South Australia, Australia
Dormitory beds and some private rooms are available.
Suitable for solo adventurers and those seeking interaction.
Often include shared kitchen facilities.
Kingscote is the main location for hostels on the island.
Rooms feature private bathrooms and standard comforts.
Found in Kingscote and Penneshaw for easy access.
Close to town services and dining options.
Caters to various mid-range budgets.
Kangaroo Island presents a variety of unique and self-contained stay options.
For an unique rural experience, consider a farm stay. These properties offer accommodation on working farms, sometimes with opportunities to interact with farm animals or learn about local agriculture. They provide a peaceful retreat.
Kangaroo Island hosts high-end, immersive nature experiences. Stowaway Kangaroo Island, offering secluded, luxury self-contained pavilions. These properties feature a premium experience with a focus on sustainability and the natural environment.
Each area features a distinct character and proximity to different attractions.
Be especially aware of wildlife on roads, especially at dawn and dusk, in all rural and wilderness areas.
Some roads leading to secluded spots may be unsealed, requiring careful driving.
In remote areas, services are limited. Plan to carry supplies.
Car rentals and ferry tickets with vehicles also fill quickly.
Booking 3 to 6 months in advance is recommended. While less crowded than high season, popular properties can still book out.
Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb offer a good selection of properties on Kangaroo Island. They feature various filters and traveler reviews.
Check official websites for B&Bs and holiday homes.
Many properties ask for a deposit (e.g., 50%) at the time of booking, with the balance due closer to arrival.
These vary widely by property, from free cancellation a few days before arrival to non-refundable rates.
Always review the terms and conditions before confirming your booking.
Consider travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.
Accommodation prices are significantly higher during peak season and Australian school holidays.
Prices are typically lowest during the winter months (June-August) when demand is lower.
Negotiating walk-in rates is generally not customary for established hotels or motels. For smaller B&Bs or holiday homes, inquiring about last-minute discounts in low season is sometimes possible, though not an expectation.
Even in low season, securing specific popular properties earlier is recommended.
Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park (Penneshaw): Variety of cabins, powered/unpowered sites, close to ferry, shared facilities. Good for families/campers. Kangaroo Island Central Backpackers (Kingscote): Dorms, private rooms, shared kitchen, central, social atmosphere.
Seaview Motel (Kingscote): Ocean views, comfortable rooms, walking distance to town. The Lodge at Parndana (Parndana): Rural setting, convenient for central island exploration, wildlife on site. Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge (American River): Waterfront location, restaurant, pool, quiet setting, good for birdwatchers.
Lifetime Private Retreats (North Coast): Exclusive, private villas with stunning coastal views, bespoke experiences, self-contained. Prices from AUD 600-1500+.
Stowaway Kangaroo Island (Lathami, North Coast): Unique, luxury self-contained pavilions, secluded, outdoor bathtubs, ocean views. Prices from AUD 500-1000+.
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat (Western KI, near Flinders Chase): Eco-focused, closest accommodation to Flinders Chase National Park, nature immersion, recovering from bushfires. Prices from AUD 200-500.
