Kangaroo Island
South Australia, Australia
Daily Budget
~A$110
~US$60 · per day
Best Months
Climate
Tropical / Summer
Vibe
Off the beaten track
Overview
Kangaroo Island (KI) is Australia's third-largest island, sitting 13 km off the coast of South Australia. It is a wildlife sanctuary where you can see kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, fur seals, echidnas, and penguins in their natural habitat without the crowds of a zoo. The island also features dramatic coastal rock formations, bushland, eucalyptus-oil distilleries, and local produce including honey and gin. The 2019–2020 bushfires devastated parts of the island, but recovery has been remarkable.
Editor's Pick
Kangaroo Island stands out for: See native Australian wildlife up close in the wild — koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, penguins; Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch are iconic geological formations; Uncrowded beaches with crystal-clear water.
Things to Do
View all 8 activitiesTop Hostels
View all 4 hostels
Hostels
4 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
8 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Itineraries featuring Kangaroo Island
1 route passing through Kangaroo Island
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Kangaroo Island?
- Budget around A$110 AUD (~US$60) per day in Kangaroo Island, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Kangaroo Island?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Kangaroo Island are Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, Apr, May, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Kangaroo Island?
- Top-rated hostels in Kangaroo Island include Kangaroo Island Central Backpackers (Kingscote), Kangaroo Island Backpackers (Penneshaw), Oceanfront Backpackers (Penneshaw). Prices for a dorm bed typically start from A$46 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Kangaroo Island?
- Must-do activities in Kangaroo Island include Sandboard on the dunes at Little Sahara, See Australian sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, Spot koalas in the wild along Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary trails. There are 8 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
