Stokes Bay

Tourism Australia's Best Beach 2023, No. 1.

Bouncing back from devastating bushfires is Kangaroo Island - its name alone conjures up an emblematic image of Australia.

“This is a sprawling island of immense natural beauty, brimming with wildlife on land and in sea. ‘KI’ has been sensitively settled, with a resident population of just 5,000, who live an enviable oceanic and paddock to plate lifestyle. Most of the island’s 50 or so glorious beaches are all relatively secluded, yet accessible, so visitors are much more likely to encounter paw prints of the many furry lounging locals than footprints of the work weary human. Stokes Bay Beach on the gentler north coast, with its long 500m sandy sweep of low impact waves features a generous and safe tidal swimming pool for wading or snorkelling with its aquarium like atmosphere. There’s a timeless hint of mystique about this hidden treasure with a shimmering reward when the curtains lift. From the western entry carpark and seasonal café, this veiled beach is reached through a ‘secret tunnel’ - a hand-hewn cavernous carved trail finally revealing a stunning scene as if rewarding the adventurer. Stokes Bay is long overdue to be recognised as Australia’s Best Beach in 2023. The locals are authentic and welcoming, so pack light and indulge deeply on the culinary offerings from fine wine to sumptuous seafoods. This island coastline is vast and stunning, steeped in sacred First Nations history and European forays, starting with roguish pirate types, American sealers and the ‘French Connection’. KI is the third largest of Australia’s 8,222 islands, roughly the size of Bali, but that’s where the similarity ends. This is a relaxing place, clean and green, lived at a much slower pace. If it’s not already, it should be listed as a national treasure, worthy of topping the Australian bucket list for discerning travellers worldwide. With its Mediterranean climate, a protected sanctuary for Aussie wildlife and so many secluded patches of pristine sands, here lies a feast for the nature lover’s senses seeking safe daily sojourns on their own terms. The short sea swept journey south to KI from the SA’s capital Adelaide, is as delicious an entree as the final destination itself. The southern Fleurieu Peninsula self-drive threads along majestic coastal green folds down to a smorgasbord of many boundless beaches and coves. It’s just an appetiser for a holiday most delectable on the menu of great Australian beaches. So, go get stoked.”

⚠️ Ocean conditions can change quickly and rips can form even on calm days. Only swim at patrolled beaches, and supervise children at all times.