The Ultimate Adelaide to Kangaroo Island Road Trip Itinerary (7–10 Days) + FREE MAP
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Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase National Park
Planning a road trip from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island? Just a few hours south of South Australia's capital, this unforgettable itinerary takes you through the world-renowned wine region of McLaren Vale, the spectacular coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula, and onto one of Australia's greatest wildlife destinations!
Whether you're travelling by motorhome, caravan, or car, this road trip itinerary showcases some of the very best South Australia has to offer.
We've included our FREE interactive map below with all our favourite stops, beaches, accommodation, lookouts, cafés, and hidden gems to help you plan your own Adelaide to Kangaroo Island adventure.
Road Trip Overview
Route: Adelaide → McLaren Vale → Victor Harbor → Cape Jervis → SeaLink Ferry → Kangaroo Island
Distance: Approximately 600km of driving, plus the 45-minute SeaLink ferry crossing.
Duration: We recommend allowing 7–10 days to experience this road trip properly. Spend two days exploring Adelaide, two to three days discovering the Fleurieu Peninsula, and at least three full days exploring Kangaroo Island.
Best time to visit: This itinerary can be enjoyed year-round, but autumn, winter and spring offer cooler temperatures, lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and the chance to spot migrating southern right whales along the Fleurieu Coast during winter.
⚠️ Road Trip Tip: If you're travelling with a motorhome or caravan, book your SeaLink ferry well in advance, particularly during school holidays. Kangaroo Island is much larger than many people expect, so allow plenty of time to explore rather than rushing through in a day or two.
We're currently travelling Australia full-time in our 2025 Jayco Destiny Mercedes Sprinter, and this quickly became one of our favourite road trips in South Australia. If you'd like to experience it with us, be sure to watch our full YouTube adventure linked below.
1. Adelaide – South Australia's Vibrant Capital
Before heading towards Kangaroo Island, spend a couple of days exploring Adelaide. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, incredible food scene, beautiful parklands and easy-to-navigate city centre, Adelaide is the perfect place to begin your South Australian adventure.
Where to stay: Levi Adelaide Holiday Park
Located just minutes from the city, Levi Adelaide Holiday Park is an excellent base for motorhomes, caravans and campers. One of its biggest advantages is the convenient bus service into the CBD, allowing you to explore the city without worrying about parking.
Best Things to Do in adelaide
Catch the bus into Adelaide's CBD.
Explore Rundle Mall and Adelaide Arcade.
Wander through the Adelaide Central Market.
Walk along the River Torrens.
Visit the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
Best Places to Eat in adelaide
Adelaide has one of Australia's best food scenes, with everything from bustling markets and cafés to rooftop bars and award-winning restaurants.
Some of our favourite places include:
Sambo's Café – If you're looking for an incredible breakfast or brunch, Sambo's quickly became one of our favourites. The food is fresh, beautifully presented, and well worth the visit before a day of exploring the city.
Adelaide Central Market – A must-visit for fresh local produce, artisan cheeses, baked goods, coffee, and cuisines from around the world.
Peel Street – One of Adelaide's most popular dining streets, packed with excellent restaurants and bars.
Leigh Street – Another fantastic laneway full of great cafés, wine bars, and restaurants.
Rundle Street – Home to some of Adelaide's best cafés, dessert bars, and casual dining options, all within walking distance of Rundle Mall.
2. McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu Peninsula
Rapid Bay Road, Second Valley
Located around 45km south of Adelaide (approximately a 45-minute drive), McLaren Vale is one of Australia's premier wine regions, home to more than 80 cellar doors, award-winning wineries, and incredible local produce. While it's best known for its world-class Shiraz and relaxed vineyard experiences, some of South Australia's most spectacular beaches and coastal lookouts are only minutes away, making it the perfect blend of food, wine, and coastal adventure.
Best Things to Do in mclaren vale
Visit one (or several) of McLaren Vale's renowned cellar doors and enjoy a wine tasting.
Sellicks Beach – One of the few beaches in Australia where you can drive your 2WD and 4WD directly onto the sand.
Port Willunga Jetty & Caves – Explore the historic jetty remains and the famous caves beneath the cliffs.
