When Is the Best Time
Kangaroo Island is a year-round destination, although the seasons are quite different. Summer is beautiful and warm; therefore, Kangaroo Island is pretty busy and high priced. It's vice versa in the winter. It frequently rains, but the island is not overrun. Expect more precipitation from April to October. Continue reading to figure out which season you may prefer.
Weather and Crowds by Season
Spring ( September-November)
Goanna basking in the sun
Day temps in September are on average around 15°C. Rain decreases in October. Temps increase and reach 20°C in November. Camping is still chilly in the night with Temperatures below 10°C. The wildflower season starts.
Summer (December-February) Peak Season
It's the most popular season with the best weather conditions. The downside almost everything is fully booked and high priced. The temps are on average around 25°C during the day and 12°C at night. These are the warmest and driest months of the year.
Autumn (March-May)
The crowds thin out except for Easter. The island gets its tranquillity back, and wildlife can be observed. The little penguins start nesting. Rain increases already around April, instead, less wind, which causes a calm sea. Day temps in March and April are above 20°C and below in May. Nights are already cool around 10°C.
Winter (June-August) Low Season
Temps are pleasant for winter around 14°C in the daytime and 7°C at night. It frequently rains, but on the other side, clear and sunny days occur. It's the coldest and wettest time of the year. Echidnas may hibernate at this time of the year, depending on the temps. Besides, for those who are visiting KI to see wildlife, winter is the best choice. There is abundant food, and the newborn kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies typically use this season to emerge from their mother's pouches. Whales can be spotted from the shore from May to September. Winter helps keep the sometimes-exorbitant prices of staying on the island much more manageable. Travelling in the off-peak season also leads to lower overall visitor numbers, which adds to the feeling of peace and solitude that can be had at any number of places on KI.
When to Spot Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat
- More active at dusk or they are nocturnal like the possums
- If it's hot koalas and kangaroos, prefer to rest in the shade
- Koalas are more active during the breeding season from October to March
- Goannas may be spotted basking in the sun
- Echidnas can be spotted throughout the year if it's not too cold during winter
How to Get to Kangaroo Island
You can get to the island either by plane with Qantas from Adelaide (in 2018 flights were offered from Melbourne during summer) or by ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw in the northeast. The ferry ride takes roughly 45 minutes. If travelling by plane, I recommend renting a car to explore the island independently for a couple of days.
Top Tip and Accommodations on KI
Usually, Kangaroo Island is an expensive destination to visit, especially when adding the prices for transport to the island and back to the mainland plus your accommodation for your stay. Kangaroo Island is too huge and has too many attractions, hikes, and wildlife. Staying at least two, even three nights is highly recommended.
My friends spent here almost a week. Important is the location; you can either camp in the National Park or stay close to the entrance and visitor centre like at Western KI Caravan Park & Wildlife Reserve. Consider from Kingscote it's a 100 km drive one way to the Flinders Chase National Park. Book your cottage or B&B on Kangaroo Island well in advance to secure the most sought‑after stays before they’re fully booked. One thing is for sure; you will experience wildlife in these remote accommodations on Kangaroo Island.
2019 Bushfires and Wildlife Recovery on Kangaroo Island
In the summer of 2019–20, catastrophic bushfires swept across Kangaroo Island, burning nearly half of its land area, including large sections of Flinders Chase National Park. The fires devastated habitats and claimed the lives of thousands of animals, from kangaroos and koalas to endangered species such as the Kangaroo Island dunnart and glossy black cockatoo.
Recovery began immediately, with rescue teams treating injured wildlife and conservation projects restoring native vegetation. Warmer months have since seen gradual regrowth, and targeted breeding programs in sanctuaries have supported the return of vulnerable species. While many animals have naturally recolonised, some have been reintroduced from wildlife centres once habitats were ready.
Today, visitors can witness signs of renewal — fresh green landscapes, returning bird calls, and thriving populations — though full ecological recovery will take years. The island’s resilience is a testament to community effort and ongoing conservation work.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
Kangaroo Island is about 70 miles southwest of Adelaide and is Australia's third-largest island, after Tasmania and Melville Island. The island caters to all kinds of travellers; adventurists, beachcombers and outdoor lovers will all enjoy visiting the island alone, with a loved one or with the family. Surfing, fishing, swimming, bushwalking, and canoeing are just a few of the popular activities on Kangaroo Island.
Peaceful and quiet beaches during autumn and winter
Self-driving around Kangaroo Island (in a campervan or car) is a great way to see the island, and a ferry service from the mainland makes it possible to bring your own car. The climate on Kangaroo Island is very similar to that of the Mediterranean, cool, mild winters with warm summers, though it never really gets too hot or too cold.
4 Hiking Trails on Kangaroo Island
- The Remarkable Rocks are a cluster of giant granite boulders sculpted by nature over half a billion years. Covered in golden lichen and perched above the Southern Ocean, they’re Kangaroo Island’s most photogenic landmark. Many of the rocks are covered in golden‑orange lichen, which makes them glow at sunrise and sunset — perfect for photography. Best times are early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
From the car park, it’s about 1 km return (15 minutes) along a wheelchair‑accessible boardwalk.
- Admirals Arch Walk - Flinders Chase
Over thousands of years, wave erosion hollowed out a cave in the cliff, and as the roof partly collapsed, it left behind the dramatic natural rock arch you see today. Inside, you can still spot stalactites hanging from the ceiling — a reminder of its cave origins. A short 15 minutes walk leads to a boardwalk and viewing platform built along the cliff face that takes you right to the arch. Beneath the arch are rock pools and a fur seal colony.
- Rocky River Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase
Half-Day Hike which takes roughly 3 hours for the 9 km long track.
- Day Hike to the pristine Hanson Bay BeachThe Hanson Bay Hike is an 18 km day walk from Kelly Hill Visitor Centre through diverse bushland and lagoons to the pristine sands of Hanson Bay Beach. With wildlife encounters and sweeping coastal views, it’s one of Kangaroo Island’s most rewarding single‑day hikes.
Helpful link for more information about hiking on KI: available hikes on KI.
Swimming with Dolphins
Dolphin watching tours, as well as swimming with dolphins, are offered by Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures departing from Kingscote and Emu Bay. During the peak season, advanced booking is recommended.
2019 Bushfires and Wildlife Recovery on Kangaroo Island
In the summer of 2019–20, catastrophic bushfires swept across Kangaroo Island, burning nearly half of its land area, including large sections of Flinders Chase National Park. The fires devastated habitats and claimed the lives of thousands of animals, from kangaroos and koalas to endangered species such as the Kangaroo Island dunnart and glossy black cockatoo.
Recovery began immediately, with rescue teams treating injured wildlife and conservation projects restoring native vegetation. Warmer months have since seen gradual regrowth, and targeted breeding programs in sanctuaries have supported the return of vulnerable species. While many animals have naturally recolonised, some have been reintroduced from wildlife centres once habitats were ready.
Today, visitors can witness signs of renewal — fresh green landscapes, returning bird calls, and thriving populations — though full ecological recovery will take years. The island’s resilience is a testament to community effort and ongoing conservation work.
These wonderful pictures were provided by my friends Umamisky.
