kangaroo island tours for seniors

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is reached from Adelaide for a short break tours or view our small group tours of South Australia and/or Adelaide for senior and mature travellers.

7 May 20 · 4 mins read

Australia’s third-biggest island (after Tasmania and Melville Island), Kangaroo Island is a natural paradise, brimming with native wildlife, remarkable rocks, and artisanal food and wine.

Kangaroo Island separated from the Australian mainland around 10, 000 years ago. It was known as Karta or ‘Isle of the Dead’ to mainland Aboriginal groups, likely because a creation being from the dreamtime, Ngurunderi, crossed to the island before travelling to the Milky Way. The spirits of the dead were believed to follow his track into the afterlife through the sky.

There is plenty of evidence, however, that the island was occupied by Aboriginal groups. Stone tools were found at several points around the island. It is likely that the first humans reached the island around 16, 000 years ago, before it split from the mainland, with the island populated until around 2,000 years ago.

The first European to visit Kangaroo Island was Matthew Flinders, who named it Kanguroo Island after the particular sub-species of western grey kangaroo endemic to the island. The French explorer Nicholas Baudin first circumnavigated and mapped the island, giving it the French names that are still in use today.

Kangaroo Island was first settled by Europeans in 1836. The biggest town, Kingscote, was the first settlement in South Australia , and was for a time floated as the capital of the new colony, before it was realised that the island did not have the resources to support a large population. Other towns include Penneshaw, on the eastern edge of the island, and American Creek, on the north coast between Penneshaw and Kingscote.

Today, the main industries on Kangaroo Island are tourism and agriculture. The island is one of the biggest tourist destinations in South Australia, attracting over 140, 000 visitors per year.

A major attraction is the Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park, orange-lichen covered granite boulders shaped by the sea, wind, and rain into a number of strange shapes. Flinders Chase National Park is also home to rare Australian animals, including tammar wallabies and the platypus. At Admirals Arch, a stalactite-covered rock bridge, look for sunbathing New Zealand fur seals.

Seal Bay Conservation Park on the island’s south coast is the only place in the world that you can walk among endangered Australian sea lions, either on a boardwalk, or by 45-minute guided tour.

Kangaroo Island is home to a wealth of other Australian wildlife species. Look for kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas as you walk around the island. Troops of black swans marshal around American River, while echnidas and goannas can be seen throughout the island. Take a sea cruise, and see whales, dolphins and seals. In Lathami Conservation Park and Baudin Conservation Park, spot rare birds, including the glossy black cockatoo, endangered and endemic only to Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island is also renowned for its quality food and wine. The island has over 30 wine-growers and 12 wineries, as well as a spirits distillery and craft brewery. Restaurants serve up fresh seafood, and markets sell local cheese. Kangaroo Island is also particularly known for its honey as the home of the world’s only disease-free colony of Ligurian bees.

If you’re interested in visiting the pristine wilderness of Kangaroo Island, think about joining Odyssey Traveller’s Tour of Adelaide . Our tour spends eight nights in hotel accommodation in the city, exploring the history and culture of Adelaide . We make a guided tour of the historic city centre and North Terrace, and visit the Botanic Garden and Art Gallery of South Australia . We also head to Port Adelaide , in order to visit the Maritime Museum and Railway Museum.

Getting out of Adelaide city, our tour makes a number of day trips through the surrounding region. We head to the Barossa Valley to explore the history of German settlement, and enjoy a wine tasting. We also make a day trip down the Fleurieu Peninsula , stopping off for a tasting and lunch at a local restaurant in the McLaren Vale Wine Region . Our tour also includes a day trip through the Adelaide Hills, and a cruise down the Murray River.

South Australia is internationally renowned for the quality of its food and wine, and our tour gives you plenty of time to feast on local produce at the Central Market in Adelaide’s CBD.

Odyssey Traveller has been serving mature and senior travellers since 1983. We specialise in providing an authentic and engaged experience of our destinations, with local guides, small groups, and a focus on history and culture. If that interests you, click here for more information on our Adelaide tour, and here for more on our Australia tours.

