you how honey goes from the hive to a jar. Honey samples are included in the tour.
Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action
Kids 10+ can ride on a quad bike at Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action.
They also have kayaks that can be hired or used as part of a kayaking tour.
Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action has a Family Adventure Package that includes:
- All Terrain Quad Adventure for 4
- Hire of 2 double kayaks
- Hire of 4 sandboards or toboggans
Salt Lagoon
South Australia is known for its pink lakes, and you can see one on Kangaroo Island!
Emu Bay Lavender Farm
Stop and smell the lavender at Emu Bay Lavender Farm.
Our kids enjoyed wandering through the lavender fields and checking out the lavender products in the shop.
In addition to a shop, there is a cafe that is open for breakfast and lunch.
Emu Bay Beach
Emu Bay Beach is near Kingscote on Kangaroo Island.
This is one of the few beaches on the island that allows vehicles on the beach.
George’s Castle
If you are looking for something unique to do with kids on Kangaroo Island, stop by George’s Castle.
Near Emu Bay on the northeast coast of the island is a one-of-a-kind attraction that is worth stopping by.
George’s Castle was built by a local island resident and has many different types of items to spot. Get out of the car and walk around to see all that George’s Castle has to offer.
Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures
Take a 3-hour-long Island Explorer Tour with Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures.
This tour includes the option of swimming with dolphins. Wetsuits are provided, as are tea and treats.
Stokes Creek
One of my kids’ favorite places on Kangaroo Island is Stokes Creek.
It is a short hike from the parking lot, including going through smaller spaces, but once you get to the beach, it is well worth the walk.
As it was a rainy day, we didn’t bring swimsuits, much to my kids’ dismay. They managed to have fun without getting too wet by climbing on the rocks.
The rocks form a pool, which is perfect for smaller kids to play in.
Seal Bay
I’ll be honest, we loved Seal Bay until we realized that we could see more seals close up at Flinders Chase National Park.
If you are planning a trip to Flinders Chase National Park and have limited time, you can skip Seal Bay.
Though if you love seals and don’t have the chance to make it to the far side of Kangaroo Island, head to Seal Bay for a nice walk and the chance to see seals in their natural habitat.
We just walked on our own, but guided tours are available for those who want more information and the chance to get closer to the seals.
Little Sahara Adventure Centre
Go sandboarding down the dunes, head out on a buggy tour, or ride an electric bike over the sand at Little Sahara Adventure Centre, the best place to take your adventurous kids on Kangaroo Island.
Penneshaw Mini Golf
If you are looking for something kid-friendly to do during the day, check out Penneshaw Mini Golf near the ferry terminal.
Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail
Walk around the Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail located in Penneshaw.
Before you go, download a scavenger hunt for the kids.
Raptor Domain
Raptor Domain is home to many birds, reptiles, and bugs.
Shows include a free-flight birds of prey hour-long option and a 45-minute-long reptile demonstration. Private experiences can be booked as well.
Raptor Domain is open for shows only; it is not a zoo where you walk around.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
More than 500 animals live at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.
Activities at the wildlife park include holding a koala, feeding kangaroos, and holding reptiles.
The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is a great place to go with kids. You can walk around and learn about local animals.
Spot Wildlife
There is a good chance that you will spot kangaroos on your trip to Kangaroo Island, though it is not guaranteed.
Kangaroos generally come out at dawn and dusk. It was raining during our visit, and we could see many kangaroos hopping through the fields.
We also spotted a koala in a tree near the eucalyptus distillery.
If you want to see seals, they are at Seal Bay. We also saw seals in the wild at Flinders Chase National Park, which is where I would suggest going, not only for the chance to see seals in the wild, but also for the beautiful setting.
Clifford’s Honey Farm
Book a tour at Clifford’s Honey Farm.
The first stop is for honey ice cream, which can be enjoyed while on the tour, making it perfect for kids. The tour is about 30 minutes long.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants on Kangaroo Island
Rockpool Cafe
The Rockpool Cafe is open seasonally. We stopped there after a visit to the rock pools and were pleasantly surprised.
It was raining when we were there, but they do have a variety of kids’ toys outside. Plus, the food is good!
A kid’s menu is available, as is a small seafood-focused menu.
Milly Mae’s Pantry
If you are looking for a kid-friendly spot to eat in Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, check out Milly Mae’s Pantry, open for breakfast and lunch daily.
