Travelling with pets on Kangaroo Island (2025)

Travelling with pets on Kangaroo Island

Travelling with your pets is just like adding another member of your family on your trip, but it can sometimes be tricky to navigate, especially on Kangaroo Island. So below we have some essential information to assist you with getting your pet safely to Kangaroo Island, and services you may need, where you can stay, and where you can visit with your pet while you are here.

It is important to note that all pets are not permitted into National or Conservation Parks on Kangaroo Island due to the wildlife in the area. This also includes leaving your pet in the vehicle. Consider leaving them with a carer for the day. Assistance dogs are an exception, when abiding by the following:

    • The dog needs to be an accredited assistance dog.
    • The dog is required to wear the appropriate coat or harness, identifying as an assistance dog.
    • A letter is to be carried identifying the need for the assistance dog and/or the accreditation papers.
    • It is recommended that you contact National Parks prior to travelling by calling 08 8553 4444
    • We recommend for the safety of the dog that the dog does not go down into Admirals Arch or on the beach at Seal Bay as seals and dogs are able to transfer diseases.

Cats taken to Kangaroo Island must be de-sexed and micro-chipped as required by KI Council.

Most accommodation providers will need to approve your pet, so please check with them direct.

Getting to the Island

SeaLink

Yes, you can take your dog or cat on the ferry at no extra charge. Check out more information here.

Important to do

We ask all interstate visitors to register the details of their cats with KI Council. It is important to notify the Kangaroo Island Council of the following details:

  • Duration of your stay
  • Your full name
  • Contact number, while visiting
  • Breed of cat(s)
  • Registration at which Council
  • Microchip Number

Please contact Customer Service on 08 8553 4500 or email CustomerService@kicouncil.sa.gov.au.

Services you may need

The following contacts may assist you whilst on the Island:

  • Kangaroo Island Veterinary Clinic - Vet services, boarding kennels (08) 8553 2485, www.kangarooislandvet.com
  • Jan’s Pet Care - Daycare or holiday care facilities (08) 8553 2489 or Facebook Page

Off leash areas for your pet

There are no dedicated off-leash areas to exercise your pet on Kangaroo Island, however, KI Council By-Law 5 states that:

“a person responsible for a dog, shall maintain that dog under effective control, being either

(a) maintained on a leash appropriate for controlling the dog, or

(b) under effective control of voice commands and maintained always within proximity that the dog hears and responds to command effectively.”

You will find lots of dog waste bag stations located around exercise areas, but it is also best to bring your own, just in case of emergencies.

Accommodation with your pet

  • Antechamber Bay Retreats

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    Antechamber Bay Retreats is Kangaroo Island's perfect hideaway.

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  • Antechamber Bay Retreats Kona

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  • Horizon Apartment

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    Horizon Apartment is a self-contained apartment with sea and bushland views.
    They have two bedrooms and one bathroom with a…

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  • Island Chalet Kangaroo Island

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    • Kingscote

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    Island Chalet on Kangaroo Island is a secluded, family-friendly cottage only two minutes from the beach.

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  • Passing Winds Emu Bay Kangaroo Island

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    Passing Winds Emu Bay Kangaroo Island is a hypnotic place to unwind and reconnect with family and friends.

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  • Roolagoon Homestead

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    Roolagoon Homestead is a charming property centrally located consisting of two separate units under one roof featuring wide…

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  • Sunrise On Falie - Deluxe Apartment 2

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    Kangaroo Island holiday boutique accommodation in a central location to tour the whole Island.
    New Apartments in 2016
    Good…

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  • Sunrise On Falie - The Penthouse Apartment 3

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    Apartments

    Kangaroo Island holiday boutique accommodation in a central location to tour the whole Island.

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  • Wander on Kangaroo Island

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    Retreat and Lodges

    Transformational travel with luxury, eco-aware accommodation. Wander reconnects its guests with the local community and country.

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  • Wildside Ocean Retreat

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    Wildside Ocean Retreat is a magical luxury beach front getaway on Kangaroo Island.

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  • Sabine's Place

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    Holiday Houses

    Sabine's Place is a beach house offering views of Nepean Bay. Its convenient location gives your family easy access to various…

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Caravan or Camping with your pet

  • Discovery Lagoon Campsite

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    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks

    Discovery Lagoon Campsite is an Eco Campsite set on four acres within 100 acres of native bush land.

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  • KI Caravan Park, Kingscote

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    • Kingscote

    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks

    KI Caravan Park Kingscote is a family friendly beachside caravan park with a combination of 18 cabins, cottages and studios,…

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  • American River Camp Ground

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    • American River

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    The camp ground is located near the American River Boat Ramp. American River is a sheltered small village, popular for aquatic…

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  • Brown Beach Camp Ground

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    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula

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    The camping ground is situated adjacent Brown Beach, a secluded area adjoining the Hog Bay Road.