Articles about Australia published by Odyssey Traveller:

• The Kimberley: A Definitive Guide
• Halls Creek
• Lake Argyle
• Purnululu National Park

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link .

External articles to assist you on your visit to Adelaide and South Australia:

• Places to go: Adelaide
• Guide to Adelaide
• 10 Must-visit attractions in Adelaide
• South Australian wine regions
• Fleurieu Peninsula
• A new way to hop around Australia’s Kangaroo Island
• Why Adelaide deserves its place on the Lonely Planet list

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Kangaroo Island Tours & Vacations

This mini Galapagos is one of Australia’s most beautiful and underrated wildlife sanctuaries

Arriving on Kangaroo Island feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Kids still ride bikes to school, and farmers chase kangaroos off their front lawns before dawn. But it’s the local wildlife that’s the real drawcard. Fur seals, dolphins,  Australian  sea lions, echidnas, koalas and, of course, kangaroos, have flourished here without the threat of species introduced to the mainland. The island also boasts some of the country's  best beaches, pristine hiking trails  and lip-smacking local produce.

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Articles of Kangaroo Island

10 must-visit beaches in South Australia

A foodie’s guide to Kangaroo Island

9 things you probably didn’t know you could do on Kangaroo Island 

Why all animal lovers should visit Kangaroo Island now

How a road trip with my mum changed what I thought of Australia

7 wildlife experiences you can only have in South Australia

Kangaroo Island travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How do I get to Kangaroo Island?

Kangaroo Island is located 9 miles (14km) off the  South Australian  coast. To get there, you'll need to take the ferry from Cape Jervis or fly from Adelaide.

You can fly to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide and several other cities in Australia (subject to seasonal demand), or catch a ferry to Penneshaw from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The ferry takes around 45 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Kangaroo Island?

Kangaroo Island is a beautiful spot to visit at any time of year. Summer is generally hot and dry, and winter is mild. Spring and Fall are perfect for bushwalking, fishing and seeing the island's native flowers in bloom.

What should I pack for Kangaroo Island?

Kangaroo Island is a casual place so you can leave your dressy clothes at home. Layered, breathable clothing is key, as while it can be chilly when you set off in the morning, it can warm up substantially throughout the day. You'll also need a pair of comfy walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat (even in winter). A raincoat or poncho is better than an umbrella as some areas can be very windy.

What do I wear on Kangaroo Island?

Most activities on Kangaroo Island involve the great outdoors, so there's no need to dress up. In the evening, smart casual is the typical dress code for the island's restaurants — think t-shirt and jeans. Evenings can be chilly, even during the summer months, so ensure you bring a couple of warm layers.

What is the internet access like on Kangaroo Island?

Kangaroo Island ferries offer free Wi-Fi, and Telstra customers can get a signal in major tourist areas and along most of the island's sealed roads.

Limited or no Wi-Fi is available in some parts of the island, particularly when traveling off-road.

Non-Telstra customers will have little or no coverage throughout the island, but most hotels and resorts offer Wi-Fi access.

Can I use my mobile phone on Kangaroo Island?

Telstra customers usually have the best coverage on Kangaroo Island, particularly in more populated areas. If you're with another network provider you may have less or no coverage at all, however, most hotels offer free wi-fi so you can stay connected.

Has Kangaroo Island recovered from the 2020 bushfires?

The 2020 bushfires were the biggest in the island's history. The fires burnt almost half of the island and had a devastating impact on the people, homes, businesses, wildlife, nature and tourism.

As catastrophic as the fires were, Kangaroo Island and other bushfire-affected regions in South Australia are bouncing back. Nature is flourishing again and wildlife has returned to native habitats. Amazingly, some species that were thought to have been wiped out have been spotted, including the Kangaroo Island Little Pygmy Possum.

