Kangaroo Island is the place in South Australia that I most want to visit yet still haven’t. Being an island makes it harder to get to, plus I wasn’t sure how dog-friendly the island would be. After all, the island is famous for its wildlife from kangaroos to seals, and much of it is contained within national parks and nature reserves. However, it’s still possible to visit with a dog. Read on to find out more about visiting Kangaroo Island with a dog…
Requirements to Take Pets to Kangaroo Island
Up until recently, it was a requirement to notify the local council if you were taking a dog to Kangaroo Island. However, while this is no longer required, it is still a requirement to notify the council of any interstate cats visiting the island. (Information on cats within South Australia can be accessed using the Dogs and Cats Online system.)
Details of cats that need to be supplied including dates of visit, breed and gender, desexing status, registration details and microchip number. See the council webpage or send an email to [email protected] for more information. There are restrictions on bringing undesexed cats to the island.
Taking the Ferry to Kangaroo Island with a Dog
The main way to get to Kangaroo Island, especially if you are travelling with pets, is by taking the SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry. This ferry departs from Cape Jervis and takes just 45 minutes to cross to Penneshaw.
Pets are welcome onboard the ferry, with no fee for pets, but it’s requested that you notify a member of staff at the check-in desk. Pets can remain in your vehicle unaccompanied for the crossing. Alternatively, you can take them on a leash or in a carrier to the top deck of the vessel, where there are indoor and outdoor seating areas. Just be warned the stairs are steep!
Note that pets are not allowed on the main deck of the ferry, where a cafe is located, nor in the terminal buildings at either end of the crossing. Further details are provided on the website.
Later in 2025, two new SeaLink ferries will arrive and start operating. These new ferries will have many new features, including a secure pet lounge, an excellent improvement for those travelling with pets.
Dog-Friendly Beaches on Kangaroo Island
Outside of the national parks and conservation parks where dogs are prohibited, there are generally no restrictions on dogs on Kangaroo Island, as per the Kangaroo Island Council Animal Management Plan (see page 17). Dogs are allowed either on-leash or off-leash, as long as they stay under effective control, on other beaches on the island.
The main exception is Penneshaw Beach, with dogs required to be kept on leash on nearly all of the beach between 10am and 6pm during daylight savings time, roughly from October to March. Outside of these times and during the rest of the year, dogs are allowed off-leash but under effective control.
Dog owners are also strongly encouraged to keep dogs on leash on known Hooded Plover beaches during their breeding season. Usually these beaches are signposted, and temporary fencing and signs may be erected around nests.
Dog-Friendly Things to Do on Kangaroo Island
There are multiple places on Kangaroo Island that are off limits to dogs, including Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay Conservation Park and Cape Willoughby Conservation Park. This includes the car parks. Check in advance and always follow the signs.
However, there are still plenty of other places to visit on Kangaroo Island, as reported by other visitors. Consider some or all of the following:
- Follow the Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail, a 1.5km long trail in the heart of Penneshaw that starts at Frenchmans Terrace near the ferry terminal – dogs just need to be leashed
- Relax with a local beer at the Kangaroo Island Brewery – there’s a large paddock for dogs to run around
- Take the tunnel through the cliffs to the secluded and calm Stokes Bay Beach on Kangaroo Island’s north coast
- Book a tasting at the new cellar door at False Cape Winery – leashed dogs are welcome outside
- Feast on lavender scones and ice cream at the Emu Bay Lavender Farm
- Hike the 4km long Fish Cannery Trail at American River alongside the lagoon to the historic site, perhaps returning along the beach
- Sample the products at the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery – dogs are welcome on the front deck and in the picnic area.
- Enjoy breakfast or lunch at Millie Mae’s Pantry in Penneshaw – dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables with puppacinos available
Note that Kangaroo Island is larger than most visitors expect – it’s 155km from one end to the other, with 1600km of roads on the island.
Pet Sitting Options on Kangaroo Island
As you’ll likely also want to visit the attractions of Kangaroo Island that are off-limits to dogs, make a booking for pet sitting on the island.
The Kangaroo Island Veterinary Clinic offers boarding for pets, including day boarding. Advance bookings are essential, with holidays periods often booked out months in advance. Alternatively, make enquiries with Jan’s Pet Care. The information centre or your accommodation may have more recommendations.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation on Kangaroo Island
There’s a wider variety of pet-friendly accommodation than I expected on Kangaroo Island, with options including caravan parks, campgrounds and even many holiday homes.
The main pet-friendly caravan park on the island is the Kingscote Tourist Park, located right on the dog-friendly Brownlow Beach. While pets are allowed, it’s a must to get permission in advance. Call up to find out their full pet policy, with no details on their website.
Another pet-friendly caravan park is the Discovery Lagoons Caravan and Camping Grounds. Dogs are allowed on sites, but not in cabins. There is a limit of one dog per site. Note that pets are not allowed at Discovery Parks – Kangaroo Island and Seafront Holiday Park.
Pets are allowed at the seven bush campgrounds run by the Kangaroo Island Council, they just need to be kept on leash. The campgrounds are located at American River, Brown Beach, Duck Lagoon, Emu Bay, Stokes Bay, Vivonne Bay and Western River and have variable facilities. Advance bookings are now possible.
At Lashmar Conservation Park, pets are allowed at the Chapman River Campground. Note that dogs need to be kept on a leash no longer than 2m and are only allowed south of the Chapman River, not anywhere else in the park.
At Wander on Kangaroo Island, one of the WanderPods, Vela, is a pet-friendly pod. The off-grid pod features two bedrooms with luxury king beds, two bathrooms including an outdoor stone bath, a wood fire and is very private. Note that only dogs are allowed and an additional pet cleaning fee applies.
Sunrise on Falie has three luxury self-contained apartments at American Creek. Each of the apartments are pet-friendly, with well-behaved, house-trained dogs welcome with prior arrangement. It’s requested that you vacuum before departure.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.