How to Get to Kangaroo Island

With one of the planet's most pristine landscapes and encounters, Kangaroo Island has become a well-sought-after adventure. Just 110 kilometres southwest of Adelaide, South Australia, the island lies in the azure waters of the Southern Ocean, separated from the mainland by the Investigator Strait and Backstairs Passage. Discover our other South Australia Itineraries to pair with your Kangaroo Island adventure.

Yet, getting to this island sanctuary of nature requires a bit of savvy navigation. In this piece, we will guide you through making your journey to this pristine haven. If you are planning a trip to kangaroo Island, you may also like to read our post on: Top Things To Do on Kangaroo Island

Photo credit: Himadri Chakraborty

The Journey to the Unspoiled Wilderness Paradise of Kangaroo Island

Every journey to the pristine Kangaroo Island happens by ferry or a short flight. Whichever mode suits your travel desires, we’ve broken down the journey into bits, highlighting every detail and facet of your adventure.

A Scenic Route by Ferry

While not entirely a swift journey to the Island, a journey by ferry is most preferable if you seek a leisurely start to your adventure.

- Drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis

The capital city of the state of South Australia is where your adventure gets underway. The drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis is an exciting experience in its own right–easing you into the adventure that waits on the island.

Departing from the city, you’ll find the gentle shift in landscaping, from urban sprawl to lush vineyards, rolling farmlands, and coastal cliffs captivating. The approximately 1 hour and 30-minute drive courses the McLaren Vale wine region, where you may be tempted to stop by for a glass of South Australia’s finest Shiraz.

Continuing onward, the Fleurieu Peninsula unfolds, unveiling its undulating hills dotted with grazing sheep and neat rows of vineyards amidst the peeking azure waters of the Southern Ocean. You’ll find the small coastal village of Cape Jervis at the point where the coastal cliffs meet the southern ocean–your ferry departure point to the island.

Ferry to Penshaw

Ferries to the island are primarily operated by Sealink and typically last 45 minutes, setting off from the ferry terminal at Cape Jervis and crossing the 16-kilometre Backstairs Passage to Penshaw. You can opt for one of the three ferry departures each day, with an opportunity to enjoy scenic views of the vast, surreal blue.

Leaving the pier at Cape Jervis, the mainland slowly fades out of sight and the ocean's hue gently shifts, initially flaunting a deep sapphire blue and then slowly changing to translucent turquoise. On good days, you may be accompanied by pods of dolphins, leaping in and out of the wake as the ferry smoothly glides toward the island. The experience is palpable, and while the ride may last 45 minutes, the views and feel of the salty ocean air make for a sensory delight—you will arrive at the docks of Penshaw in no time!

The Quick Flight Option: Adelaide to Kingscote

Flying to Kangaroo Island is considered the fastest and perhaps the most exhilarating travel option; transporting you from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport in 30 minutes. You will board one of the aircraft at the Adelaide Airport and ascend above the inviting landscapes of South Australia— savouring a bird’s-eye view of the shifting terrain below.

The flights are usually swift and occasionally accompanied by friendly chats with fellow passengers setting the tone for a community-oriented island vibe. Beneath you, glimpses of the turquoise waters of the Backstairs Passage and the jagged cliffs make the rounds, reeling you into the unfolding sceneries before arriving on the eucalyptus-scented airstrips of Kingscote Airport. Once you land, the island’s wonders are just a short drive away!

Travel tips for a seamless journey

1. Arrive Early: Arrive at least an hour early for domestic flights from Adelaide to Kingscote, as regional flights often have stricter boarding times. On the other hand, If you plan on taking the ferry, plan to arrive at Cape Jervis early (about 30–60 minutes before departure) to check in, especially if you’re bringing a car.

2. Book a Return flight in Advance during peak seasons: if you plan to fly into the island, you may as well book a return flight in advance. This saves you the hassles of last-minute arrangements during peak seasons when flights fill up quickly.

3. Rent a Car on the Island: Having a car is the most convenient way to explore the island’s diverse landscapes. You can bring your vehicle through the Sealink ferry service or rent one on arrival. Alternatively, join a tour if you prioritise the travel convenience of not having to plan your every activity on the island. Most tours offer transfers, accommodation booking, and tour arrangements around the island, giving you enough time to focus on the island’s many treasures without the stress of planning.

The Journey Sets the Tone

No matter how you choose to reach Kangaroo Island, the journey is an integral part of the experience. Either by ferry through the azure waters of the Southern Ocean or a scenic flight by the wind, you’ll feel the gentle pull of this wilderness paradise with every move. So, pack your bags and let the journey set the tone for an untamed adventure in Australia’s Kangaroo Island.

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