The Getting There Guide: Kangaroo Island Marathon

The Getting There Guide: Kangaroo Island Marathon

Lace up your shoes, here’s everything you need to know about getting to Kangaroo Island Marathon and around the island on race weekend.

To set the scene, there are some logistical challenges to be aware of. The nearest capitol city to the race location is Adelaide, which is separated by roughly a 2.5-hour drive and ferry to arrive on Kangaroo Island. The Island itself is a huge being 155km in length. To drive from Penneshaw (where the Ferry lands) to the Flinders Chase National Park starting area will take you at least 1.5 hours.

It is important to be equipped with the options on how to get there, and how to get around on race weekend you'll find below. We cannot recommend enough, making sure you take a few extra days to spend experiencing the sights and attractions of the island. 

How to get to the Island: Your Best Options Explained

There are two main ways to reach Kangaroo Island from the mainland: by air or by sea. We recommend the Ferry as you can bring your own vehicle making it far easier to get around on the island. For those prioritising speed, flying does offer the quickest route with the caveat that you will be reliant on services to experience the island.

Option 1: Flights to Kangaroo Island (via Kingscote Airport – KGC)

For those looking for the quickest route and willing to forgo bringing their own car, flying is an option though we do not recommend it. 

The most common and direct flight path is from Adelaide Airport (ADL) to Kangaroo Island Airport (KGC), also known as Kingscote Airport. QantasLink is the primary airline operating this route. Flights are frequent though limited in capacity and generally take around 30-40 minutes.

Car rental is available at the airport, as are taxis for transfers to accommodation – you will need to book both in advance. If this suits to best once at your accommodation it is absolutely the ability to book tours and experiences from a base in Kingscote or American River.

In 2025 we are also offering Return Race Day Transfers to the start/finish area by Bus at set times.

Option 2: Ferry to Kangaroo Island (Cape Jervis to Penneshaw & back)

SeaLink Kangaroo Island operates regular ferry services between Cape Jervis on the mainland and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. The scenic ferry trip takes around 45 minutes, with multiple daily departures, especially during peak seasons.

One of the biggest advantages of the ferry is the ability to bring your own car onto the island, allowing you complete freedom to explore its diverse landscapes. Ensure you book your vehicle passage in advance, as space can be limited. Vehicles up to 5 meters in length can be booked online, while larger vehicles require booking via phone or email.  

SeaLink is our exclusive Gold Partner supporting the event, they offer a discount towards ferry bookings for registered runners. If you are registered to run and yet to receive your code and book, please contact us at [email protected]

Option 3: Join a Marathon Tours & Travel Package

This one is by far the simplest as Marathon Tours & Travel will take care of all the logistics getting you from Adelaide to the Island, to the Race and back again. The packages include the following:

• Convenient Accommodation: Stay at the Marathon Host Hotel, the Aurora Ozone Hotel in Kingscote, you’ll be in the heart of the action and close to fellow runners. There is also the option to include a stay at the Pullman Adelaide for those traveling through the mainland.  
• Hassle-Free Transfers: Enjoy return Adelaide to Kangaroo Island transfers, taking care of the logistics around getting to and from the island. Plus, return race day transfers from the Aurora Ozone Hotel to the start/finish area means you won't have to worry about transportation on race day.  
• Guaranteed Race Entry: Secure your spot in the Half, Full Marathon, or 10km with guaranteed race entry offered with the package.  
• Pre-Race Perks: the premium package includes a Kangaroo Island day excursion on Saturday, giving you a chance to experience some of the island's incredible sights and venues - including a course preview - before race day.  
• Post-Race Celebration: Celebrate your achievement at the Post-Race Celebration Party, a great opportunity to connect with other runners and share your experiences.  
• Meals Included: Enjoy breakfast and dinner as stated in your itinerary, taking the hassle out of finding meals.  
• On-Site Support: Benefit from the assistance of Marathon Tours & Travel staff, who will be on-site to help with any queries and ensure a smooth trip.  
• Optional Trip Extension: For those wanting to experience more of Australia, you could also combine a TCS Sydney Marathon extension.  

Visit Marathon Tours & Travel for more information and to book your place.

Getting Around Kangaroo Island

• Driving: transit by car is by far the easiest way to get around, though there are other options available. Fuel is available across the island at Penneshaw (24 hours), Kingscote (24 hours), Parndana and Vivonne Bay. When driving, the key thing to keep in mind is that the island is home to many native animals. They come out early morning and at sunset, and during the night – and will often be found on the sides of the roads, or on the roads. Please always drive with caution and take care of the island’s wildlife.

• Using your own car: Kangaroo Island has an extensive bituminised road network that will get you to major hubs and attractions. There are plenty of unsealed roads as well but in almost all cases a 2WD is perfectly fine to use across the island. You do not necessarily need a 4WD or AWD vehicle.
  
  
• Car Hire: Car rental is available at the Kingscote Airport and from Penneshaw, booking ahead is highly recommended, especially for race weekend when demand may be higher that usual.

• Taxis & Rideshare: Options on the Island are Highly Limited with no rideshare services available. If you expect to require these services, you will need to book in advance. It is nearly impossible to successfully book a taxi across the island at short notice.
  
  
• Transfers: SeaLink offer coach services each day from major hubs taking you from Penneshaw to Kingscote via American River.

Local companies also offer transfers, including:
Kangaroo Island Transfers
0427 887 575
www.kitransfers.com.au

KI 24/7 Bus Charters
0473 672 139
www.KI247buscharters.com.au

For transfers specifically on race day getting you to & from the start line - they are available to book with Marathon Tours & Travel.

• Tours: The Island boasts several tour operators that can offer guided explorations of the highlights on the Island. Your best source of a range of experiences is SeaLink.

Essential Travel Tips for a Smooth Race Weekend

• Book Everything in Advance: Whether you choose to fly or take the ferry, booking your transport and accommodation well ahead of time is crucial.
  
  
• Arrive Early: This is a crucial one, weather can affect availability of transport to the island. To avoid any last-minute stress, aim to arrive on Kangaroo Island at least the day before the marathon. We recommend you arrive on the Friday at the latest, especially as there is a Park Run in Kingscote on Saturday morning! If you’re travelling internationally, we strongly recommend giving yourself at least 4 days to adjust to any time differences.

• Where to Stay: Do consider the distance between your chosen accommodation and the race location.

• Kingscote is the largest town and offers a central location with a range of amenities. Race day transfers are offered from here. The Aurora Ozone Hotel is an official event partner and location for the Marathon Tours & Travel packages.
  
  
• American River provides a more tranquil atmosphere, and the race day transfers provide a pick-up from here. The Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge is an ideal place to stay.
  
  
• Penneshaw is convenient if you're arriving by ferry but will likely take you 2 hours to get to the start line on race morning.

There is a wide range of holiday homes and charming bed & breakfasts across the island as well if you are taking a car. Just be sure to give yourself extra time to drive on race day morning.

If your priority is to be close to the race start, consider accommodations near Flinders Chase National Park, there is a holiday park just a few kilometres down the road.   

If you have any additional questions we haven’t answered here, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

We can’t wait to see you on Race Weekend!