Kangaroo Island

Explore and visit Kangaroo Island on tour.

Kangaroo Island is only a couple of hours from Adelaide in South Australia but its environment and wildlife seem a world away. 

You will travel to the Fleurieu Peninsula before boarding a ferry to the island. The drive from Adelaide to the Ferry Terminal at Cape Jervis will take around 1.5 hours through the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula. The ferry ride from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island is 45 minutes.

Karta Pintingga which means ‘Island of the dead’—is Kangaroo Island’s Aboriginal name.

Located off the coast of South Australia, is a destination of stunning natural beauty with a rich and fascinating cultural history. The island has been home to the Ramindjeri people for thousands of years, and the Aboriginal name for the island is Karta Pintingga, which translates to “Island of the Dead”.

For the Ramindjeri people, Karta Pintingga holds immense cultural and spiritual significance, as it is believed to be the final resting place of their ancestors. The island is steeped in myth and legend, with many of the landmarks and natural features believed to hold sacred meaning.

Visitors to Kangaroo Island can learn about the island’s Aboriginal heritage and take part in cultural tours and experiences, providing a unique insight into the island’s history and traditions. From visiting ancient rock art sites to participating in traditional ceremonies, there are many opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the Ramindjeri people and their way of life.

Karta Pintingga is a reminder of the island’s deep and complex cultural history, and it serves as a tribute to the resilience and strength of the Ramindjeri people. As visitors explore the island’s natural wonders, they are encouraged to reflect on the deep spiritual and cultural significance of this incredible place.

The island isn’t small, it’s the third largest in Australia and 150km long. That means lots of things to see and habitats from the coast to the island to explore.

Native wildlife is one of the main reasons people visit the island. You will probably see wild kangaroos, echidna, geese, various bird species, seals as well as walking on the beach with sea lions at Seal Bay.

The coastline is in itself an attraction with Remarkable Rocks being particularly, er, remarkable and impressive especially considering their position on an exposed coastal peninsula.

The Island is full of fantastic beaches. Vivonne Bay is regularly voted as one of the best beaches in Australia and is a popular place to swim in the warmer summer months.

All overnight tours traveling to Karta Pintingga should book accommodation. There’s no camping, because of the temperate climate.

This creates a comfortable environment for all ages and fitness levels. We have different levels of accommodation on our KI tours.

You will stay in a hotel if you take our 2 Day Best of Kangaroo Island Coach and Hotel Tour. Take a comfortable coach around Kangaroo Island and stay in style at one of the hotels on the island.

We offer our boutique accommodation on Kangaroo Island at Sea Dragon Lodge.

If you are short on time you can still visit Karta Pintingga. Our One day highlights tour is very popular for those who would like to explore the best bits of Kangaroo Island.

So much native bushland on the island has been spared the damage done by foxes and rabbits, ensuring the integrity of native bushland.

Visit Emu Ridge on Kangaroo Island. Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil distillery and shop has been a popular Kangaroo Island tourist attraction since 1991.

Check out our article on The Top things to do on Kangaroo Island.

When in South Australia plan a trip to Kangaroo Island.