Can I take my rental car to Kangaroo Island?
One of South Australia’s top destinations, Kangaroo Island is famous for its natural beauty and an enormous seal colony. Best of all, you might be able to visit with your rental car.
Read on to find out how.
A delightful combination of protected areas, small towns and iconic coastline, there are plenty of reasons to visit South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. With most of major attractions on the island connected by sealed road, it makes sense to explore the region with a rental car. There are however, some rules and restrictions that you should be aware of if you’re planning on visiting the island with a hire car.
Taking a rental car to Kangaroo Island
There are some car rental providers located on Kangaroo Island itself, meaning you can choose to arrive by plane or passenger ferry and pick up a car once you arrive. Some depots are at the airport, while others are near the ferry terminal. Any vehicle rented on Kangaroo Island cannot be taken off the island.
SeaLink operates two ferries that can carry cars between Cape Jervis on the South Australia mainland and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. There are up to a dozen service a day and the trip takes around 45 minutes (depending on weather conditions).
Some mainland rental car providers may allow their vehicles to be taken on the ferry to Kangaroo Island, but generally only with prior authorisation. Make sure you check with, and inform, the car rental provider beforehand that you intend on driving your rental car to Kangaroo Island.
Travelling around Kangaroo Island
Most of the major roads on Kangaroo Island are sealed, making it easy for you to get around in your rental car. Use the South Coast Road and the Playford Highway to explore the main sights of the island. If you are picking up your rental car from the airport, it’s just a short drive along the Playford Highway to Kingscote.
Top attractions on Kangaroo Island
Flinders Chase National Park
Kangarro Island is home to a national park and a number of wilderness protected areas and conservation parks, with Flinders Chase National Park being one of the most popular. Kangaroo Island is a beautiful destination, rich in both natural beauty and wildlife. Be sure to make time to visit the iconic Admiral’s Arch or walk to the Remarkable Rocks at Kirkpatrick Point.
Seal Bay
Reliably voted as one of the top ten destinations in South Australia, Seal Bay offers the opportunity to see a colony of thousands of sea lions in their natural setting. Not far from Kingscote, is is just a short walk along a boardwalk to reach tthe colony—a favourite for families.
Sample delicious food
Kangaroo Island is famous for its seafood, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants on the island. At Penneshaw swing by the local Farmers Market to stock up on supplies before you start exploring.
