Best Beaches on Kangaroo Island: Where to Go & Why

On Kangaroo Island, the beaches speak for themselves. They just stretch, shimmer, and stay blissfully empty year-round (especially those outside of towns). Got some escapism creeping in? Here’s a few Kangaroo Island beaches worth getting sand between your toes for.

Kangaroo Island Beaches You’ll Never Need to Share

Let’s be honest, on Kangaroo Island, you’ll never have to fight for towel space. This isn’t the Mediterranean in August.

You could pull up to a beach in the middle of summer and still have a whole kilometre of sand to yourself. That’s part of the magic.

Kangaroo Island is huge; more than 500 kilometres of coastline, and most of it spectacularly empty. Some beaches are calm and family-friendly, while some are wild and dramatic, and others so hidden you’ll wonder how you even managed to find them.

A few, like Stokes Bay, have even been named the best in Australia, while others are known only to locals who prefer to keep them that way.

Best Beaches on Kangaroo Island

From tucked-away coves for cool dips to long, windswept stretches that feel wild and untouched, these are the beaches that show off the best of Kangaroo Island.

1. Stokes Bay

On the island’s north coast near Lathami Conservation Park, Stokes Bay doesn’t look like much until you get a little closer. All you’ll see is a stretch of rocks and scrub from the car park.

But follow the narrow path through towering boulders and you’ll suddenly emerge out onto one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. It’s like nature’s way of doing a speakeasy.

A natural rock pool shelters a calm lagoon that’s perfect for swimming, especially for families. The water is crystal clear, and in summer, lifeguards also patrol the area.

Unlike some of the wilder beaches on Kangaroo Island, there are some great facilities nearby, making this an ideal spot for families. There’s a small café (The Rockpool Cafe) just back from the sand, as well as seating space for picnics and barbecues.

Stokes Bay is the kind of place that feels like a secret find, even when you know it’s kind of famous. Sure, there’ll be a few people here in summer, but there’s enough space for everyone.

2. Vivonne Bay

Vivonne Bay was designed for the perfect beach day. This super long beach on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island is wide and bright, and the water, impossibly blue. The sand stretches for kilometres and even in peak season, it never feels busy.

And the real charm of Vivonne Bay lies in its sense of wildness. In comparison to other famous beaches on the island, this one has relatively fewer facilities. Don’t expect ice cream, and if you want coffee, you might want to bring your own.

On calm days, Vivonne Bay it’s ideal for swimming or floating for hours. But when the swell picks up, surfers head to the eastern end to chase waves.

Take a stroll along the beach and you’ll find an old jetty that gives this spot a bit of extra character (and a good spot to fish). You’ll also spot some barbecues and shady spots by the campground if you want to linger longer.

Seal Bay is just down the road, but honestly, once you land here, you might not want to move.

3. Emu Bay

Perfect Emu Bay has that easygoing, local feel that makes everyone want to stay longer than planned. Located in an easy to get to prime location in the north east of the island, it’s a popular choice for those staying in Kingscote or visiting the nearby winery.

One of the few beaches on Kangaroo Island where you can drive right onto the sand, it is perfect for beach picnics, fishing, or just setting up your spot for the day.

The four kilometres of white sand and shoreline are calm and shallow; great for swimming, paddling, and families with kids. At one end sits a classic timber jetty, nice for a wander and even better for a photo.

At Emu Bay, there’s a small community around the bay with holiday homes and a relaxed pace, plus the Emu Bay Lavender Farm just a few minutes inland for coffee, scones, or lavender ice cream. Only fifteen minutes from Kingscote, it’s an easy spot to slip into island life and watch the sun drop over the water.

4. Snelling Beach

On the island’s north coast, not far from Stokes Bay, Snelling Beach stretches between soft hills. With the height of the land behind it, it feels protected and framed by the beautiful nature of Kangaroo Island.

The Middle River meets the ocean at the western end, forming a shallow lagoon that shifts from clear blue to deep jade through the day.

There aren’t many facilities here, only a few holiday homes overlooking the water, which gives it a feeling untouched charm. However, not far away, you could drop into The Fig Tree nearby, for a very special Mediterranean lunch under an ancient fig tree.

