3 Day Kangaroo Island Camping Adventure

See Map

Day 1: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Rise bright and early to catch your 6:30 am SeaLink transfer from Adelaide to Cape Jervis. From here, jump on a 45-minute ferry ride across the Backstairs Passage to Penneshaw, where your Untamed Escapes guide will be waiting to welcome you to Kangaroo Island. After a group introduction and trip overview, learn how you can make a difference during your adventure by becoming a citizen scientist and contributing to wildlife conservation and recovery efforts in partnership with Passport to Recovery.

This morning, choose your own wild adventure:

• Optional Experience – Swim with Dolphins or Seals
  Join a two-hour marine safari with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari and dive into crystal-clear waters to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins or long-nosed seals. Guided by passionate marine experts, this is a respectful, awe-inspiring experience that brings you face-to-face with nature at its most playful. Whether an experienced snorkeller or a first-timer, it’s an unforgettable splash of adventure. (See more in Optional Extras below.)
• Not snorkelling?
  Set off on the Ironstone Hill hike, weaving through regenerating sheoak woodlands with sweeping coastal views steeped in history. Afterwards, visit a local honey farm to learn about Kangaroo Island’s world-famous Ligurian bees, the only pure strain left on Earth. Enjoy a tasting and a relaxed picnic lunch before heading to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery to discover the secrets behind this iconic Aussie product.

In the afternoon, the group reunites at Dudley Wines, a family-owned vineyard with sweeping ocean views located on the clifftop. Enjoy a wine tasting, kick back on the lawn with incredible ocean views, and toast to the start of your island adventure.

By late afternoon, we arrive at our eco-campsite, aptly named Happiness. Tucked into native bushland with private access to stunning Antechamber Bay, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Walk to the beach, watch the sun dip low, and soak in the serenity.

Tonight, roll out your swag under the stars and fall asleep to the sounds of nature—pure, untamed magic.

Accommodation: Swag camping with amenities at our private campground, Happiness
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approx. 280 km

Day 2: Kangaroo Island

After breakfast, it’s time to kick off the day with one of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic wildlife encounters. At Seal Bay, join a guided 45-minute tour with National Parks & Wildlife rangers and get up close with Australia’s third-largest colony of endangered sea lions—around 800 call this place home. Wander the boardwalk through coastal dunes, spotting sea lions snoozing in the sun, sprawled across the beach, or even lying right across the path. Learn about the species’ fight for survival and the conservation efforts helping to protect them.

Next up: an island icon. We head west to Flinders Chase National Park, a wild wonderland of rugged cliffs, native bush, and jaw-dropping rock formations. Stroll the boardwalk at Admirals Arch, keeping an eye out for New Zealand fur seals lounging below. Then prepare to be wowed by the legendary Remarkable Rocks—500 million years in the making and as photogenic as they come.

After a full day of wild beauty and epic sights, we roll back to camp for a chilled evening. Take some time to relax, swap stories with your travel mates, or wander down to the beach before dinner under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Swag camping with amenities at our private campground, Happiness
Distance Travelled: Approx. 350 km

Day 3: Kangaroo Island to Adelaide

Kick off the final day with a refreshing morning bush walk near camp before packing up and hitting the road. First stop is Cape Willoughby, home to South Australia’s first lighthouse. Perched above dramatic cliffs, it offers sweeping views and stories from Kangaroo Island’s rich maritime past.

Next up is Pennington Bay, where powerful swells crash against the southern coastline. From here, tackle the 500 steps up to Prospect Hill, one of the island’s highest vantage points. The panoramic views are absolutely worth the effort.

Afterwards, at Kingscote Jetty, there’s time for a refreshing swim if you’re keen before we head inland to Duck Lagoon. A peaceful spot surrounded by bushland and known for its laid-back vibe and koala sightings.

By lunchtime, we roll into Stokes Bay, a local favourite with a hidden rock tunnel leading to a seriously stunning beach. Enjoy a picnic lunch and take some time to unwind on the sand.

