Emu Bay
Best Beach · SA
Tourism Australia's Best Beach 2022, No. 16.
Australia’s third largest island is blessed with pristine wilderness and wildlife, but it’s her 50 unique beaches that have modern day explorers in raptures.
KI’s hilly interior is surrounded by 540kms of varied coastline, from the wildly rugged and swell-battered south coast to the protected bays and coves of the north-east. Emu Bay, on the north coast, is the only beach with direct 4WD beach access and it’s only 13 km from the main township of Kingscote. It’s the locals’ favourite, beloved for its towering dunes, four km sweep of fine white beach, safe swimming waters and quaint jetty, built in 1918. You’ll need at least a few days to explore KI, or Karta Pintingga to its original inhabitants, which can be reached by a car and passenger ferry at Cape Jervis, around 90 minutes south-west of Adelaide. It’s also worth visiting the colonial haunts of early sealers and pirates and learn about KI’s fascinating history.
⚠️ Ocean conditions can change quickly and rips can form even on calm days. Only swim at patrolled beaches, and supervise children at all times.