Kangaroo Island Facts

Kangaroo Island Facts
Facts about Australia's third-largest island

Kangaroo Island is an island off the South Australian coast and the third largest island off the Australian coast. The island is pretty impressive close up and boasts intriguing statistics.

Here are some facts on Kangaroo Island.

Where is Kangaroo Island?

Fact: Kangaroo Island is approximately 110km south of Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia.
Fact: Kangaroo Island is approximately the same latitude as Canberra, the capital of Australia.
Fact: Kangaroo Island is seven times the size of Singapore.
Fact: Kangaroo Island is separated from Yorke Peninsula to the north-west by Investigator Strait.
Fact: Kangaroo Island is separated fromm Fleurieu Peninsula to the north-east by Backstairs Passage.

How big is Kangaroo Island?

Fact: Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest island, after Tasmania and Melville Island.
Fact: Kangaroo Island is approximately 4,405 km square (1,701 sq square miles) in area.
Fact: Kangaroo Island has 509 km (318.2 miles) coastline.
Fact: Kangaroo Island is 150 km (93 miles) long, from east to west.
Fact: Kangaroo Island is 57 km (35 miles) at its widest point and is 1 km (0.6 miles) at its narrowest point.
Fact: Kangaroo Island has roughly 1600 km (1000 miles) of sealed and unsealed roads.
Fact: Kangaroo Island has a population of about 4,702 (2016 Census). Population growth has slowed in past years.
Fact: Kangaroo Island’s highest point is Mount McDonnell at 299 metres (981 feet) above sea level.

Kangaroo Island Towns

There are four main towns on Kangaroo Island:

Kingscote: Kingscote is biggest town on the island, about an hours drive from Penneshaw. The only airport on Kangaroo Island is also at Kingscote.
Penneshaw: Penneshaw is at the east of the island, where the ferries arrive.
Parndana: Parndana in the centre of the island and serving the farming community.
American River: American River is a small community that is actually on a bay not a river, between Kingscote and Penneshaw.

Tourist Information

Kangaroo Island Visitor Centre
10 Troubridge Rd, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Telephone: (08) 8553 2657

Tourism Kangaroo Island
PO Box 336VG, Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Telephone (08) 8553 1185

More Great Australian Facts

Map of Kangaroo Island

Explore more with our Kangaroo Island map and find your way around Australia’s third-largest island. Zoom in on the map to discover more.

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Kangaroo Island Experiences

There are plenty of things to experience on Kangaroo Island. Crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, diving, kayaking and surfing while, on land, food safaris, bushwalks and walking tours are some of the best in Australia.

Beaches
Explore the secluded beaches and bays of the Kangaroo Island coastline, an area famous for its beauty and wildlife.

Food + Wine
Experience the tastes and flavours of Kangaroo Island - it's famous cheeses, honey and wines, while enjoying the spectacular landscapes.

Wildlife
Come face to face with some of Kangaroo Island's diverse wildlife. Meet the seals, sit with the kangaroos, and so much more.