It’s always a good time to swap city life for Island magic.
Kangaroo Island is one of SA’s treasures. And the best time to visit is: always! With roaming wildlife, jaw-dropping landscapes and an abundance of fresh produce, each season has its appeal. And there’s something extra special about getting cosy in winter or seeing the budding new life across the island in spring.
A new way to travel
With the exciting arrival of SeaLink’s two brand-new, state-of-the-art ferries this year, the journey to Kangaroo Island is about to get a whole lot better…
The ferries are significantly larger, with more space for vehicles and easier vehicle loading as you can drive on and off in one direction. And you’ll love the enhanced on-board experience, with a larger cafe, a spacious sundeck, free wi-fi and modern lounges with views for days. There’s even a dedicated, secure pet lounge!
With the introduction of the two new ferries, SeaLink has added extra daily departures providing greater flexibility around when you want to get to KI.
- New KI Ferry passenger lounge (artist’s impression).
See and do
Nature lovers will have the time of their lives when visiting in the middle of the year. Winter is the perfect time for a scenic hike and the Western River’s Waterfall Creek hike is the best way to experience the untouched beauty of the land. It’s also when the southern right whales visit and spotting these giants is always a sight. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for kangas and their little joeys too, as they start to peek their heads out of their mothers’ pouches. Cuteness overload!
Winter also brings back the Gutsy Kangaroo Island festival, which celebrates KI’s incredible producers. Embrace the wintery weather, bring your beanie, boots and an empty stomach, and indulge in hearty meals by roaring fires alongside the locals.
As spring rolls around and the weather warms up, you’ll spot sea lions basking in the sun. It’s also mild enough to start getting out on the water — paddle a kayak, go hiking or cycling, or catch some of Australia’s freshest seafood!

Photo: Ben Goode.
Visit local farm gates
There’s something therapeutic about watching a skilled shearer at work and when you visit Kangaroo Island Wool, you’ll walk away with a greater appreciation for the luxurious Merino wool they produce. Take a tour of the working mill to witness the transformation of raw wool into high-quality garments that are in demand all over the world!
Enjoy a sensory experience that will have you begging for more at the family owned Emu Ridge Distillery. Take a selfguided tour to learn about the eucalyptus distilling process, shop their range of products at the farm gate retail store, then perch yourself at the cafe for a snack.
No trip to the island is complete without a visit to Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery — Kangaroo Island Spirits. These guys have mastered the art of botanical brilliance, so you can sit back and sip your way through a tasting paddle of award-winning spirits infused with locally foraged ingredients. Or you could blend your own gin and take home a special memory in a bottle!
Winter brings abundant seafood like King George whiting and the freshest oysters, so you know you’ll find an incredible feast on KI! In spring, you can’t leave the island without sampling some famous KI honey, which the bees are busy making in the warmer months.
- Image Credit :: South Australian Tourism Commission.
- Image Credit :: Kangaroo Island Spirits.
Stay
Is there anything better than curling up by the fireplace with a glass of KI red in winter? There are so many accommodation options across the island, from camping right through to luxury stays, with sprawling views to watch the stormy seas in the cooler months or catch those early rays of sunshine as spring sets in.
SeaLink offers guided tours, self-drive packages and a range of accommodation options, so planning your trip has never been easier! Their perfectly curated itineraries showcase the best of the island’s wildlife, stunning scenery and quality local produce.
Ready to swap the daily grind for Island time? Kangaroo Island is calling and just a booking away! To book with SeaLink, call 13 13 01 or visit their website.
SEALINK WEBSITE :: SEALINK INSTAGRAM
KANGAROO ISLAND WEBSITE :: KANGAROO ISLAND INSTAGRAM
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