Exploring Kangaroo Island: Travel Options From Adelaide

Kangaroo Island, Australia's third-largest island, is a popular destination for travellers to Adelaide. Located 130 km from Adelaide, it is easily accessible by air or sea. Qantas operates two daily flights from Adelaide Airport to Kingscote Airport on Kangaroo Island, with the journey taking around 30 minutes. Alternatively, travellers can opt for a 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. This route is served by SeaLink, which operates up to 12 return services per day during peak times. The drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis takes approximately 90 minutes, and bus transfers are available for passengers booked on the ferry.

Travel by plane from Adelaide Airport to Kingscote Airport

The fastest way to get from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island is to fly. Qantas Airways operates two flights daily from Adelaide Airport (ADL) to Kingscote Airport (KGC) on Kangaroo Island. The flight time is approximately 40 minutes, and the distance is 81 miles.

Passengers travelling by air are encouraged to arrive at Adelaide Airport for check-in at least 60 minutes before departure. The price of a one-way flight starts at $125, and a round trip starts at $248.

If you are travelling from Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Cairns, or Hobart, you will need to fly via Adelaide Airport. From Adelaide, you can then fly to Kingscote Airport with QantasLink.

Travel by bus from Adelaide to Cape Jervis

To get from Adelaide to Cape Jervis by bus, you can take the LinkSA bus service. The bus departs from Adelaide station and arrives at Cape Jervis station. The bus runs once daily and takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. The cost of a ticket is between $4 and $6. The 1259 bus route service runs 7 days a week, including public holidays (except for Christmas Day).

To board the bus, simply arrive at your chosen pickup point before the scheduled departure time and hail the driver. You can pay for your ticket on board. The schedules for the next available departures are listed online.

Once you arrive at Cape Jervis, you can take a ferry to Kangaroo Island. SeaLink Kangaroo Island operates a consistent passenger/vehicle ferry service between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. There are multiple departures daily, with up to 12 return services during peak times. It is recommended to book your ferry travel in advance to avoid disappointment.

Alternatively, you can fly from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island in 30 minutes or drive to Cape Jervis and then take the ferry.

Take the car ferry from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island

Taking the car ferry is a great option for travelling from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island. The ferry crossing is approximately 45 minutes, and there are up to 12 return services per day during peak times.

SeaLink operates a consistent passenger/vehicle ferry service between Cape Jervis on mainland Australia and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. SeaLink's two modern, air-conditioned vehicle and passenger ferries, Sealion 2000 and Spirit of Kangaroo Island, are twin-hulled catamarans with comfortable seating, a licensed café, outdoor viewing decks, and wheelchair access.

Passengers travelling by ferry are encouraged to arrive at Cape Jervis for check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure. You can book your SeaLink ferry travel in advance to avoid disappointment, as ferries can be at capacity during certain times.

The car ferry from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island Penneshaw is the first step in a multi-step journey from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island. After arriving at Penneshaw, you can take a shuttle bus to Kingscote and then a taxi to your final destination on Kangaroo Island.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly from Penneshaw to Kangaroo Island after arriving by car ferry. This option is faster, taking 1 hour and 44 minutes in total, but it is also more expensive, costing $95-$120.

Travel by shuttle bus from Penneshaw to Kingscote

If you're travelling from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, one option is to take a shuttle bus from Penneshaw to Kingscote. This can be done by first taking a bus from Adelaide to the Cape Jervis SeaLink Ferry Terminal. From there, you can take a car ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.

The shuttle bus service on Kangaroo Island is provided by Peninsula Coaches, a family-owned regional bus company with over 30 years of experience. They offer accessible buses, with wheelchair access and the ability to accommodate special requirements.

The shuttle bus service connects Penneshaw and Kingscote, with stops in American River. The fare includes 2 medium-sized suitcases or one extra-large suitcase (up to 30 kg), and hand luggage. Any additional luggage will incur an extra charge.

You can book your shuttle bus travel through the Peninsula Coaches website or by contacting their friendly staff to discuss your transport needs.

Book a full-day Kangaroo Island tour

There are several options for booking a full-day tour of Kangaroo Island, which is a 16-hour day trip from Adelaide, including travel time.

SeaLink

SeaLink offers a one-day Kangaroo Island Experience tour, priced at $207 per adult. The tour includes:

• Return travel to Kangaroo Island by coach/ferry
• Expert commentary by a local driver/guide
• Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk
• Flinders Chase National Park, including Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch
• Kangaroo and koala viewing at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

Adelaide Sightseeing

Adelaide Sightseeing offers a similar one-day Kangaroo Island Experience, priced at $309 per adult. The tour includes:

• Morning pick-up and evening set-down at selected Adelaide CBD hotels
• Return scenic SeaLink coach transfers to Cape Jervis
• Return SeaLink ferry crossing from the mainland to Penneshaw
• Full-day tour in a large, air-conditioned coach with expert commentary from your local driver/guide
• Seal Bay guided beach walk among a colony of rare Australian sea lions with an experienced guide
• Flinders Chase National Park, including Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks
• Kangaroo and koala viewing at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

Exceptional Kangaroo Island

Exceptional Kangaroo Island has offered all-inclusive small group day tours of Kangaroo Island since 1990.

Kangaroo Island Touring Company

The Kangaroo Island Touring Company offers bespoke private luxury tours.

Research and Discovery Coastal Tours, Kangaroo Island (RAD KI)

RAD KI offers guests a rare insight into the largely unexplored North Western coastline of Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island Trails

Kangaroo Island Trails offers day tours that cater to the gourmet food and wine enthusiast.

Frequently asked questions