Tourism has suffered a great deal since the bushfires, but as the island continues to recover, it's more important than ever.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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Aurora Ozone Hotel

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Exceptional Kangaroo Island - Luxury Small Group and Private Tours

Since 1990 Exceptional Kangaroo Island has offered all inclusive small group day and extended tours of Kangaroo Island, travelling in comfortable four wheel drive vehicles.

Other experiences of interest

Emu ridge experiences, kelly hill caves, pelican lagoon, boxing bay beach, penneshaw maritime and folk museum.

• Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula

Cape Borda Lightstation - Flinders Chase National Park

D'estrees bay, admirals arch, strawbridge point, subscribe for exclusive benefits, join our ki members program for exclusive discounts and offers.

Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island Escape

This trip could also be known as ‘Southern Australia, as seen through its wine and wilderness’.

Members from: $3,437 P.P Twin Share Non-members from: $3,472 P.P Twin Share Solo traveller from: $4,514

• Escorted Touring

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Multiple departures available. Enquire for more details.

This trip could also be known as ‘Southern Australia, as seen through its wine and wilderness’. And a few other culinary (and scenic) treats. From a Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road tour, to tasty Kangaroo Island and Barossa tours, expect a top-notch roll-call of attractions across Victoria and South Australia.

Insider Knowledge

Australian Parliament House and the War Memorial offer insights into the Australian capital, best revealed with an in-the-know local by your side.

Local Connection

Ever wanted to know what life on a 400-hectare sheep farm is like? Meet Craig Starr and his family at Gold Creek Station for a tale or two, and a BBQ.

Cultural Immersion

Visiting Tower Hill reconnects you with First Nations Australian culture. Your tour around this inactive Victorian volcano with a local guide reveals Aboriginal creation stories.

Sustainable Footprints

By visiting Kangaroo Island’s Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, you not only gain insights into South Australian animals, but also have the chance to support them.

Wildlife and Nature

The underworld beckons at Naracoorte’s Alexandra Cave, a maze of delicate needle-like stalactites and massive twisting columns.

Day 1 Melbourne - Warrnambool

Want an adventure that starts with a bang? This is it. We advise arriving early for a Melbourne laneway tour, taking in the city’s eye-popping alleys filled with colourful art. Then you’re on your way from Melbourne on a Great Ocean Road tour, enjoying a snaking coastal route that is one of the world’s most epic journeys. Across a dramatic 240 kilometers you’ll take in limestone stacks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. Then traverse through World Heritage listed rainforest, skirting untouched coastal coves, and pausing in sleepy towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, where bare feet and boardshorts are the dress code. We wouldn’t blame you for following suit… Hotel: Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs Included Meals: Dinner with Wine, Breakfast

Day 2 Warrnambool - Naracoorte

The south’s volcanic history bubbles to the surface at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, an immense natural wonder spanning a dormant volcanic crater. You’ll learn about the area’s flora and fauna – think emus, kangaroos, koalas and echidnas – with an Aboriginal guide. More volcanic history awaits across the South Australian border in Mt. Gambier, home to the crater-filling Blue Lake. Bring your sunglasses, because the lake’s name doesn’t do it justice – the intensity of the hue is blinding. By now you’ll be pretty thirsty, so it’s a good thing the Coonawarra wine region is around the corner. Fancy a world-class cab sav, shiraz or merlot? You’ve come to the right place. Sit down to a wine tasting to fully appreciate the region’s flavours. Your final adventure is deep, in every sense of the word. Naracoorte’s Alexandra Cave is a maze of delicate needle-like stalactites and massive twisting columns. Hotel: William MacIntosh Motor Lodge, Naracoote Included Meals: Dinner with Wine, Breakfast

Day 3 Naraccorte - Kangaroo Island

Nature rules large again today as you weave along South Australia’s wild and wonderful Fleurieu Peninsula to Victor Harbor. After rolling hills, sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, you’re greeted with the charms of this seaside town – the gateway to Kangaroo Island. Fun fact: it still has a steam train. But you’re boarding the ferry for your journey toward Australia’s ‘mini Galapagos’ to tour Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island deserves its moniker, as you’ll discover tomorrow. But today, a well-deserved tasting of craft beer awaits at a boutique brewery, the only one on the island. How does Indian Pale Ale sound or a Mexican inspired brew made using a combination of malted barley and flaked rice? Hotel: Aurora Ozone Hotel, Executive Rooms, 2 Nights Included Meals: Dinner with Wine, Breakfast

