Seeing kangaroos and koalas on Kangaroo Island? (Australia)

Hi everyone, we're heading to Australia next month. We have 7 days to go from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road. Should we visit Kangaroo Island or not? We can't decide! Thanks for your advice.

We really want to see kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat.

Hi there, I traveled the Great Ocean Road in April 2016 from Melbourne to Adelaide by bike. I left Melbourne by taking the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff, south of Port Phillip Bay. After Torquay, make sure to stop by Bells Beach, a famous surf spot, or follow the coast (there’s a stunning pedestrian and bike path) – it’s a real treat for the eyes. You’ll then enter the G.O.R. I saw my first koalas between Lorne and Apollo Bay near Kenett River (stop at the Koala Café and take a walk around – there are koalas and kookaburras there). Don’t miss the Twelve Apostles, even though it’s pretty crowded in my opinion. After Port Campbell, there are plenty of interesting sites. I’d highlight The Arch, London Bridge, The Grotto, and the bays Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, and Worm Bay. A quick stop at Allansford’s Cheese & Wine dairy is a nice treat... Warrnambool and Port Fairy have some beautiful coastlines... In Portland, take a detour to Cape Nelson... In Mount Gambier, if you’re looking for a unique place to stay, check out "The Old Mount Gambier Gaol," an old prison... From Tailem Bend, I headed toward Port Elliot. On this route, you’ll cross vast vineyards and follow Lake Alexandrina (pelicans, turtles). In Victor Harbor, take the time to walk on Granite Island. I spent 3 days on Kangaroo Island with an organized tour (I don’t have the details) and saw koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and sea lions – they were all there! I remember staying at Vivonne Lodge and seeing tons of koalas in the eucalyptus trees at dusk and dawn. On K.I., don’t miss Hanson Bay, Remarkable Rocks, and Admiral Arch... It’s hard to put myself in other travelers’ shoes, but for me, Kangaroo Island was worth the detour. In April 2016, it was peaceful, with few tourists, and I loved that relaxed vibe. I actually regret not spending 5 or 6 days there – and bringing my bike. I can’t say if September is a good time to visit! Either way, the Melbourne to Adelaide route via Kangaroo Island is a fantastic memory. In 7 days, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy... Safe travels! A few pictures to dream a little... Pierre

Hi there,

Yes, you should go to KI. However, if it's just to see kangaroos or koalas, the trip might seem quite expensive even though there are plenty of them.

At the GOR, you'll see kangaroos mostly along the road, especially at night... when you should avoid driving. You'll see a lot of them dead, hit by cars at night, on the side of the roads. But don't worry, there are plenty of live ones too. The koala mecca is in Otway National Park, where they're absolutely everywhere.

Thanks so much for all this great info!

Thanks for your cooperation.

Hi, thanks for replying. We’ll weigh the pros and cons based on our priorities.

Happy to help, don't hesitate. If I can assist...

Don’t hesitate to visit K.I. – we’ve been there twice, a week each time (in a rental house), and it always felt too short! The longer you stay, the more you’ll see because you have time to really look around.

It’s not just koalas and kangaroos—there are other animals, stunning landscapes, walks, and more. For me, it’s one of the must-visit spots in Australia.

Thanks for replying.

hi We’ll be in Adelaide from February 24 to March 4 and we’d like to spend 3 days and 2 nights on Kangaroo Island. We always travel with simple accommodations. Any tips you can give us? Thanks in advance

hi We’ll be in Adelaide from February 24 to March 4 and we want to spend 3 days and two nights on Kangaroo Island. We always travel with simple accommodations. Any tips you can give us? Thanks in advance

Discovery Parks Flinders Chase 7928 South Coast Road, Karatta, Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase, 5223

Camping with bungalows, koalas, and kangaroos galore every evening right on your terrace!

Book your ferry tickets quickly—it gets busy!

Be aware, KI was completely burned in 2020, and that’s really changed the wildlife and vegetation scene.