The Best Beaches of Kangaroo Island, Australia

If you are looking to spend the day on a beautiful beach, there's one place you will never run out of options. Kangaroo Island in South Australia has not one, but about 50 beautiful beaches. Each one has its own unique attributes and some of them have even qualified as the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Cape du Couedic Bay
At Cape du Couedic, you will see a colony of New Zealand fur seals, which come through the Southern Ocean to rest on the rocks as the waves crash through. This beach in Flinders National Park also leads to the unique configuration of Admirals Arch. While Cape du Couedic Bay is a must see, it's not a beach for swimming between the rips in the waves, the seals and even the occasional black rattlesnake that likes to make this area home.

Emu Bay
Feel free to drive right onto Emu Bay, where the soft sand and colorful water beacon you to spend the day (and maybe also the night). While the beach is surrounded by picturesque cliffs, the calm waters of this long North Coast beach also make it a popular one for fishing from the sand or off a boat on the jetty. Take a walk and you might see some of the Fairy Penguins that live here.

Hanson Bay
If you are looking to do some surf-fishing, Hanson Bay is the place. You might even catch some Australian salmon right off the beach. If you are in the mood for a hike, go through the rocks to the other side of the beach, or go on an all day trek to Kelly Hill Conservation Park. You can even stay up there in a cabin and wake up to the blue water of this popular beach.

Jaom Beach
Jaom is an example of one of the lesser known beaches that the natives of Kangaroo Island treasure. The lightly colored blue-green water beckons you to the sand, but since the water is so clear, this is actually a great beach for snorkeling and even the place to start if you wish to go diving. This beach is also not far from the main city and capital of Kangaroo Island, Kingscote, where you will find the island's airport.

Seal Bay
It may be called Seal Bay, but it's actually sea lions you will see on this beach and they are everywhere. Make your way down bridge as you remark at the beautiful scenery and you will be more amazed when you reach the bottom. Australian Sea lions of all sizes are resting, playing and swimming. Enjoy the soft sand while you look, but never disturb, these beautiful creatures in this conservation park.

Snellings Beach
Snellings Beach is on the North Coast and you can see some of the most stunning views from cliffs that are among the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere (the best photo opportunity is from the top of Constitution Hill). This is another beach that's good for fishing and it's also a great place to go swimming, but there are logs within the river that are hard to spot. A picnic area with barbecues makes Snellings Beach popular for families.

Stokes Bay
Stokes Bay Beach is hidden from view when you pull up. Once you climb through the short, but rocky tunnel, this paradise of turquoise waters and fine white sand awaits you and it won't be a vision you will soon forget. It's the perfect place to go snorkeling with the kids in the shallow, clear water. Grownups will love the Rockpool Cafe, where you can get everything from a latte to a gourmet dinner with a glass of wine.

Vivonne Bay
Vivonne Bay has often been called the most beautiful beach in Australia and some say it's one of the best in the world. This beach is also a functional one. Come here to boat, swim, surf, or just gawk and the incredible water which almost looks purple. Watch the waves of the Southern Ocean crash along the cliff. You can even camp on this beach, where safe swimming areas are available for the kids.

For more information on Kangaroo Island, its beaches, wildlife and history, visit the Tourism Kangaroo Island website.