Day 4 Kangaroo Island

First stop on your tour of Kangaroo Island truly deserves its name: the orange-lichen-clad Remarkable Rocks command your attention over the blazing blue of the Southern Ocean. Then there’s Admirals Arch, home to an immense colony of raucous fur seals and a very photogenic lighthouse. Like much of the island, AAT Kings-sponsored Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary was badly damaged by the 2019 bushfires. On your visit, you’ll discover the role that fire plays within this delicate ecosystem, and how koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and other wildlife have adapted to their environment. More wildlife greets you at Seal Bay Conservation Park. Move aside: enormous sea lions regularly barrel down the sand toward the water, and you’ll learn about their habitat on a Kangaroo Island tour of the beach. Included Meals: Lunch, Be My Guest Lunch

Day 5 Kangaroo Island - Adelaide

On your cruise back to the mainland, picture some of the culinary opportunities that await in the South Australian capital. Adelaide is known as the ‘city of churches’, but we think a more apt title is the ‘city of cuisine’. The afternoon is yours to see just how many restaurants and bars you can sample. Want recommendations? You could sign up for an Adelaide city tour, or we can point you in the direction of the epic Central Market, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere with more than 70 stalls selling artisan edibles (and drinkables). Have you ever sipped green ant gin? Hotel: Crowne Plaza Adelaide, 2 Nights Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Adelaide Hills and the Barossa

Now that you have a taste for South Australian produce, take a deep dive on today’s adventure through the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa, dotted with atmospheric towns like Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Wining and dining dominate the landscape on a Barossa and Hahndorf tour, with some of the country’s oldest grape vines planted across this pocket of the state. Discover local flavours over lunch at the South Australian Company Store, then prepare for wine royalty at historic Seppeltsfield, replete with century-old stone buildings housing restaurants and cellar doors. Included Meals: Farewell Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast

Day 7 Farewell from Adelaide

A week in this part of the world really isn’t enough. We hope we’ve inspired you to come back for another taste. Included Meals: Breakfast

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Eyre Peninsula Whale Seafood Discovery

Members from: $6,926 P.P Twin Share

Legendary Longreach & Winton

Members from: $4,216 P.P Twin Share

All prices are per person in Australian Dollars unless specified. Prices are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies, exchange rates and other considerations. All are subject to change. For up-to-date pricing contact your Travel Agent or check on our website. No surcharges regarding cost or currency fluctuations will be made to the land only price once the final balance is received. No refund will be made on account of reduction of any of the above. If the total trip price increases by more than 10%, guests will have the option to cancel the trip within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty.

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Private Kangaroo Island Tours

We offer an extensive range of private tours of Kangaroo Island, each designed to showcase the best of Kangaroo Island. Join a passionate local guide to explore the very best of Kangaroo Island, your way.

Private touring allows you to spend more time doing what you want to do and seeing what you want to see. Choose from one of our recommended itineraries, or completely customise it – it’s your call.

Private Tours

Private touring with Exceptional Kangaroo Island means your own vehicle and your own guide. We’ll have a plan for each day, but we can be flexible to ensure you have the best possible experience on Kangaroo Island. Each day includes morning tea (French-press coffee, loose-leaf first flush Darjeeling black tea and hot cocoa, served with home-baked goods) and lunch (fresh local produce served with garden salad, condiments and local beer, wine, soft drinks and spring water).

The following tours are all available on a private basis.

Island Life

• Small Group/Private

Flinders Chase Focus

Fine Flavours

Kangaroo Island In Style

Kangaroo Island Investigator

Luxe Couples

• Private Only

Fished, Farmed & Fermented

Active Explorers

Young Families

Conservation Connection

Wild About Birds

Photo Safari

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