5 must-visit beaches on Kangaroo Island

5 of the best beaches on Kangaroo Island

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches on Kangaroo Island. Boasting more than 500 kilometres of coastline, you'll find everything from the whitest of white sandy beaches to awesome surf breaks on this beautiful island.

Finding a great beach is as easy as making your way over - whether you're flying or arriving by ferry, there'll be an array of stunning beaches just waiting for you to kick off your shoes and roll out your towel. Surf's up!

1. Stokes Bay

This little gem of a spot is Stokes Bay and is officially the best beach in Australia, according to Tourism Australia. After pulling up in the carpark, you’ll weave through a little labyrinth of caves before emerging onto some of the whitest sand and clearest water in Australia. On Kangaroo Island, it's easy to jump from one picture-perfect cove to the next without running into anyone. If you’re lucky, you might even get the entire beach to yourself!

2. Vivonne Bay

Vivonne Bay was once voted as Australia’s best beach. This six-kilometre-long U-shaped bay is postcard-perfect. Here, white sandy shores meet gently lapping waves, perfect for wading waist deep. With a jetty framing the south-end and distant dunes in the north, it’s a great excuse to slip away for the day without another soul in sight.

3. Emu Bay

The best way to describe the long, white sandy beach of Emu Bay is simply beautiful. This gorgeous stretch of sand and surf is protected from the elements; if it's windy in Kingscote, just slide around to Emu Bay, finding conditions calm, clear and gorgeous. No need to worry about parking either, as you can drive on the beach then immediately plonk yourself on the sand.

4. Snelling Beach

Snelling Beach on Kangaroo Island isn’t the kind of place you rush. It’s where kids kick around in the shallows until their fingers wrinkle and the esky never quite gets unpacked because no one’s staying out of the water long enough to eat.

The waves roll in easy near the shore, while further out, the surf draws in locals with boards under arm. Middle River winds across the sand at the northern end, carving paths perfect for paddling. It’s a beach that doesn’t need much—just a towel, a snack and the whole afternoon ahead of you.

5. Pennington Bay

On the southern coast of Kangaroo Island you'll find Pennington Bay. This watery oasis is the haunt of surfers, as strong swells make for perfect wave-riding conditions, while the surrounding bushland is perfect for keen bushwalkers or photographers. Keep your eyes peeled for underwater wildlife - dolphins and whales can often be spotted playing in the distance!

Bonus Beaches

But wait, there’s even more. Of course, these are just five of Kangaroo Island’s many fantastic beaches. Other favourites include:

Antechamber Bay: A gorgeous and very private stretch of beach.

Penneshaw Beach: Very close to everything and with clear, crisp water. A great beach to spot dolphins.

Hanson Bay: Not only beautiful but often you'll have the entire beach to yourself.

Western River Cove: Ringed by steep headlands and boasting gleaming white sands and azure water. 

Looking for more amazing beaches beyond Kangaroo Island? Check out our 5 best beaches on the Yorke Peninsula, on the Eyre Peninsula, on the Limestone Coast, on the Fleurieu Peninsula and in Adelaide.