Where to stay on Kangaroo Island for easy access to the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay, and some of Australia’s most biodiverse wildlife habitat.
| Region | Kangaroo Island |
| Best base towns | Kingscote, American River, Penneshaw, Flinders Chase |
| Budget options | From ~$25/night (national park camping) |
| Mid-range | From ~$130/night (resort/motel) |
| Luxury | From ~$400/night (eco-lodge) |
Budget: National Park Camping
Camping within or near Flinders Chase National Park puts you right at the heart of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail.
- Flinders Chase National Park Camping – Rocky River Campground is the main campground within the park, right at the trailhead for the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. Facilities include toilets, BBQs, and a visitor centre. Kangaroos and wallabies visit the campground each evening. Book through SA National Parks. From ~$25/night. Day use fee applies to enter the park.
- Discovery Parks Kangaroo Island – Located 10 minutes from Flinders Chase NP, with powered and unpowered sites, self-contained cabins, and luxury glamping options. One of the island’s best-equipped holiday parks. From ~$45/night (site), from ~$140/night (cabin).
Mid-Range: Hotels & Resorts
- SeaLink Kangaroo Island – SeaLink operates accommodation packages on Kangaroo Island in conjunction with their ferry service from Cape Jervis. Good value all-inclusive options covering ferry, accommodation, and tours. From ~$200/person for a 2-day package.
- Kangaroo Island Accommodation Guide – South Australia Tourism’s comprehensive accommodation directory for Kangaroo Island, covering everything from budget cottages to luxury retreats across the island.
Luxury: Eco-Lodges & Retreats
- Southern Ocean Lodge – One of Australia’s most celebrated luxury lodges, perched dramatically on clifftops above the Southern Ocean. Stunning architecture, panoramic ocean views, wildlife encounters, and world-class dining. From ~$1,400/night per couple (all-inclusive). Note: the original lodge was destroyed in the 2020 bushfires and has since been rebuilt.
Planning Tips
Getting to Kangaroo Island: SeaLink ferries run from Cape Jervis (1 hour drive from Adelaide) to Penneshaw. REX Airlines also fly from Adelaide to Kingscote.
Book early: Accommodation fills quickly, especially during school holidays and peak wildlife season (May-September).
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: The 5-day/66km trail requires advance booking of all campsites. Check the SA National Parks website for trail bookings.
Hire a car: Public transport is limited – hire a car or join a tour to fully explore the island.
Guided tours: Several excellent operators offer guided walks, nocturnal tours, and multi-day island experiences. See our Kangaroo Island tours guide for options.