Unforgettable Things to Do on Kangaroo Island for Nature, Adventure & Culture

Vivonne Bay, Australia - December 25, 2025 / Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action /

Kangaroo Island Activities: Top Ways to Experience the Island

What if the best way to see Kangaroo Island isn't on the main roads, but hidden paths and quiet, tea-tree rivers?

When talking about Kangaroo Island activities, Vivonne Bay is our start point. Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action (KIOA), at 188 Jetty Rd, combines adventure, nature, and safety perfectly.

Since starting in 1993 and led by Brenton Davis from 2007, KIOA now offers quad bike tours, peaceful kayaking on Harriet River, and sandboarding at Little Sahara. They open daily from 9am, bar Christmas Day. Booking is easy online, call (08) 8559 4296, or email info@kioutdooraction.com.au. It's best to drive yourself, taking around 1.5 hours from Penneshaw or 50 minutes from Kingscote.

Key Takeaways

KIOA in Vivonne Bay leads the way for outdoor activities Kangaroo Island with safety and fun.
Top picks include quad biking, calm-water kayaking on the Harriet River, and sandboarding at Little Sahara.
Award-winning operator: TripAdvisor accolades and Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021.
Easy logistics: open daily from 9am (except Christmas Day), with online bookings and phone or email contact.
Small groups, quality gear, and trained guides enhance both confidence and comfort.
Ideal for most ages and abilities, with options for guided and self-guided adventures.
Convenient access: about 1.5 hours from Penneshaw and 50 minutes from Kingscote.

Considering things to do on Kangaroo Island? KIOA's awards speak volumes. They've earned TripAdvisor's Certificates of Excellence from 2013 to 2017 and won Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021. With small groups and expert guides, every adventure feels intimate and safe.

Here, along private bush paths and waters, you'll discover unique wildlife and coastal tales. This is the starting line for thrilling, yet caring kangaroo island activities.

Ready to swap the lookout for the driver’s seat?

Eco-friendly adventure tours with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action in Vivonne Bay

Right by Vivonne Bay's white sands, Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action turns outdoor adventures into unforgettable experiences. We offer private bush trails and smooth waterways. This lets visitors connect deeply with nature on Kangaroo Island.

Why choose KIOA for things to do on Kangaroo Island

KIOA is known for its awards and local expertise. It boasts TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence from 2013–2017. And it won Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021. This shows it's top-notch, ranked #1 in Australia and #6 worldwide.

We get exclusive access to private tracks and quiet waterways for unique experiences. Whether it's quad biking, kayaking, or team-building, we have activities for everyone. Solo adventurers, families, schools, and businesses can find something exciting here.

Safety-first guiding, small groups and professional equipment

Guided tours are our thing, with thorough briefings and easy coaching. Smaller groups mean you get more attention. This helps with confidence across different terrains and waters.

We provide all the needed gear like helmets and gloves for quads; life jackets for kayaking. You can even get GoPros attached to helmets for awesome memories. We make sure everyone stays safe and enjoys it.

Our flexible policies make booking stress-free. We offer a 48-hour cancellation option. Plus, we'll reschedule or refund if bad weather hits. Peace of mind for everyone.

Advanced ecotourism accreditation and minimal-impact practices

KIOA is eco-certified and committed to protecting the environment. We're recognized for our eco-friendly efforts on land and water. Guides teach how to be kind to nature, like sticking to paths and watching wildlife from a distance.

During stops, we share interesting facts about the local nature. These talks make the adventure more meaningful without slowing us down.

Family-friendly activities Kangaroo Island: ages, inclusions and accessibility

Kids love our Quad Bike Discovery Tour, available from age six. Even four-year-olds can join in, riding with a guide. It's a hit with families.

Kayaking on the calm Harriet River is great for beginners and all ages, with an adult. Our bundles offer quads, kayaking, and sandboarding. This means more fun for your money on Kangaroo Island.

We're open daily from 9am, giving advice on what to wear and making sure everyone's comfortable. For quads, wear closed shoes and long pants. And don't forget sun protection all year. This keeps our adventures enjoyable for everyone.

Kangaroo Island activities

We stay near Vivonne Bay, connecting dunes, bush, and river in a single loop. For top experiences on Kangaroo Island, we combine guided excitement with chilled exploration. This approach highlights outdoor action and nature, without missing the iconic sights and peaceful scenic spots of Kangaroo Island.

Guided quad bike tours across diverse terrains

Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action lets us explore sandy tracks, grasslands, and native bush. Our pace matches our skills. There’s a 110-minute Quad Adventure for building confidence and a 170-minute journey for coastal views. Start with a Quad Bike Discovery Tour or catch wildlife at sunset on the Kangaroo Safari.

