Kangaroo Island Highlights, Wildlife & Short Walks Adventure

Our adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Fleurieu Peninsula, stopping to stretch our legs at picturesque Myponga. We then continue towards Cape Jervis, where we board the ferry for the crossing to Kangaroo Island.

After arriving on the island, we ease into our journey with a selection of short walks and lookouts showcasing the north-eastern coastline. Along the way, we’ll explore the Wallaby Trail, Sculpture Trail and Cannery Walk, enjoying sweeping ocean views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Later this afternoon, we arrive at American River, one of Kangaroo Island’s most peaceful coastal settlements. Here we check into our accommodation for the night at the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge. As the day draws to a close, there is an opportunity for a short sunset walk near our accommodation where we may be lucky enough to encounter the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo.

Today’s wet-weather alternatives include a visit to Penneshaw Visitor Information Centre, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, and Clifford’s Honey Farm.
(Please note that these activities are only scheduled in the event of inclement weather and may incur an additional cost)

Meals Included: Trail Snacks, Lunch, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: up to 9km

Today we journey across the island, exploring lesser-known corners of Kangaroo Island before reaching the rugged landscapes of the west.

Our first stop is Duck Lagoon, a tranquil wetland renowned for birdlife and frequent koala sightings. From here, we continue to the secluded beauty of Western River Cove, where dramatic coastal scenery and rock formations meet stunning crystal-clear waters. We then stretch our legs on the Waterfall Creek Hike, enjoying shady sheoaks within the Western River Wilderness Protection Area.

This afternoon we visit Cape Borda, one of South Australia’s most spectacular lighthouse precincts. Here, towering cliffs plunge into the Southern Ocean, creating a landscape that feels wild, remote and utterly unforgettable.

We also walk the historic Harvey’s Return trail, descending to a former coastal landing site where stories of isolation, resilience and maritime history come alive.

As evening approaches, we settle into our new accommodation at the Discovery Park near Flinders Chase National Park. Those with energy to spare can join an optional wildlife walk around Betty’s Lagoon.

Today’s wet-weather alternatives include American River attractions such as the Rebuild Independence Project, The River Gallery & Arts Centre, and a KI Oyster Farm tour (with tastings).
(Please note that these activities are only scheduled in the event of inclement weather and may incur an additional cost)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: up to 10km

Today is dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of Flinders Chase National Park, one of Australia’s most celebrated wilderness areas.

Beginning at Platypus Waterholes, we follow peaceful bushland trails through recovering woodland habitat where native birds and wildlife are frequently encountered.

From here, we venture to Cape du Couedic, where the power of the Southern Ocean has sculpted dramatic coastal formations over thousands of years. Admirals Arch offers an incredible vantage point for observing an Australian Fur Seal colony.

We then continue to one of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic landmarks, Remarkable Rocks. Perched high above the coastline, these extraordinary granite formations have been shaped by wind, salt and weather into an open-air natural sculpture gallery. Our day concludes with a short walk along a quiet section of the renowned Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail and a visit to the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre.

Today’s wet-weather alternatives include the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (with guided koala walk and bushfire ecology tour, Raptor Domain – Free Flight Birds presentation, and a stop at Vivonne Bay General Store for their famous whiting burger or a coffee.
(Please note that these activities are only scheduled in the event of inclement weather and may incur an additional cost)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner

Walking Distance: up to 11km

Today combines one of Kangaroo Island’s most scenic walking experiences with some of the island’s most memorable wildlife encounters.

Our morning begins with a beautiful walk along the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail between Hanson Bay and Kelly Hill. This walk showcases mallee and coastal heathlands, native bushland with banksia, and Pink Gum woodlands. Plus stunning beaches and sweeping views across the Southern Ocean.

After our walk, we descend underground for a guided exploration of Kelly Hill Caves, then travel to Seal Bay Conservation Park, where we are treated to another guided tour before wandering along the boardwalk, as these playful creatures delight us with their antics on the sand beneath us.

Seal Bay offers one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Australia. Accompanied by local rangers, we gain close insight into a thriving population of endangered Australian Sea Lions in their natural environment.