Blanche Point – Dramatic limestone cliffs with incredible coastal views.
Canyon Lookout – One of the best viewpoints overlooking the Fleurieu coastline… absolutely spectacular!
Best Places to Eat in mclaren vale
McLaren Vale is home to dozens of cellar doors, award-winning restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and cafés. Whether you're enjoying a long lunch overlooking the vineyards, tasting locally produced wines, or sampling fresh regional produce, it's one of Australia's best food and wine destinations.
3. Victor Harbor – A Classic South Australian Coastal Town
Located around 85km from McLaren Vale (approximately a 1-hour drive), Victor Harbor is one of South Australia's most popular seaside destinations and the perfect stop before catching the ferry to Kangaroo Island.
Where to stay: Victor Harbor Holiday Park
Located close to both the beach and town centre, Victor Harbor Holiday Park is a fantastic base for exploring the Fleurieu Coast.
Best Things to Do in victor harbour
Big Duck Boat Tours – One of our favourite experiences in Victor Harbor. This 45-minute ocean adventure cruises past Granite Island, where you'll have the chance to spot Australian sea lions, long-nosed fur seals, dolphins, and seabirds while learning about the local coastline. Book your tour here →Seal island Tour
Granite Island Horse Drawn Tram – Ride Australia's only horse-drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island before exploring the island on foot. It's a unique piece of South Australian history and a must-do while visiting Victor Harbor.
Book your experience here and day tour here →Fleurieu Peninsula Journey tourGranite Island Recreation Park – Walk the 1.5km Kaiki Trail while keeping an eye out for little penguins, long-nosed fur seals, and migrating southern right whales during winter.
Explore the Victor Harbor Esplanade – Wander along the foreshore, browse boutique shops, grab an ice cream, and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Take a Day Trip to Rapid Bay – If you haven't already explored Rapid Bay during your time in McLaren Vale, it's an easy and worthwhile day trip from Victor Harbor.
More Tours & Experiences in Victor Harbour
Looking for more things to do while you're in Victor Harbor? We've linked some of our favourite experiences below:
More Big Duck Boat Tours → Whale Watching Tour
Victor Harbor/Fleurieu Peninsula Tour → Victor Harbor and Fleurieu Peninsula Tour
Best Places to Eat in victor harbour
Victor Harbor offers plenty of great cafés, bakeries, seafood restaurants, and waterfront pubs, making it an excellent place to relax before continuing your journey.
Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island
From Victor Harbor, continue south to Cape Jervis, where you'll board the 45-minute SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island.
If you're travelling with a motorhome or caravan, arrive early for check-in and allow staff to guide you during boarding. The crossing is straightforward, and you can purchase food and drink on board.
4. Kangaroo Island – One of Australia's Best Wildlife Destinations
East Coast - penneshaw
The east coast is where your Kangaroo Island adventure begins after arriving on the ferry. It's the perfect introduction to the island, offering beautiful beaches, local produce, and plenty of wildlife.
Best Things to Do
Visit Penneshaw and enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Walks the steps up to Project Hill Lookout
Visit local wineries, breweries, and farm gates showcasing Kangaroo Island's famous produce.
Keep an eye out for koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, and abundant birdlife along the island's quiet roads.West End – Flinders Chase National Park
2. North Coast – Stokes & Emu Bay
Frequently voted one of Australia's best beaches, Stokes Bay is famous for its hidden entrance through a narrow rock passage. Once you emerge, you'll discover calm turquoise water, soft white sand, and one of the most beautiful beaches on Kangaroo Island.
Best Things to Do
Walk through the hidden cave entrance.
Swim in the protected bay.
Explore the surrounding rock pools.
Watch the sunset over the coastline.
3. West End – Flinders Chase National Park
Cape Du Couedic Road, Flinders Chase National Park
Flinders Chase National Park is one of Kangaroo Island's most iconic attractions and home to some of South Australia's most spectacular natural landscapes. Possibly our favourite NP yet! While much of the park was devastated during the 2019–2020 summer bushfires, it's incredible to see how the area has recovered. New vegetation now carpets the landscape, wildlife has returned, and visiting the park is a powerful reminder of nature's resilience.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks Kangaroo Island
This was one of our favourite stays in South Australia! Set amongst native bushland, the park is home to a huge amount of wildlife, with kangaroos grazing around the campground and koalas literally just metres from your site! It’s incredible! It’s the perfect base for exploring the Flinders Chase National Park on the west side of the island.