Before we wrap, we make one last stop at Emu Bay, voted Australia’s best beach! With its long stretch of white sand and clear blue water, it’s the perfect spot for a stroll, a quick dip, and a meaningful beach clean-up to help keep this pristine coastline wild and beautiful.

After an unforgettable few days, we arrive back in Penneshaw to catch the 5:30 pm ferry to Cape Jervis. From there, your bus connection will have you back in Adelaide by around 9:00 pm. A little salty, a lot inspired, and glowing from three days of island adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance Travelled: Approx. 340 km

See Map

GENERAL

• A moderate fitness level is required, and you need to be prepared for walks between 2-5 kilometres on some days. This may involve rough ground and perhaps getting wet. 
• Please advise of any special dietary requirements when you book. We offer plenty of variety and do our best to provide fresh products. Snacks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included.
• Bags are restricted to 1 × 15 kg backpack/soft travel bag per person, plus one small piece of hand luggage.
• As part of our COVID-Safe protocols, all passengers must complete online check-in, including a ‘Fit for Travel’ self-declaration to confirm they are free from illness. This is mandatory and must be completed at the latest 24 hours before departure.
• This tour requires a minimum of eight people to operate. In the unlikely event your departure is cancelled because minimum numbers have not been met, we will transfer all monies paid onto a future departure date. If this is not suitable, we will refund your tour price in full.

ACCOMMODATION & CAMPING 

• Accommodation is at Pelican Lagoon Lodge. Here you can roll out your swag and camp under the stars in their camping area. Or choose to upgrade to a four-share dorm with shared facilities for two nights at an extra cost of $50 per person. You can add this to your cart on check out.
• Those camping will also have access to the lodge kitchen, bathroom and lounge facilities.
• In wet weather, all passengers will be upgraded to the lodge at no extra cost. If you paid the $50 upgrade fee when booking, this will be refunded to you. This will be the decision of the Guide.
• Planning for our eco-campground is underway, and it will hopefully be ready for guests in 2024. This purpose-built site nestled in lush bushland will feature swag huts, a camp kitchen, firepits, toilets and showers. Therefore the upgrade will only be available until March 2024, as the new site will not have accommodation.
• When camping, we use single swags. Swags are ‘Aussie Bed Rolls’ made from sturdy canvas with a mattress built into the swag. Passengers must provide a sleeping bag and pillow to insert into the swag.
• This is a camping tour, and involvement from the passengers is required. This can include helping with meals and packing up camp.

ITINERARY CHANGES

• Weather conditions in Australia can change quickly, and our experienced guides will always put the safety of our passengers first and stay abreast of weather conditions. 
• Itinerary changes may occur to ensure we provide the best possible experience. For example, if wet or cold, your Guide may change the beach and outdoor activities on Day 1 with indoor food and wine experiences such as visiting the Lavender Farm, Island Beehive for honey tasting and False Cape Wine for wine tasting. Any itinerary changes will be communicated to the group in advance.

Camera supplies on Kangaroo Island are limited. Bring plenty of spare batteries for your camera or video recorder, sunscreen, sun hat, comfortable walking shoes and casual/comfortable clothes also a warm top and a rain jacket can be required any time of year. Do not forget personal medication.

Luggage Limits: Luggage limits are 15kg per person as touring is in small 4WDs. This will require ‘packing down’ to one smaller bag per person. When this is necessary, excess luggage can be stored at your Adelaide accommodation.

• Accommodation – 2 nights swag camping with facilities
• Return ferry from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island 
• Return SeaLink bus connection from Adelaide to Cape Jervis 
• All activities and experiences 
• Wine and honey tasting
• Meals as listed (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners)
• All National Park and entrance fees 
• Storyteller Guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle

Preparing for the trip

Private tours and families

Booking the trip

Who travels with us

Cost and Fees

Whilst on tour