Later in the day, we explore Vivonne Bay and nearby coastal lookouts before continuing to Kingscote for our final evening on the island, staying at the Ozone Hotel.

Today’s wet-weather alternatives include KI Wool Tour, KI Spirits, Wine tasting at Islander Estate Vineyards, and Parndana Soldier Settler Museum.
(Please note that these activities are only scheduled in the event of inclement weather and may incur an additional cost)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: up to 14km

Our final day offers a relaxed conclusion to our island adventure.

Early risers may choose to join a sunrise walk around historic Reeves Point, the site of South Australia’s first European settlement.

Later, we visit Prospect Hill, where a climb to the summit, involving some 460 steps, rewards us with panoramic views across eastern Kangaroo Island. From here, we continue to Pennington Bay to enjoy a beach walk and marvel over the fossilised root formations in the cliffs and dramatic coastline. 

We then make our way to Penneshaw for the ferry crossing back to the mainland, arriving in Adelaide with wonderful memories of Kangaroo Island’s wildlife, landscapes and unique island character.

Today’s wet-weather alternatives include around historic Reeves Point, Kangaroo Island Gallery, Island Beehive, Emu Ridge Lavender Farm, and shopping in Kingscote.
(Please note that these activities are only scheduled in the event of inclement weather and may incur an additional cost)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Walking Distance: up to 5km

We grade the overall walking on this itinerary as EASY-MODERATE
(see our grading system)

This grading is provided as general advice only, and is based on our assessment and also feedback from past participants. Please consider your level of fitness and experience in regard to this rating, and if you’re unsure please contact us for more information

10 REASONS TO WALK WITH US

Realistic Itineraries
we want you to love and be inspired by Kangaroo Island. This tour itinerary is well-designed and realistic, allowing you to complete the full itinerary ….. we don’t over sell and under deliver

Small Groups
a maximum of 5 only on each departure. Meaning, it’s better for the environment, you get your own bedroom each night, and you won’t feel like you’re just a number in the crowd

Flexibility
our departures have 1 experienced walking guide who will lead the walks and drive the 4WD vehicle. Having a 4WD vehicle means we’re able to travel to more harder-to-reach destinations on Kangaroo Island

Be Fulfilled
this itinerary is designed to maximise your awe and leave you fulfilled. You will walk lesser known quieter trails and sections of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, as well as experience unique Kangaroo Island highlights including a Seal Bay tour and Kelly Hill Caves tour. We’ve planned this itinerary so you get the full experience and time to relax ….. you won’t leave Kangaroo Island feeling unfulfilled

Nature Connection
we want you to feel de-stressed and re-energised. So, our guides are also nature facilitators with skills to immerse you with your surrounds. Not only do we safely guide you and share our knowledge, we also provide invitations for you to slow down and connect deeper with nature whilst walking the trail ….. we’re pioneers of hiking with deep nature immersion

Group Fitness
we want you to succeed and maximise your enjoyment, so pre-tour group chats online are provided leading up to your walking tour (included as part of the tour price). These will assist you to practice on terrain that you are likely to encounter, meet your guides and other group members, ask questions on what to expect, receive advice on the trail, travel, and the destination, and gauge your level of fitness ….. we invest in your preparation

Meaningful Moments
we will bring your Kangaroo Island experience alive ….. a guide book, phone App, and interstate companies can’t do this as well as a local South Australian tour operator like us

Safety
our wilderness trained guides from Adelaide carry comprehensive group first-aid kits, satellite communication devices, and safety equipment. In addition, safety procedures are in place, and constant communication is undertaken with local emergency services. There isn’t always mobile phone coverage ….. so for your safety, we always have multiple communication devices

Timing
we go at the best time of the year for comfortable walking conditions. We can’t guarantee perfect weather everyday, but you can book with confidence 

Travel Assistance
our in-house travel specialists can assist you with travel insurance. If you’re arriving from interstate or from international destinations we can also package any accommodation, flights, and add-ons in addition to this tour. Package your Kangaroo Island walk with us and save stress, time and money

There are stairs, uneven surfaces and moving luggage to and from accommodation, plus walking bush and sandy trails on this trip.  Please talk to us about your accessibility needs before booking