Waterside glamping in Kangaroo Island
South Australia’s largest island has sandy beaches, wild bushlands, and native kangaroos.
- Kangaroo Island
Popular camping styles for Kangaroo Island
Waterside glamping in Kangaroo Island guide
Overview
Named after its native kangaroos—a species unique to the island—Kangaroo Island is every bit the wildlife-watching paradise that its name suggests. Whether you’re hiking along rugged coastal trails, surfing and snorkelling at its sandy beaches, or exploring the bushlands by 4WD, there are endless opportunities for wildlife-spotting and bird-watching. Unsurprisingly, Kangaroo Island camping is all about getting back to nature. Snag a spot at one of the island’s seven state-run camping areas (two have powered sites); check into a holiday park or caravan park, or enjoy year-round glamping by renting a cosy cabin, sea-view cottage, or a luxury safari tent.
Where to go
North Coast
A road trip along the north coast of Kangaroo Island will take you past soaring sea cliffs, sandy coves, and scenic vineyards. Stop to swim or fish along the white-sand beaches of Emu Bay, explore the rock pools of Stokes Bay, or hit the surf and check out the famous sunsets at Snellings Beach. There’s also great bird-watching around Western River and Pelican Lagoon.
South Coast
Outdoor adventures and wildlife-watching opportunities await along the south coast. Go sandboarding at the Little Sahara sand dunes, enjoy swimming and kayaking along the Harriet River, and spot sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park. Nearby, Murray Lagoon is known for its bird-filled wetlands, while Vivonne Bay and D’Estrees Bay are home to some of the island’s best surf beaches.
West End
Despite being ravaged by wildfires in 2019-20, the western coast is still the highlight of Kangaroo Island and home to some of its most scenic camping spots. Explore Flinders Chase National Park on a 4WD tour or hike the five-day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, admiring famous viewpoints such as Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks along the way.
Dudley Peninsula
If you’re cruising to the island from the mainland, your first stop will be the ferry terminal at Penneshaw. Famous for its colonies of Little Penguins, which can be viewed on a night tour, the port town is also the gateway to the Dudley Peninsula. The eastern tip of the island is the spot to escape the crowds—head to one of the bushland camping areas along the Chapman River or snag a glampsite looking out over Hog Bay.