Equipment like helmets and goggles are provided, with extra tips for beginners. These adventures take us to unique, picture-perfect spots. They're among the best ways to experience Kangaroo Island's varied landscapes.

Self-guided and guided kayaking on the calm Harriet River

Choose a 110-minute guided kayak with insights or rent kayaks for three hours. The Harriet River is perfect for beginners and families. You'll get tips, life jackets, and gear for rainy weather.

Kayaking here shows a gentler side of Kangaroo Island adventures. It's great for those preferring a leisurely pace while still enjoying serene views.

Sandboarding add-ons at Little Sahara for extra fun

Add sandboarding at Little Sahara to your day. You'll learn how to wax boards and sandboard safely. Plus, you can keep trying with rest breaks in between.

This activity fits well with quad bikes and kayaks. It fills your adventure with energy and gives stunning views for those quick photo moments.

Wildlife encounters Kangaroo Island: kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and sea eagles

Our guides point out kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas. We also look for sea eagles and seals. They teach us about the animals, their homes, and how to respect them.

With small groups, we safely explore quiet spots. These wildlife encounters often take us to hidden places, adding special memories to our visit.

Conclusion

We visited Vivonne Bay for a day and found the perfect way to explore the island. Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action offers something special with their quad bike tours, kayaking on Harriet River, and optional sandboarding. They let us see must-see places and explore the Kangaroo Island activities by giving us access to private bush trails, quiet creeks, and coastal lookouts, all while being eco-friendly.

Their safety-first focus, small group sizes, and top-notch equipment stand out. KIOA is recognized for its commitment to the environment and quality tourism, boasting awards and accreditations like the ECO Certified Ecotourism and the 2021 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best. This makes choosing outdoor activities on Kangaroo Island easy for us: we go with those who respect the land.

They offer packages for families, couples, and groups, making planning easy with SmartWaiver admin. We prepare by booking directly, driving to Vivonne Bay, wearing the right clothes, and bringing sun protection. If the weather changes, they offer easy rescheduling or refunds. For kangaroo island tours that offer wildlife, scenery, and excitement, we fully trust them.

In summary, when we look for the top places to see in Kangaroo Island, we pick KIOA every time. Their eco-friendly tours combine adventure with respect for nature. This shows us the best of Kangaroo Island's outdoor activities, ensuring they're both thrilling and sustainable.

FAQ

Why do we recommend Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action (KIOA) for the best Kangaroo Island activities?

KIOA is the best because they mix adventure, nature, and safety like no one else. They offer things like quad biking and kayaking, for everyone. They have private tracks and spots in Vivonne Bay that are awesome for families, couples, and groups.

Where is KIOA located and when are they open?

KIOA's at 188 Jetty Rd, Vivonne Bay. They open every day at 9am, just not on Christmas. You can drive there in about 1.5 hours from Penneshaw or 50 minutes from Kingscote. It's perfect for fitting more adventures into your day.

How do we book Kangaroo Island tours with KIOA?

To book, go to the KIOA website, phone (08) 8559 4296, or email info@kioutdooraction.com.au. Booking ahead is smart because the popular tours fill up quickly, especially at busy times.

Are there family-friendly activities on Kangaroo Island with KIOA?

For sure. Their Quad Bike Tour is great for beginners. Kids from age 6 can ride their own bike. Even 4-year-olds can join with a guide. Their kayaking is perfect for families too. You can also do quads, kayaking, and sandboarding together.

What are the most popular KIOA quad bike tours?

Their 110-minute and 170-minute quad tours are favorites. You get to see amazing places and the Sunset Safari is perfect for spotting wildlife. They start with practice and keep the groups small, plus all the safety gear is included.

Can we choose between guided and self-guided kayaking?

Absolutely. Go for a 110-minute guided tour or explore on your own for up to three hours. The team will give you all the gear and tips you need.

Is sandboarding at Little Sahara available as an add-on?

Yes. You can hit the dunes with a sandboard or toboggan before or after your main adventure. The KIOA folks will show you how to do it safely and have a blast.

Are there options for schools, corporate groups and team-building?

Definitely. They set up special programs for teams and groups. Whether it’s schools or companies, they make sure everyone has a great time.

Which must-see places on Kangaroo Island pair well with a KIOA day?

Start near Vivonne Bay. Then add places like Remarkable Rocks and Seal Bay to your list. It's the best way to see the top sights all in one go.

Are KIOA’s tours suitable for beginners and different abilities?

Yes. They adjust to how skilled you are, with practice and patient lessons. The river is perfect for new kayakers, and the discovery quad tour is great for first-timers. They make sure everyone’s comfortable.