A woman in a wheelchair alongside a tour guide pointing out to blue ocean on Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia

Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia


Trip overview

5 days
Car, plane
277km (172mi)

Day 1: Adelaide

Start your South Australian adventure exploring Adelaide, where the city meets the beach. There’s no shortage of things to do in Adelaide.

Day 2: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island via McLaren Vale

3.5hrs 210km (130mi)

Retreat to the pristine white shores of Kangaroo Island today via car or plane. The adventure starts the moment you lay eyes on Kangaroo Island’s immaculate white beaches and green hills.

Day 3: Emu Bay

Spend today exploring Emu Bay and its surroundings. From epic wildlife encounters to unique gourmet experiences, this is a day you’ll remember.

Day 4: Flinders Chase National Park

Marvel at the wonders of Kangaroo Island’s Flinders Chase National Park, one of Australia’s largest national parks and a mecca for wildlife.

Day 5: Kangaroo Island to Adelaide

3.5hrs 210km (130mi)

Spend your last morning on the island experiencing some of Kangaroo Island’s quintessential activities. Walk along the sand with seals and enjoy the beaches before heading back to Adelaide.

Freqently Asked Questions

Getting to Adelaide from the United States is easier than you think, often requiring only one layover.

  • Transpacific long-haul: Fly nonstop from major US gateways – like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) or Dallas (DFW) – into east coast Australian hubs like Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
  • Direct connection: From your gateway city, hop on a short domestic flight to Adelaide. 
  • Onward to Kangaroo Island: From Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is a short flight or ferry journey away.

Travelling to Adelaide from the UK is straightforward, with options including one stopover for the most direct access, or two stopovers to include another Australian city in your itinerary.

  • One stopover (fastest route): You can fly via major hubs like Singapore or Dubai, with an easy onward flight to Adelaide (ADL). Alternatively, take the non-stop flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Perth (PER), then hop on a direct flight to Adelaide (ADL).
  • Two stopovers (multi-city route): Connect through global hubs like Dubai (DXB) into a major Australian city – like Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) – before taking a domestic flight to Adelaide (ADL).
  • Onward to Kangaroo Island: From Adelaide, it’s easy to reach Kangaroo Island by flight or ferry.

Getting to Adelaide from China is convenient, with options for non-stop flights or easy connections.

  • Direct flights: Take a direct flight from Guangzhou (CAN) straight into Adelaide (ADL). Seasonal direct flights are also available from Shanghai (PVG).
  • One stopover: Connect through regional hubs like Singapore (SIN) or Hong Kong (HKG), or through major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Then hop on an easy domestic flight to Adelaide (ADL).
  • Onward to Kangaroo Island: Kangaroo Island can be reached by a quick flight or ferry from Adelaide.

Yes, this 5-day Adelaide and Kangaroo Island itinerary is a fantastic option for families seeking premium experiences.

Luxury eco-lodges and curated private tours make it especially manageable for families with children of all ages. The trip kicks off with urban adventures in Adelaide, including the spectacular views from the Adelaide Oval RoofClimb. In Glenelg or on Kangaroo Island, families have the rare opportunity to join guided eco-tours to swim alongside dolphins in their natural habitat.

In Adelaide, stay within the city centre, where you'll find a collection of five-star boutique hotels, luxury high-rises and heritage stays close to dining and cultural attractions. On Kangaroo Island, the main hub of Kingscote offers premium eco-lodges and private villas with easy access to the island's attractions. For the ultimate wilderness retreat, heading to the dramatic southern coast to the ultra-luxury Southern Ocean Lodge promises an unforgettable experience. 

South Australia is a brilliant year-round destination, but the absolute best time to visit depends on whether you want to prioritise warm weather or peak wildlife encounters.

September to May is the most popular time for exploring Adelaide's vibrant dining scene and pristine city beaches, and these months also offer beautifully warm weather on Kangaroo Island. The months from June to August are cooler and crisper, but are widely considered the best time to visit Kangaroo Island if you're a wildlife lover. At this time of year, koalas and echidnas are more active, kangaroo joeys emerge from their mothers' pouches and migrating whales can be spotted right from the southern cliffs.

Getting around is easy with a mix of transport options. In Adelaide, you can explore the city by car or public transport. To reach Kangaroo Island, you’ll take a short flight or ferry from Adelaide, and once there, hiring a car or joining a guided tour is the best way to experience the island.