Image: Vivonne Bay, ExploreSHAW
The latest title from world-renowned travel guidebook publisher Lonely Planet is all about celebrating Australia’s best beaches, and of course, making the list is no small feat. So it’s a fantastic accomplishment for South Australia and especially Kangaroo Island, which has seen three of the island’s very best coastal spots recognised in Best Beaches Australia, a nationwide roundup of the country’s most spectacular seaside locations.
Leading Kangaroo Island’s trio of beaches is Seal Bay, crowned one of the Top 5 Beaches in Australia for Wildlife Watching. Home to Australia’s third-largest colony of sea lions, Seal Bay brings visitors and locals one of the most extraordinary beach experiences in the world. Whether you choose to walk alongside wild sea lions as they kick back on the sand, nurse their pups or swim all in their natural habitat. There are no fences, just unforgettable raw wildlife encounters that really make it one of the country’s top spots.
Stokes Bay and Vivonne Bay joined Seal Bay on the list, and are two beaches that perfectly capture Kangaroo Island’s wild, natural beauty. Located on the island’s north coast, overlooking Investigator Strait, Stokes Bay is famous for its ideal swimming and snorkelling. At the beach, you’ll find a calm, natural rock pool that’s perfect for exploring, and even wildlife like kangaroos. Back in 2023, Stokes Bay was named Australia’s Best Beach by beach connoisseur Brad Farmer AM.
Vivonne Bay is on the south coast of the island, and is recognised for its cleanliness, privacy and crystal clear water. With stunning views and sandy white cliffs, it’s the ultimate beach for those looking for a spot to relax. Not the first accolade for Vivonne Bay either, as it landed a coveted spot on EnjoyTravel.com’s annual list of The 50 Best Beaches in the World for 2025, coming in at an impressive number 19.
Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches Australia features standout coastlines from across the country, including South Australian favourites like Salmon Hole, Seacliff Beach, Almonta Beach, Long Beach, Greenly Beach, Port Willunga Beach, Dolphin Beach, Ocean Beach and Stony Point Beach. But the inclusion of Seal Bay, Stokes Bay and Vivonne Bay is a reminder of just how special Kangaroo Island is on a national and global scale.
So if you’ve been looking to get off the mainland and explore our beautiful Kangaroo Island, this recognition should only seal the deal. Whether you visit for the views, the wildlife or the quiet moments in between, it’s heartening to see the rest of the world taking notice.
Keen to find out more? Check out Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches Australia here.
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