Day 1: Adelaide to Penneshaw and Dudley Peninsula
Begin your 3 day Adelaide to Kangaroo Island itinerary with a scenic 90-minute drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis. From here, board the SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry to Penneshaw (approx. 45 minutes). Once ashore, spend your morning exploring the tranquil beaches of the Dudley Peninsula. Don’t miss the secluded Hog Bay Beach and the views from Dudley Wines cellar door.
After lunch, head to Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in South Australia. A guided tour provides coastal views and history. End your day at Penneshaw Penguin Centre for a dusk walk with potential sightings of little penguins returning to shore.
Overnight in Penneshaw or American River.Begin your 3 day Adelaide to Kangaroo Island itinerary with a scenic 90-minute drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis. From here, board the SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry to Penneshaw (approx. 45 minutes). Once ashore, spend your morning exploring the tranquil beaches of the Dudley Peninsula. Don’t miss the secluded Hog Bay Beach and the views from Dudley Wines cellar door.
Day 2: Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay & Kelly Hill Conservation Park
Set off toward the island’s southwest coast. Your first stop is the renowned Seal Bay Conservation Park, where a guided beach walk lets you observe wild Australian sea lions in their natural habitat — a rare and unforgettable experience that connects you with Kangaroo Island’s thriving wildlife.
After your encounter with sea lions, head towards Vivonne Bay, often named one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Its turquoise waters and white sands offer a perfect spot for a midday break. Pack a picnic or dine at a nearby café while enjoying the coastal breeze. This section of the 3 day Adelaide to Kangaroo Island itinerary reveals the island’s tranquil rhythm — ideal for unwinding and soaking in the scenery.
Continue your day with a visit to the Kelly Hill Caves, a fascinating underground limestone system. Guided tours reveal dramatic stalactites and deep chambers that tell a story millions of years in the making. If you prefer to stay above ground, bushwalking trails nearby take you through quiet conservation forests filled with native flora and the chance to spot kangaroos or wallabies.
For a more active adventure, take a short detour to Little Sahara, a stretch of natural sand dunes where you can rent a sandboard or buggy. Whether you’re sliding down the slopes or simply admiring the vast white hills, it’s a surprising desert-like experience just minutes from the sea — another example of Kangaroo Island’s diverse landscapes.
In the afternoon, take your time exploring the scenic coastal drives that link these locations. With light traffic and minimal signage, it’s a stress-free journey that invites spontaneous stops, from roadside produce stalls to lookout points over rugged cliffs. These moments of slow travel perfectly reflect the core spirit of your 3 day Adelaide to Kangaroo Island itinerary, where the journey matters as much as the destination.
As the sun lowers, make your way to your chosen stay near Hanson Bay or close to Flinders Chase National Park. Eco-lodges and boutique cabins in this area offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by native bushland. Enjoy a glass of local wine under the stars and listen to the natural symphony of birds, frogs, and wind through eucalyptus leaves.
This day encapsulates the heart of Kangaroo Island — wildlife, wilderness, and wonder — and delivers a perfectly paced segment of your 3 day Adelaide to Kangaroo Island itinerary. With its well-balanced mix of iconic sights and hidden gems, this 3 day Adelaide to Kangaroo Island itinerary will leave you refreshed and ready to explore more.
Day 3: Flinders Chase National Park & Return to Adelaide
Spend the final day at Flinders Chase National Park, home to KI’s most iconic natural landmarks. Start with the dramatic Remarkable Rocks and then walk to the Admirals Arch, where fur seals lounge below. The park’s recent regeneration after bushfires adds a unique layer of resilience and beauty to your visit.
If time permits, explore West Bay or do the short Platypus Waterholes walk.
Return to Penneshaw by late afternoon for your ferry back to Cape Jervis, then drive back to Adelaide.
Whether you’re after nature, wildlife, or just a remote escape, this 3 day Adelaide to Kangaroo Island itinerary offers a balance of iconic sights and hidden corners. Book your SeaLink ferry here to get started.
For more inspiration across the region, visit our Oceania Travel Guide or explore Hidden Destinations across Australia.