Best Things to Do
Drive along Cape du Couedic Road, one of the most scenic roads on Kangaroo Island, winding through regenerating bushland with regular sightings of kangaroos, echidnas, and koalas.
Cape du Couedic Lighthouse – Visit the historic lighthouse perched dramatically above the Southern Ocean and take in sweeping coastal views.
Remarkable Rocks – Incredible granite boulders sculpted by wind and waves over millions of years.
Admirals Arch – Walk beneath the impressive natural arch while watching hundreds long-nosed fur seals playing below!
Heritage Walk – Learn about the area's fascinating history and unique geology.
Platypus Watehole walk -
Check out the visitor centre and note National park entry is approximately $15 per person.
4. South Coast – Seal Bay & Vivonne bay
The south coast of Kangaroo Island is home to some of the island's most memorable wildlife encounters and stunning beaches.
Where to stay: Ecopia Retreat
If you're looking for something truly special, Ecopia Retreat is one of the most unique stays on Kangaroo Island. Hidden within 150 acres of protected bushland, this luxury off-grid retreat is set within a private wildlife sanctuary where kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and abundant birdlife regularly wander past your villa, creating an unforgettable nature experience! Couldn’t recommend more! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best Things to Do
Seal Bay Conservation Park – One of the only places in the world where you can walk amongst a wild colony of endangered Australian sea lions on a guided ranger tour.
Seal Bay Boardwalk & Lookout – If you don't want to join the guided tour, the self-guided boardwalk and viewing platforms still offer fantastic views over the beach and sea lion colony.
Vivonne Bay – Frequently ranked as one of Australia's most beautiful beaches, Vivonne Bay is the perfect place for a walk along the sand, a picnic, or simply soaking up the spectacular coastal scenery.
Seal Bay Conservation Park, Seal Bay
Best Places to Eat on kangaroo island
Kangaroo Island is a food lover's paradise, known for its fresh seafood, artisan produce, local honey, award-winning wines, and farm-to-table dining. These were some of our favourite places to visit during our trip:
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery – Stop in for lunch, coffee, or homemade treats while learning about Kangaroo Island's unique eucalyptus oil industry.
Clifford's Honey Farm – One of the island's most iconic stops, where you can sample pure Ligurian bee honey, honey ice cream, mead, and other local products.
Dudley Wines – One of our favourite wineries on Kangaroo Island, offering incredible wines, wood-fired pizzas, and panoramic coastal views from the clifftop deck.
Emu Bay Lavender Farm – A beautiful stop for coffee, lunch, homemade cakes, lavender scones, and lavender-inspired treats in a peaceful garden setting.
False Cape Wines – A fantastic cellar door for local wines paired with regional produce in a relaxed setting.
Millie Mae's Pantry – A popular café in Penneshaw serving excellent coffee, breakfasts, burgers, and homemade baked goods.
Kangaroo Island Brewery – A great place to sample locally brewed craft beers, often with food trucks and live music.
The Oyster Farm Shop – Pick up some of the freshest oysters on the island, harvested locally and served overlooking the water.
From Adelaide's vibrant streets and the spectacular coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula to the rugged wilderness of Kangaroo Island, this road trip showcases some of South Australia's very best experiences.
Whether you're travelling by motorhome, caravan or car, allow yourself plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the journey. The scenic coastal drives, local food, incredible wildlife and unforgettable landscapes make this one of the best road trips in Australia—and one we'd happily do again.
Hi, we’re Hannah & Sam!
Australian travel content creators and bloggers sharing road trips, destination guides, and real travel experiences across Australia.
As Jayco RV Correspondents, we travel full-time, exploring life on the road and documenting detailed itineraries, hidden gems, and practical tips through our social channels & blog to help you plan your own adventure!
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