Exploring Kangaroo Island off the beaten track

There are so many iconic places to visit on Kangaroo Island, but what about if you want to head somewhere a little off the beaten track?

• Blend some Gin

  Head to KI Spirits, where you can sit down for a gin tasting or blend your own gin!

  Founded in 2002, owners Jon and Sarah Lark set out to establish Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery. Since then, the distillery has blossomed, producing a full range of high-quality Australian gins. Their O’Gin is infused with a daisy native to Kangaroo Island and won Best Contemporary Gin at the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2019.

  Pop in for a tasting or sit down and craft your very own bottle of gin. You’ll work with experienced distillers to blend a range of traditional and native botanicals, plus you get a 200ml bottle of it to take home!

• Emu Bay Lavender

  Emu Bay Lavender began as a small lavender garden in 2001. Since then it’s blossomed to grow over 7500 plants across twelve varieties. The farm hand-harvests all year round, and all their products are handmade on site.

  Head into their café and indulge in lavender inspired food and drink and learn about the medicinal and culinary properties of this fascinating plant. Get yourself some lavender essential oil, or one of the many handmade therapeutic products on offer. While you’re there, learn all about growing techniques, the benefits of hand-harvesting and the production of lavender products – did you know it takes 100kg of dried lavender to make just 1kg of oil!

• Quad Bike at Vivonne Bay 

  What better way to get your adrenaline pumping and see the sites than by joining a quad bike tour of Vivonne Bay. Whether you’re an experienced quad biker or never sat on one before tours can be tailored to your preferred speed and ability level!

  Head through inland forests, darting across trails while surrounded by natural wonders. You’ll journey through 500 acres of bushland, stopping along the way as the guide tells you about native wildlife and teaches you about this unique island. Quad biking is the perfect way to surround yourself with beautiful scenery while experiencing the rush of a quad.

• Go for a hike

  Flinders Chase National Park has a variety of hikes available for a range of fitness and experience levels. The Hanson Bay Hike is a full day return hike. It meanders through the park from woodlands to the Grassdale Lagoon. Listen for birds fluttering through the treetops and see your reflection in the perfectly still water. After stopping to enjoy the view and soak in the nature surrounding you, continue past the river, heading to the ocean and sand dunes. As you reach the bay, you can see the stunning turquoise water disappearing into the horizon. Continue down to the beach and rest for a while, having a dip in the clear water and sinking your feet into the beautiful white sand.

Kangaroo Island has so much on offer, so when you’ve seen everything that enticed you to visit the island, why not try one of these awesome activities too!

Related article: Why You Should Visit Kangaroo Island in Winter?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.