Home base(s) for 5 nights on Kangaroo Island?

May 30, 2017 8:50 AM

As part of a trip to Australia, we're planning to spend five nights on Kangaroo Island, SA. But I'm not sure what part of the island we should stay at.

I'm thinking of staying somewhere central or east for the first two or three nights, and then going closer to Flinders Chase. I have something in mind for the latter (though more tips always appreciated!), but would love ideas for the former. It doesn't need to be a specific property; just an area would help.

I'm feeling overwhelmed by all the things to see and do there! So tips on that appreciated too. One of the travelers will be a 5 year old, so long hikes etc. are not on the table.

posted by kestrel251 to Travel & Transportation around Australia (3 answers total)

Best answer: We stayed in a house in Emu bay, it's just outside Kingscote, say about a 20 minute very pretty drive. We liked it as it's a tiny little collection of a few houses right on the beach and not touristy, but close enough to Kingscote for restaurants etc.

The drives aren't that long that moving around might not be necessary depending on your tolerance for driving and we saw the whole island from there with no worries.

I'd highly recommend Seal bay and Remarkable rocks. If you haven't seen Little Penguins before the 5 year old might find an evening trip to see the penguins come in to their nests fun.

There Kelly Hill caves are not a must see if you've been to caves before you've most likely seen something similar and though pretty enough they might be scary for a 5 year old. They are very enclosed with some tight squeezes so not good for the claustrophobic either.

If you go swimming at the beach be careful, the waters around the island are, and much of the Tleurieu peninsula are full of strong dangerous currents. You might want to stick to swimming pools.

If you go in winter & haven't seen whales before try to go on a whale watching tour if it's Southern Right Whale season.

Eat all the food. There is some amazing food on the island.

There was when we went a lovely night time tour to see nocturnal wildlife. If you're not from Australia or just love animals it's a great tour.
posted by wwax at 9:50 AM on May 30, 2017

Good advice above... Kangaroo Island is wonderful, but it's just not that big. Personally, I don't think the hassle factor associated with relocating is worth it, but we were two adults who enjoy driving around and looking at things. YMMV if your 5 year old won't tolerate time in the car.
posted by carmicha at 10:49 AM on May 31, 2017 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks! Yeah, I'm hoping to minimize driving. We're going to spend 2 nights in Kingscote -- lots of easy day trips, and the convenience of restaurants at night -- and then 3 nights in these cabins, which are close to all the Flinders Chase stuff. And we can see koalas and whale watch from right there!
posted by kestrel251 at 12:18 PM on June 1, 2017