How to Get to Kangaroo Island | Intrepid Travel DE

Kangaroo Island is located 14 kilometres (9 miles) off the South Australian coast. To get there, you'll need to take the ferry from Cape Jervis or fly from Adelaide.

Travelling to Kangaroo Island by ferry

SeaLink operate two vehicle and passenger ferries between Kangaroo Island and Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Cape Jervis is a two-hour drive from Adelaide.

The journey takes roughly 45 minutes via the Backstairs Passage. There are multiple departures daily, with more services during the peak summer months. The ferry has a cafe and a large outdoor deck where you can take in the sea views.

It’s recommended to book ferry tickets in advance to ensure you get a spot, especially in the summer as tickets sell out fast. If you're travelling with a vehicle longer than four metres, you must pre-book a ticket.

SeaLink also offers a paid shuttle service for foot passengers. Shuttles run from Adelaide and Goolwa to Cape Jervis, and from Penneshaw to Kingscote and American River.

Visit SeaLink's website for ferry schedules and fare information.

Flying to Kangaroo Island

You can fly to Kingscote Airport (KGC) from Adelaide with Qantas. The flight time is just 30 minutes. Flying tends to be a tad more expensive than the ferry, but it might be a better option if you’re short on time or you suffer from seasickness.

There's no public transport or taxi services from Kingscote, so you’ll need to hire a car or book a private transfer. You could also book the SeaLink Connection Coach from the airport to Kingscote.

Getting around Kangaroo Island

Driving is the only way to travel around Kangaroo Island as there's no public transport. You can take your vehicle on the ferry or rent a car at Kingscote Airport or Penneshaw Ferry Terminal. There’s a mixture of sealed and unsealed roads and two-lane highways. Be aware of wildlife and take extra care if you’re driving at dawn or dusk.

There are also plenty of opportunities to cycle and walk.