Autumn events: Kangaroo Island

Top: Sam Dugmore of The Latebloomers will appear at the 2022 Kangaroo Island Fringe Festival. Photo by Juha Vanhakartano. Bottom: Partake in a G&T at Kangaroo Island Spirits, or a delicious platter at False Cape Wines on the Sights and Gourmet Delights tour.

Autumn on Kangaroo Island

It’s no secret, Kangaroo Island (KI) is one of South Australia’s most popular travel destinations. But what makes this southern escape so one-of-a-kind? With exquisite, dense bushland and serene, tranquil beaches, there’s a sense of untamed, ecological magic in KI’s air.

It’s a place that replenishes body and soul with its many natural and human-made wonders.

Whether you’re in search of a peaceful couple’s getaway, or an adventure for the whole family, there’s a beach, cellar door or national park to please every traveller. Here’s some of the best autumn experiences Kangaroo Island has to offer.

Sights and Gourmet Delights tour

Ready your tastebuds and bring the camera, Kangaroo Island Odyssey’s new tour will guide you through the best eateries and the most picturesque locations you can imagine. Over two days and one night, a local guide will take you on a personalised journey to meet the KI locals. See koalas, kangaroos, sea lions and native birds rest in their natural habitats alongside the stunning views of Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and much more. With a minimum of two people per tour, you’re able to create your own experience and get to know your guide as you explore not only the natural sights, but also the epicurean delights of False Cape Wines Cellar door, Kangaroo Island Spirits for a gin sampling and The Oyster Farm for tastings and a demonstration. Relax for the night at the stunning Aurora Ozone Hotel and let KI work its magic.

Kangaroo Island Fringe Festival

Back for another year and ready to impress, the Kangaroo Island Fringe Festival will be rolling into The Shearing Shed at Eleanor Downs, among wide open paddocks, gum trees and open skies. This event brings the best acts to the Island, with music, theatre, comedy and circus acts ready to dazzle young and old. It’s a oneof-a-kind experience to see classic Fringe acts inside the refurbished shearing shed which overlooks the farm’s sprawling paddocks in the heart of KI. From 4 pm to 11 pm on March 26, enjoy a vast array of entertainment while you munch on local food and sip on local beer and wine. Bring the kids to enjoy workshops and market stalls while you indulge.

If you are taking a self-guided tour – here’s some of our favourite stops. To eat and drink: Cactus in Kingscote or cruise the Cygnet River Artisan Trail. To stay: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge. To see: As much of Flinders Chase as you can fit in and Stokes Bay for the beauty of this hidden wild bay.