Organized Tours

If you want to keep expenses down, you can't go wrong with one of the tours organized by Kangaroo Island Ferry Connections (tel. 08/8202 8688; www.kangaroo-island.net.au). The most popular includes early morning pickup from the main bus station in Adelaide, coach and ferry to the island, and a full day of touring, taking in most of the main attractions. That evening you return to Adelaide. The tour costs A$225 (US$203/£101).

More expensive options include Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours (tel. 08/8559 5033; www.wildernesstours.com.au), which operates from the island with several small four-wheel-drive vehicles (maximum six people). Three different 1-day trips cost A$355 to A$388 (US$320-US$350/£160-£175) per person, including transfers, an excellent lunch with wine, and park entry fees. Two-, three-, and four-day trips, including all meals and accommodations, start at A$910 (US$819/£410), A$1,175 (US$1,058/£529), and A$1,818 (US$1,636/£818) per person, respectively, but vary according to the type of accommodation you choose.

Another excellent operator on the island is Adventure Charters of Kangaroo Island, Playford Highway, Cygnet River, SA 5223 (tel. 08/8553 9119; www.adventurecharters.com.au), with the knowledgeable and gregarious Craig Wickham at the helm. Day trips cost A$348 (US$213/£157) a day with a big lunch, or A$696 (US$626/£313) for a 1-day safari including flights from and to Adelaide. A 2-day and 1-night safari including accommodations and flights costs A$1,285 (US$1,157/£578).

Another option is Wayward Bus (tel. 08/8132 8230; www.waywardbus.com.au) from Adelaide. Two-day trips depart daily between December and March, with fewer departures at other times. They cost A$380 (US$342/£171) in a hostel bunk and A$410 (US$369/£185) twin/double shared room.