King George Beach is a moody north coast spot, where swimming is only suitable at the river mouth, but even on a windswept day the 220-metre stretch is ideal for fishing. Alternatively, Vivonne Bay offers six kilometres of white sand, calm seas and a jetty that lets you get a close look at the water.

The country’s most accessible colony of Australian sea lions lolls about in spectacular Seal Bay Conservation Park. Watch them from the boardwalk or book a guided tour down on the beach. To really get among the action, join a sunrise or sunset research session and observe park rangers monitoring the endangered species.

Go off-grid at Oceanview Eco Villas, a pair of two-bedroom villas set on 200 hectares above the rugged Redbanks coastline (a rescued ’roo may even come to visit). Every stay here is fully hosted: expect three-course dinners with local wines and cooked breakfasts plus a well-stocked butler’s pantry.

Kangaroo Island is home to the last remaining pure Ligurian bees on the planet (you can’t bring honey onto the island but you can take it home). Learn about their busy schedule and buy a jar at family-run Clifford’s Honey Farm and don’t leave without trying Jenny's famous honey ice-cream.

The Islander Estate Vineyards’ east-end cellar door is an intimate tasting room in Cygnet River where you can sample an elegant French-style range with some regional produce. Nearby Springs Road also offers a fine drop. Small-batch gin more your style? Head to Kangaroo Island Spirits, a boutique distillery with a lovely garden.

Grab a seat on the deck at Sunset Food & Wine, order a local vino and take in glorious views over American Beach. Dinner on Saturdays is a multi-course sharing menu packed with upscale bistro classics like seared scallop with pistachio and sweet currant dressing and Kangaro Island lamb loin with turnip.

Open for breakfast and lunch, Cactus Kangaroo Island in Kingscote is passionate about supporting local producers (even trading coffee and cakes for home-grown herbs). The small, eclectic menu is ever-changing but expect Asian-inspired specials such as pork dumplings, lemongrass beef on steamed bao buns and blue swimmer crab scrambled eggs.

Take a tour of Emu Bay Lavender, a 20-hectare working farm where you’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. Shop everything from strawberry and lavender jam and jelly to handmade lip balm in the rustic-chic gift shop, or stock up on ceramics and South Australian wines. Coffee and a lavender scone at the café is essential.

Wandering Souls doesn’t tell you where to set up camp; you tell them. Just pick one of the spots on the website (perhaps a private bay, riverside or coastal vineyard) and a styling theme and they’ll set everything up. Luxe touches include a plush queen-sized bed, 1000-thread-count linen and the option to book an in-tent massage.

Feeling adventurous? Head to Little Sahara to sandboard or toboggan down giant sand dunes. You can also tackle the slopes on a fat bike tour (suitable for ages eight and over with electric versions for most fitness levels) or buckle up on a thrillingly bumpy drive in an open buggy. 

Talk about a memorable meal: nabbing a table at The Enchanted Fig Tree means dining within natural “rooms” created by the tree’s 120-year-old boughs. Offered only from December to April, the tasting menu showcases fresh regional produce and local wines – including a delicious fig dessert, of course.

Kids of all ages will love swimming with wild dolphins in the pristine waters of Emu Bay. Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures operates tours all year; snorkel alongside the playful creatures, lounge on a pool noodle or snap some photos from the jet boat. Bonus: you’ll stop for homemade morning tea on a remote beach and might even spot a whale or two. 

The 61-kilometre Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail traverses Flinders Chase National Park over five days. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll take in geological wonders, encounter abundant wildlife and learn about bushfire regeneration. You’ll stay in comfortable cabins and campgrounds along the way. 

A no-frills shack on the American River Wharf, The Oyster Farm Shop is a go-to for caught-that-morning seafood. Pacific and native Angasi oysters are shucked to order, plus there’s marron, whiting, calamari, prawns and abalone to try. You can even sign up for a land-based tour of the farm.

Hamilton and Dune are two separate, exquisite homes overlooking the white sands of Emu Bay on the north coast, a 20-minute drive from the island’s largest town of Kingscote. They can be booked individually – restored 1960s beach house Hamilton sleeps six, as does contemporary Dune – or together.