Milly Mae’s is dog-friendly, and they have a special menu for dogs.
Clifford’s Honey Farm
Get the kids a honey ice cream and let them play in the cubby house at Clifford’s Honey Farm.
Clifford’s Honey Farm has a picnic area and a fenced-in play area. They offer a tour of the factory and serve honey-related items.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
Our kids love a tasting paddle, and the one at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery does not disappoint!
We also got an eucalyptus scone. Their cafe serves breakfast and lunch, and there is seating indoors and outside.
Emu Bay Lavender Farm
After a stroll through the lavender fields, check out the cafe at Emu Bay Lavender Farms.
The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, and the kids can browse the shop while they wait for their meal, or they can go play outside.
Dudley Wines
Kids are welcome at Dudley Wines, and there is plenty of space for them to run around, as well as a nature area for them to play.
Due to space, bookings should be made for lunch. They have a small menu of pizzas and platters as well as wine tastings.
False Cape Wines
False Cape Wines has a fenced-in area for kids and affordable toasties.
There is a nature playground to keep the kids entertained, as well as animals for them to see.
Where to Stay on Kangaroo Island with Kids
Kangaroo Island is made up of a lot of different towns. We had no idea where to stay on our first trip to Kangaroo Island and opted for a night in a motel in Kingscote and two nights in an Airbnb in American River.
While there aren’t many places to eat in American River, there was a pop-up takeaway spot directly across the street from our house. If you want to stay in a busier location, try Penneshaw or Kingscote.
If I had to do it again, I would probably stay on the east side of the island the first and last night and on the west side on the middle night so that we didn’t have to drive back and forth.
Discovery Parks Kangaroo Island
If you are camping, Discovery Parks Kangaroo Park is the perfect place to stay, and even if you aren’t camping, they have lots of kid-friendly options.
Opt to stay in a 2-bedroom cabin and enjoy all the amenities at Discovery Parks, including a playground, laundry, and a campfire.
Discovery Parks is perfect for families who don’t want to eat out every meal, as they can cook in their cabin or in the camp kitchen.
✅ Book your stay at Discovery Parks Kangaroo Island
Mercure Island Kangaroo Lodge
Mercure Island Kangaroo Lodge offers family rooms in addition to their regular hotel rooms. The family room includes a kitchenette and a balcony.
This 4-star hotel has a saltwater swimming pool, tennis courts, guest laundry, a pool table, and a restaurant.
✅ Book your stay at Mercure Island Kangaroo Lodge
Kangaroo Island Sea View Motel
We spent one night at Kangaroo Island Sea View Motel and recommend it. Though we stayed in one of the basic rooms, there is a 2-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, living room, and dining area.
Since we had a regular room, we ate take-out at the picnic tables outside. Kangaroo Island Sea View Motel also has a guest laundry.
Kingscote Tidal Pool is a quick walk across the street, and the kids loved swimming there (though it was way too cold for me!)
✅ Book your stay at Kangaroo Island Sea View Motel
Kangaroo Island with Kids Wrap-Up
As you can see, Kangaroo Island has plenty of kid-friendly activities, places to stay, and restaurants to enjoy.
No matter the ages of your kids, there are fun things to do with them on Kangaroo Island.
If you aren’t on a tour, rent a car for the best chance of seeing the best of what Kangaroo Island has to offer. Stay at least 3 days so that you can explore the island, and be sure to get to Flinders Chase National Park on the far end of the island.
Most activities on Kangaroo Island can be booked at the last minute, though if there is something you definitely want to participate in, make your booking early.
Kangaroo Island with Kids FAQ
I recommend staying on Kangaroo Island for at least 3 days. Five days would be even better if you want to see most of what Kangaroo Island has to offer.
Yes, you need a car on Kangaroo Island. You can take a car over on the ferry, or you can rent one once you are on the island.
Kangaroo Island does not have public transportation or taxi service.
No. Unless you are on a tour, having a car on Kangaroo Island is necessary as there is no public transportation or taxi service.
Summer is generally the best time to visit Kangaroo Island, due to the weather.
While the island is open year-round, some of the activities and restaurants are closed during the winter months.
No, you do not need a 4WD on Kangaroo Island. Not all the roads are paved, but you can easily drive with a 2WD.
It takes about 2 hours to drive from one end of Kangaroo Island to the other, and 3-4 hours to drive around the island without stopping.
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