Kangaroo Island is the preferred destination in South Australia for observing native wildlife in its natural habitat, and it’s a must-visit attraction for travellers in South Australia. To get there, you can first fly domestically to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. From Adelaide, there are two transportation options to Kangaroo Island, and you can choose between them.
The primary way to reach the island is by ferry, departing from Cape Jervis, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Adelaide city centre. The ferry ride across the sea takes approximately 50 minutes to arrive at Kangaroo Island’s Penneshaw. There are currently two ferry companies to choose from, with the relatively larger company being Sealink, which has the capability to transport vehicles onto the island.
Ways to get to Kangaroo Island in South Australia
Get to Kangaroo Island by plane
Regional Express (REX) offers multiple daily flights from Adelaide to Kingscote, with a flight duration of approximately 30 minutes. The airport is located 13 kilometres from Kingscote, and transportation options are available upon arrival. It is advisable to arrange transportation when booking your flight. For more details, you can visit their official website: www.regionalexpress.com.au.
Get to Kangaroo Island by ferry
Kangaroo Island SeaLink operates passenger and vehicle ferries departing daily from Cape Jervis at the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula to Penneshaw on the island.
Upon arriving at the terminal, you can park your vehicle along with other cars. Passengers can head to the terminal for check-in, while some passengers may board the ferry directly. If you are driving, the staff will guide you on where to park your car on board the ferry. On the ferry, you can find options for coffee, beverages, and sandwiches for purchase. If you’ve taken motion sickness medication in advance, the ferry ride should be more comfortable for you.
If you choose to take the ferry, you will need to drive from Adelaide to the ferry terminal at Cape Jervis, which takes about 90 minutes. You can securely park your vehicle at Cape Jervis and then board the ferry. Alternatively, some rental car companies may allow you to take your vehicle with you on the ferry to Kangaroo Island. However, not all rental car companies permit this, so you should confirm this option before your departure.
How long is ferry from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island
The ferry journey takes approximately 50 minutes. You can check the ferry schedules on their official website: www.sealink.com.au.
How much does it cost to go to Kangaroo Island
For Sealink bookings, the one-way journey takes approximately 45 minutes, and the round-trip ticket prices are $98 AUD per person and $196 AUD per vehicle.