Bring a picnic, a good towel, and plenty of time to do not much at all. Plus, if you feel like bringing you car onto the sand, you could do that too.

Snelling Beach is popular with locals for fishing and surfing, plus the wide sand makes it easy to find a quiet spot year-round.

5. Bales Beach

A few minutes’ drive from Seal Bay Conservation Park and about 45 minutes from Kingscote is Bales Beach. Sat on the island’s southern coast, it’s part of the Seal Bay Aquatic Reserve, which helps to keep the water super clean and the coastline untamed.

The beach itself is wide and open, edged by dunes and a soft slope into clear, turquoise water. Having said that, at the eastern end you’ll find low limestone headlands and some beautiful sculpted rock formations that create pockets of rock pools at lower tides.

On calm days Bales Beach is beautiful for swimming or snorkelling, and you might spot sea lions basking on the rocks or dolphins cruising past the break.

Keep in mind that there are no facilities here; no café, no toilets, no crowds. So if you plan to visit for a while, bring your own supplies and enjoy the feeling of isolation.

Kangaroo Island is wild at heart, and this is one of those spots that really reveals that. All you have here are the sounds of the wind, waves, and occasional sea bird.

6. Pennington Bay

Due to its prime location between Kingscote and American River, Pennington Bay is a favourite for visitors. And if you happen to be exploring the island from your car window, you’ll definitely need to pull over and walk around the moment it comes into view.

The road here winds down to a dramatic stretch of white sand framed by dunes and cliffs, with surf that rolls in strong and steady.

So naturally, this is one of the island’s best spots for experienced surfers. But other than that, photographers, plus anyone who loves a wild coastal walk will fall in love with the views. The lookout above the bay is perfect for panoramic shots of the turquoise water and curved shoreline, especially in early morning light.

Pennington Bay is raw, powerful, and unforgettable. On windy days, the waves thunder against the rocks, but when it’s calm, you’ll find small rock pools at either end.

Please note that there’s a public bathroom here, but other than that, no facilities.

7. Western River Cove

On the remote north-west coast, Western River Cove is one of Kangaroo Island’s most unique and spectacular beaches.

The drive down winds through steep hills and native bush before revealing a curve of white sand where the river flows into the sea. And that’s what makes this spot particularly interesting. The water is clear and calm inside the river mouth, perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while the open ocean just beyond brings deeper blues and gentle surf.

Just at the top of the hill, you’ll find a small campground and picnic area that sit just back from the beach. So if you’re visiting for the day with a family it’s pretty ideal. You could absolutely spend the day here.

Surrounded by cliffs and birdlife, Western River Cove feels wild and cinematic, and with its diverse features, the kids will enjoy the adventure and discovery of it.

8. Antechamber Bay

The eastern side of Kangaroo Island, not far from Penneshaw, is home to Antechamber Bay. Stretching for kilometres, it’s a family-friendly and somewhat simply beautiful beach.

Antechamber is part of Lashmar Conservation Park, so the area is beautifully undeveloped and full of native wildlife.

The Chapman River flows into the bay here, creating a calm lagoon that’s ideal for kayaking or a quiet swim, while the main beach offers long, easy walks and safe swimming when conditions are calm.

There are a couple of basic campgrounds nearby with picnic areas and plenty of shade, plus, Penneshaw’s cafés and ferry terminal are only a short drive away.

For that reason, it’s an ideal first or last stop on the island; peaceful, open, and close enough to feel like a secret you stumble on by accident.

Where to Stay On Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island has witnessed some exciting developments in recent years, and the newest of those are the Luxury Villas at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge. 

This brand new, spacious and luxury accommodation, offers panoramic views over Eastern Cove. Each villa features a king bed, large smart TV, air conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchenette with a full-size fridge and cutlery.

Guests can enjoy the added comfort of a Nespresso coffee machine, Bluetooth speaker, outdoor patio, and relaxed modern furnishings.

Designed for privacy and positioned in a quiet, peaceful location, these villas are ideal for couples seeking a truly indulgent escape.

Be amongst the first to stay!