Cruises to Kangaroo Island

Australia

Kangaroo Island

Abounding in natural beauty and teeming with native flora and fauna, Kangaroo Island is a nature lover’s dream cruise destination. Located just 15 kilometres from the South Australian mainland, the island is regarded by many as Australia’s “Galápagos”, and with good reason: No other place allows you to walk amongst endangered Australian sea lions, watch kangaroos feed, and catch a glimpse of a shy platypus - all in one day!

Venture into the heart of this incredible wildlife sanctuary on a P&O Shore Tour, which will take you by land or sea to the most beautiful sites on the island. Sample local delicacies on a Kangaroo Island food and wine tour, or wander on foot through Flinders Chase National Park to discover the island’s two most popular landmarks, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Shaped by the ocean, wind, and time, these stunning geological phenomena epitomise the untamed wilderness and beauty of this unmissable island cruise destination.

Explore a wildlife sanctuary without walls

Native wildlife thrives on every part of Kangaroo Island, from the coastlines to the untamed bushland at its centre. Experience all the highlights and major attractions on the Kangaroo Island in a Day Shore Tour, which will take you to Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to a protected colony of Australian Sea Lions. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll observe these intriguing creatures in their natural environment of sand dunes, beaches, and the sea. Then, set off for the island’s unspoiled south coast, a long, crescent shaped beach considered by many as one of the best in Australia.

For a water-based adventure, book the Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari tour and circle the island’s rugged coastline. Calling into Dolphin Cove, Cuttlefish Bay, Kangaroo Head, and Snapper Point, you may encounter pods of bottlenose and common dolphins, or see colonies of New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions resting on the shore. And don’t forget to look to the skies, where you may see seabirds including Wedge-tailed Eagles, Osprey, and mighty Sea Eagles.

Unleash your inner foodie

Fancy yourself a foodie? You’ll fall in love with Kangaroo Island’s local produce, which is a smorgasbord of fresh, organic food including luscious local Ligurian honey, just-caught seafood, and cheese made from sheep’s milk. Eat your way around the island on the Tempting Tasting Trail Shore Tour, which will give you a chance to sample the most delectable local delicacies.

Visit Clifford’s Honey Farm to sample world-famous Ligurian Bee honey, before paying a visit to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and Emu Bay Lavender Farm to whet your appetite on lavender scones and local apple cider. Then, sample the Island’s finest homegrown ales at the Drunken Drone Brewery and cap your day off with a wine tasting at a local clifftop cellar door with sensational views of the coastline.

Find a Kangaroo Island Cruise

P&O Cruises offers a number of departures that call at Kangaroo Island. Cruise from Melbourne on a 4-night One Stop Short Break, 5-night Southern Getaway, or 8-night A Taste of Tasmania to stop in at this unique island sanctuary, or hop aboard the Southern Getaway from Adelaide.

At A Glance


Population

4,417 (2011 census)

Language

English

Government

Democratic

Currency

Australian Dollar

Kangaroo Island Shore Tours


Most Popular

Guest favourites, the most booked Shore Tours at this port

Must See

Our handpicked Shore Tours are a must for any guest.

What To See

P&O Cruises Kangaroo Island

Taste home-grown gourmet

Have a sweet tooth? Kangaroo Island is one of the last places on earth where you’ll find pure Ligurian honey. If you prefer savoury flavours, there’s also delicious local olive oil, smoked fish, sauces, and marinades, as well as cheeses and yoghurts to sink your teeth into. You can also tuck into natural and farmed seasonal oysters, prawns, crayfish, whiting, snapper, and the famous freshwater marron.

Birds of a feather

Head to Raptor Domain to watch amazing inflight displays and get up close and personal with Wedge-tailed Eagles, Kookaburras, Tawny Frogmouths, and more at our interactive shows.

More About Kangaroo Island

Rock formation with coast in the back ground on Kangaroo island

Docking

Your ship will anchor off Penneshaw and you’ll be ferried ashore to Penneshaw Wharf by tender boats, which will provide a regular service throughout the day.

Getting Around

There are no taxis in Penneshaw.

Dining

From lavender scones to smoked oysters and juniper berry infused wine, Kangaroo Island is as famous for its produce as it is for its natural beauty. The island is dotted with artisan produce that you can enjoy from farm gates and cellar doors. Please note that quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products, and sandwiches to be taken off the ship. However, commercially packaged confectionery, chips, and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.

Shopping

Local artists create everything from sterling silver jewellery cast in cuttlefish bone to Red Gum woodwork, sculptures, ceramics, etchings, and more - the list is endless! In short, shopping on the island is a fantastic opportunity to take an original piece home.

Climate

South Australia experiences a variety of climates ranging from desert temperatures in the north to Mediterranean weather along the coast. Very hot weather can be experienced between December and February, but spring and autumn are usually pleasant. Winter is the coolest and wettest season.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted, and ATMs can provide currency to foreign card holders.

Communication

Public telephones are available throughout Kangaroo Island. Mobile coverage is generally available as long as global roaming is selected prior to leaving home (where applicable). Wi-Fi is available at Kingscote Wi-Fi Internet Cafe.

What to Wear Ashore

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, lightweight clothing, and a hat. You’re also advised to bring biodegradable sunscreen and bottled water.

Shore Tours

Our Shore Tours can help you make the most out of your time in Kangaroo Island. Tours can be booked before departure via Cruise Control or onboard at the Shore Tours desk, and are subject to availability.

Environment

Please dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.

Next Cruises To Kangaroo Island

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