Driving on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is widely accessible by conventional motor vehicle and is well serviced with an extensive bituminised road network. We urge caution on all Island roads, especially the unsealed ones. Kangaroo Island residents are some of the warmest and most hospitable people you'll meet anywhere but, not unreasonably, they take a very dim view of people driving on their roads at high speed.

For a self-drive experience we suggest a minimum of three days and that you don't drive at over 60 kilometers per hour on the dirt roads. Take it easy and enjoy the scenery - that's what you're there for! Also, many native animals come out early in the morning, at sunset and at night and they tend to congregate at the sides of the road. Please be particularly careful at these times, as many of the animals have not been to road safety school!

Kangaroo Island has nearly 1,600 kilometres of roads. The major roads between Penneshaw, American River, Kingscote, Parndana and Flinders Chase are sealed. The remainder are unsealed and we urge caution and reducing your speed - particularly around corners, when approaching other traffic from behind and approaching oncoming traffic.

Fuel

Fuel is available from Kingscote, American River, Island Beach, Penneshaw, Parndana, Vivonne Bay and KI Wilderness Resort near Flinders Chase National Park. LPG is available at Kingscote, Penneshaw and Parndana. A full tank is recommended before heading out on a full day of touring. Fuel stations have limited hours, some closing at 6pm.

Agricultural Vehicles

Kangaroo Island has a large farming community, so we also ask you to be wary of agricultural vehicles, particularly when approaching blind corners or on undulating, narrow and unsealed roads. These vehicles are often longer and wider than anticipated and require care when approaching and overtaking. Approach vehicles displaying 'oversize' signs with caution - you may not be able to overtake immediately. Keep a safe distance behind trucks so that the driver can see you. Remember that if you can't see the truck's mirrors, then the driver of the truck can't see you!

Wildlife

Many native animals come out at night and early in the morning and they tend to congregate at the sides of the road. Native animals are blinded by bright light. Slow down, dip your lights and take time to observe the wildlife. During the day, be especially careful not to hit goannas basking on the warm roads. We urge you to please be careful at these times, as many of the animals have not been to road safety school!

Hire cars

Some mainland rental car companies do not provide insurance cover to Kangaroo Island.  Please check with your rental agent or SeaLink before renting a vehicle to drive to Kangaroo Island.  We can recommend a variety of car rental companies in Adelaide for a range of hire car options.  See our hire car self-drive packages

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Kangaroo Island enjoys a more temperate climate than the mainland. Summers are a little milder with cool evenings and winters often a little warmer. From March to June, the weather is often spectacular with long, balmy days and calm seas. Be sure to take warm clothing in the winter months of June through to September. At any time however, comfortable, casual clothing is the order of the day. Evening dining in any of the Island's restaurants or bistros is a relaxed experience so neat, casual clothing is very acceptable. If you plan to do some walking, take some boots or sturdy shoes and at all times, hats and sunscreen are recommended. Other than that, bring plenty of film and a sense of adventure. Feel free to leave your worries and stress on the mainland - everyone else has!

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Caravan parks and camping areas are scattered across Kangaroo Island. Camping permits are required for camping in National and Conservation Parks and can be purchased from Kangaroo Island National Parks and Wildlife Service offices. It is very, very important to observe all fire restrictions. Please!

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Kangaroo Island is a special place with a delicate environment. We are all very proud of it and we ask you to tread lightly and be very careful to leave it exactly as you found it. Use the rubbish bins provided or preferably bring out everything that you take in. Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.

Kangaroo Island's remoteness has created an environment that is very special. Many of Australia's pests and diseases are not found on the Island. Please help to keep it that way. The Island depends on primary industries and nature-based tourism as a major part of its economy and the introduction of just one new pest or disease could have devastating consequences.

The importation of some items onto Kangaroo Island is forbidden and we would like to draw your attention to this, as serious penalties can apply for infringement.

• Honey products and bee-handling equipment are not to be brought onto the Island.
• Potatoes brought to the Island must be in new packaging. Peels and unused potatoes must be disposed of to ensure that regermination is not possible.
• Vine cuttings and soil in which grapevines have grown are not to be brought onto the Island without prior inspection and approval.
• Foxes and rabbits are prohibited under state legislation.

Help Kangaroo Island protect its natural and unique environment by ensuring these pests are not introduced. The risk of invasive weed introduction can be reduced by ensuring that vehicles, caravans, trailers, camping gear, hiking boots etc are free of mud and weed seeds prior to travelling.

Aquatic pests are also a major threat to this environment. You can help protect the waters by cleaning your boats and gear prior to coming to the Island. Particular attention should be paid to boat surfaces (hull, propeller, rudder, anchor etc) and gear (including nets, wetsuits, life jackets, fishing tackle etc).

For further information on Biosecurity on Kangaroo Island contact Primary Industries and Resources South Australia +618 85534949.

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Due to water restrictions, laundry facilities at some accommodation properties could be limited.

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Secure outdoor car parking close to the ferry terminal is available for passengers travelling with SeaLink. Alternatively, the Cape Jervis General Store can provide secure undercover parking and transfers to the ferry terminal. Both car parks incur a small charge. Please arrive early if you require car parking.

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A reasonable degree of fitness is required to enjoy some attractions and some of the marked and unmarked bush trails. Attractions such as Seal Bay, Admiral's Arch and Remarkable Rocks now feature walking tracks and boardwalks to protect both you and the fragile ecosystems. This makes them more accessible than they used to be, so fear not!

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