Vivonne Bay Campground

Vivonne Bay Campground is a council-run site on Kangaroo Island, set where the Harriet River meets one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. The campground is the most complete council camping option on the island, offering a large number of unpowered sites plus 8 powered sites, and is suitable for caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes and tents. A short walk through the dunes takes you to the long curved sandy beach of Vivonne Bay, which has consistently been rated among Australia’s best.

Facilities include toilet blocks, hot showers ($2 for 5 minutes), free electric and gas BBQs, a sheltered picnic area, a children’s playground and a water source (non-potable). The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no bookings required. Payment is made onsite via a Parkeon self-registration machine that accepts cash or card. Unpowered sites are $22.50 for two people per night, powered sites $35 for two people, with additional persons at $7.50 each. Dogs are permitted (enquire about conditions). No campfires are allowed at any time.

Vivonne Bay offers excellent fishing from the jetty, beach or by boat, along with swimming, surfing and beach combing. Wallabies graze through the campground regularly and koalas are commonly spotted in the surrounding eucalyptus. A general store on the main road sells basic supplies and fuel, but stock up in Kingscote or Penneshaw before heading this way. The ground can be quite firm, so bring good quality tent pegs. Mobile reception is limited to non-existent, and the EFTPOS machine can be unreliable, so carry cash as a backup.