Kangaroo Island car hire

As public transport is very limited on Kangaroo Island, hiring a car is the best way to enjoy the island. The road network is widely accessible and clearly signposted. It takes around 4h to drive the whole way round the island, but in reality, you’ll need much longer as there’s so much to explore. Easily navigate between Flinders Chase National Park on the west side of the island, to the Seal Bay Conservation Park on the south, to Dudley Wines in the east of the island, followed by the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in the north. Although you can book individual coach tours to each location, if you’re planning to visit a few different places it can get expensive and it also doesn’t allow you to explore the island at your own pace.

When driving around Kangaroo Island it’s important to be aware of road conditions, it’s always best to be cautious with your speed, as there are unsealed roads on the island. Watch out for warning signs, which will ask you to slow down when the road surface is changing. Another thing to consider is the wildlife, again driving at lower speeds is the best way to prevent any incidents. Native animals like kangaroos are mostly spotted on roads early in the morning and at sunset, so it’s worth being extra careful at these times.

You have to be a minimum of 21 years old in order to hire a car on Kangaroo Island and must have a valid driving licence valid for the full hire period. Most hire companies on the island charge a young driver fee, so it’s worth checking the different prices in advance if you fall into this category. Some companies also have higher age restrictions for more powerful or larger vehicles and premium vehicles, so if you’re not looking to hire a standard vehicle this is something to bear in mind.

Full-size (Class Full-size SUV or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Kangaroo Island.

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.