Departing from Adelaide, a day trip to Kangaroo Island to meet sea lions on white sands and experience the island's gentle charm.
Starting early in the morning from Adelaide, the sky was tinged with a soft peach hue. We headed along the southern scenic route towards Cape Jervis, ready to board the SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island. Along the way, the typical South Australian pastures and rolling hills outside the car window gradually set the tone for a relaxed day ahead.
🚢 SeaLink Ferry: The journey begins with the sea breeze
Upon reaching the terminal, we drove our car directly onto the ferry, and the entire process was incredibly smooth. The voyage took about 45 minutes, with the sea so calm it resembled a glass surface. Occasionally, seabirds flew overhead, as if welcoming us to the island. Arriving at Penneshaw, you could truly feel the "escape from the city" atmosphere—cleaner and purer air.
🦘 First Stop: Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
Our first destination was the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. Kangaroos hopped leisurely at our feet, and we even got to feed them by hand. Some were lazy, others curious, and being up close, it suddenly made sense why Australians often feature kangaroos as their icons—they are truly charismatic and full of personality.
🦭 Second Stop: Seal Bay — The Kingdom of Sea Lions on White Sands
Next, we headed to the most anticipated spot on Kangaroo Island: Seal Bay Conservation Park. Despite its name, Seal Bay, the island is actually home to Australian Sea Lions. While the name includes "Seal," what you’ll see are not seals but sea lions with external ear flaps, capable of standing upright on their forelimbs, and adorably clumsy movements.
Walking to the edge of the soft white sandy beach, the scene was breathtakingly beautiful, like a slow-motion movie. Most sea lions were sprawled out on the sand, sound asleep, while a few played, tumbled, and chased each other by the shore. Some stretched lazily, shook off water, or clumsily bumped into each other. Their goofy and endearing antics were so natural and free, making it hard to look away.
This is one of the few remaining habitats for sea lions in the world, and being able to see them up close is one of Kangaroo Island’s most precious experiences.
🍽 Lunch: Simple, Comfortable, with a Touch of Sea Breeze
After leaving Seal Bay, we had a light meal at a nearby town café. Fish and chips, sandwiches, and hot coffee—simple flavors, but with the island’s sunshine and sea breeze, everything tasted better.
🌅 Return Journey: A Golden Sea on the Ferry
In the evening, we took the SeaLink ferry back to the mainland. The sunset turned the entire sea into a golden hue, providing a perfect ending to our day trip. At that moment, it truly felt like even a short day could completely relax the mind.
🚏 Adelaide to Kangaroo Island Travel Guide
Route Overview: Drive approximately 110 km from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, taking about 1.5–2 hours.
Ferry Information: The SeaLink ferry takes about 45 minutes to reach Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. The ferry accommodates cars and walk-on passengers. It’s recommended to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to check in.
Island Transportation: Public transport is limited. There are shuttle buses from Penneshaw to the main town of Kingscote, but services are infrequent.
Kangaroo Island offers a natural way to rediscover Australia:
Kangaroos hopping leisurely at your feet
Sea lions adorably tumbling on white sands
The gentle sea breeze and golden sunsets on the ferry
The unique tranquility and rhythm of the island
If you’re looking for a place to slow down, Kangaroo Island is the answer.