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  • Duck Lagoon Camp Ground

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    Duck Lagoon Camp Ground is located in a small reserve near Cygnet River.

    Duck Lagoon offers picnic areas and bird watching…

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  • Emu Bay Camp Ground

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    The camping ground is situated in the picturesque small town of Emu Bay and is within walking distance of a fantastic white…

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  • Stokes Bay Camp Ground

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    The camp ground is located on the north coast of Kangaroo Island, about 38kms west of Kingscote. Explore nature by walking…

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  • Vivonne Bay Camp Ground

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    The camp ground is located walking distance from the long curved sandy beach of Vivonne Bay which was rated as the Best Beach…

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  • Western River Cove Camp Ground

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    Western River Cove Camp Ground has the best of both worlds, a lovely river running into a secluded white sand beach.

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All KI Council Campgrounds are pet friendly. Council campgrounds cannot be pre-booked, unfortunately.

Lashmar Conservation Park – Antechamber Bay South Campground

Dogs are permitted on the south side of the Antechamber Bay Campground, next to Chapman River only.

Please ensure you:

  • Keep your dog under control and on a lead no more than two metres in length.
  • Stick to designated walking trails.
  • Bring disposable bags to clean up your dog’s faeces (please be aware there are no bins in national parks).
  • Dogs are not permitted in other areas of the park.

Where to eat and drink with your pet

  • Kangaroo Island Café & Cellar Door Experience at Emu Ridge

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    Restaurant and Cafe, Produce

    Nestled in the bush, Emu Ridge Cafe & Cellar Door is a great spot for a quiet breakfast or a great lunch.

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  • Kangaroo Island’s Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery

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    A unique Aussie attraction & retail craft gallery that includes tours of the eucalyptus distillery, local produce & art, Café &…

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  • Clifford's Honey Farm

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  • Cactus Kangaroo Island

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    Cactus Kangaroo Island is a new cafe/restaurant in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island.

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  • Emu Bay Lavender Farm

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    Bars, Breweries and Distilleries, Restaurant and Cafe, Produce

    Emu Bay Lavender is a farm gate cafe set amongst rows of Lavender. We make and package our extensive range of lavender…

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  • Island Beehive

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    Agri, Mining and Industry, Shopping and Markets

    Visit Island Beehive to learn about Ligurian Bees. Kangaroo Island was declared a sanctuary for this docile bee in 1885.

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  • Millie Mae's Pantry

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    Bars, Restaurant and Cafe, Produce

    Millie Mae's Pantry has been created to celebrate the wonderful food and beverages of Kangaroo Island. Serving delicious…

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  • Kangaroo Island Spirits

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    Breweries and Distilleries, Wineries

    Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) is South Australia's first boutique distillery and was established in 2005.

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  • Kangaroo Island Brewery

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    Bars, Breweries and Distilleries, Restaurant and Cafe, Produce

    Kangaroo Island Brewery is Kangaroo Island's first cellar door microbrewery.

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  • Bay of Shoals Wines

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    • Kingscote

    Wineries

    Bay of Shoals Wines offers an authentic Kangaroo Island product, with fruit being Estate-grown, harvested, and made into wine…

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  • The Islander Estate Vineyards

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    • Cygnet River

    Wineries

    Kangaroo Island’s only 5-star Halliday-rated winery, The Islander Estate Vineyards, blends French winemaking techniques with…

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  • False Cape Wines Cellar Door

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    Wineries

    Offering premium wines in an idyllic setting, nestled amongst the vineyard and gum trees on the picturesque Willson River

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Useful links

There is something for everybody on Kangaroo Island

Nature and Wildlife, Food and Wine, Adventure, or Relaxation. Kangaroo Island has it all, and more.

  • Travel

    We’ve got you covered on how to get to Kangaroo Island. From booking your Kangaroo Island…

  • Island Stays

    From seaside holidays to premium luxury Kangaroo Island accommodation. Whether you're in…

  • Destinations

    Check out what to see, do, eat, and drink in each of the Kangaroo Island regions with their…

  • Visit

    Let us help you plan your visit to Kangaroo Island, including the Kangaroo Island ferry or…

  • What to do

    Come and experience our Island Life. Discover our spectacular nature and wildlife, our stunning…

  • Stories

    Unearth the Stories of Kangaroo Island, connect to the people and discover Island Time, revel…

Travelling with pets on Kangaroo Island (2025)

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