Kangaroo Island is home to a world of experiences, stunning scenery, and breathtaking beauty, not to mention it boasts a long list of incredible wildlife. We’ll take you through the most commonly asked questions about wildlife on the Island so that you can experience all that there is to offer on your next visit.
Are there kangaroos on Kangaroo Island?
The short answer is 'Yes'. Living up to its namesake, Kangaroo Island is home to many kangaroos which are seen widespread across the Island. Home to a subspecies of the Western Grey Kangaroo, isolation from the mainland means this species differs from the kangaroos we see across the rest of South Australia. Having adapted to their habitat, these kangaroos are shorter, stockier, and dark brown in colour. The tips of their ears, paws, feet, and tails also appear darker.
Spotted in grassy areas, farmland and open woodland, when driving through the countryside you may encounter these bouncy creatures in a group also known as a ‘mob’.
Possible areas you may spot them and for the best viewing experience are, Hog Bay Road from Prospect Hill to Baudin Beach, Stokes Bay or Cape Willoughby Lighthouse.
If you are wanting to get up close to the kangaroos on Kangaroo Island, head to KI Wildlife Park where you can enjoy feeding them by hand.
What other unique wildlife species are on the Island?
The remarkable diversity of plant and animal life on Kangaroo Island is a result of its long-term isolation from the mainland. This separation has allowed wildlife to flourish, particularly with more unique species, making the island a haven for nature lovers across the world.
Tammar Wallabies – Only found in some regions of the western part of Australia and with the largest natural population remaining on Kangaroo Island, the Tammar Wallaby live on the Island along the coast, and amongst dense vegetation, in thickets, low trees and bushes.
If you visit the Island in the beginning of the cooler months and you will see Tammar W allaby Joeys emerging from their mother’s pouches, foraging for food in preparation of being fully weaned. During this time, the Tammar Wallabies can be found all over Kangaroo Island but your best chance to see them is at the sprawling Flinders Chase National Park.
Sea Lions –
Unique to South and Western Australia, visit Seal Bay to experience these majestic creatures at the third largest colony in the world. Seal Bay is the only place to see Australian Sea Lions up close, where you can take a wander through the untouched dune systems along the wheelchair accessible boardwalk with viewing platforms, or for a closer experience, take a tour with one of the expert guides. Book your Seal Lion experience.
Glossy Black-Cockatoo – Only found in certain parts of eastern Australia and with an isolated population located on Kangaroo Island, this timid bird is found in forests and woodlands across the Island. The best spot to view these beautiful birds is along the Ironstone Hill Hike located in Baudin Conservation Park where you may be able to find them quietly feeding amongst the sheoaks.
When is the best time to see koalas on Kangaroo Island?
These sleepy creatures are present on Kangaroo Island year-round but when visiting the Island during the cooler months you may find them more active. Look up into the gum trees, especially in places like Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and the Cygnet River area. KI Wildlife Park offers koala holdings and encounters, for those who want to experience these furry friends up close.
What bird species can be spotted on Kangaroo Island?
A dream environment for bird watching, the Island boasts a diverse bird population with over 260 species, including several subspecies only found on Kangaroo Island. Drive around the Island, take a tour or stroll along beaches that stretch for miles and may encounter a range of different bird species including the Grey Currawong, Super Fairy-Wren, Crimson Rosella, Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Crescent Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, Purple-Gaped Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird and the Western Whipbird. Learn all about the birds of the Island and the areas in which to see them.
Are there efforts to conserve wildlife on Kangaroo Island?
Conservation efforts are crucial for the Island to preserve its habitats and wildlife, with national and conservation parks covering almost one third of the land. Conservation efforts range from, replanting flora after the 2020 bushfires, soil testing on boots to watch the spread of infectious plant root to the native vegetation, to planting seagrass. The following is just some of the conservation efforts on the Island:
Parks and reserves – Home to several national parks and conservation reserves including Flinders Chase National Park, Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, and Seal Bay Conservation Park.
Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue – There are several organisations providing care for injured, orphaned, or displaced native animals, including Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network, Fauna Rescue of South Australia (Kangaroo Island Branch), South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management, and Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife.
Research and monitoring – Ongoing research and monitoring projects include, wildlife population studies, ecological monitoring, invasive species management research, climate change studies, fire ecology and management, collaborative research and partnerships and community-based monitoring programs such as Citizen Science and Dolphin Watch.
Are there guided wildlife experiences and tours available on the Island?
From swimming with dolphins, guided koala walks and Birds of Prey shows, Kangaroo Island offers wildlife experiences for everyone.
Swim with dolphins – Experience the magnificent coastline from the ocean as you take in the sights onboard a boat, snorkel in the crystal clear waters and swim with dolphins on a tour with Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures or Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari.
Koala walking tours – Join a guided Koala walk at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary or Little Sahara.
Nocturnal wildlife experiences – Gain a unique perspective of Kangaroo Island’s wildlife after dark. Find Tammar Wallabies, Brush-tailed Possums, Western Grey Kangaroos, and the possibility to experience other elusive night creatures such as Boobook owls, Stone Curlews, or even Penguins on a 90-minute sunset nocturnal tour or a 3 hour tour.
Raptor Domain – Join the team for a free flight Birds of Prey Presentation to see an interact with Kangaroo Island birds in up-close encounters, or join a reptile presentation and interact with some of Australia’s most loved and misunderstood animals at Raptor Domain.
KI Wildlife Park – From feeding kangaroos, meeting the African Cat species Serval to feeding Marmosets, KI Wildlife Park has a range of experiences to choose from.
Penneshaw Penguin Tour – Experience a relaxing 60 minute evening walk in search of the world’s smallest penguins, little penguins, and other wildlife with the Penneshaw Penguin Centre.
