If you want to keep expenses down, you can't go wrong with one of the tours organized by Kangaroo Island Ferry Connections. The most popular includes afternoon pickup from the main bus station in Adelaide, coach and ferry to the island, a penguin tour that evening, and dorm accommodations (you can pay a little extra to upgrade to a double room, or for more expensive hotels). The next day involves 10 hours of touring, taking in most of the main attractions. That evening you return to Adelaide. The tour costs A$302 (US$242/UK£121).

If you make your own way to the island you can join one of several day tours, departing Penneshaw or American River Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, also stopping off at many of the main attractions. The tour costs A$119 (US$95/UK£48) for adults and A$86 (US$69/UK£35) for children 3 to 14 years old.

More expensive options include Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours (tel. 08/8559 5033), which operates from the island with several small four-wheel-drive vehicles (maximum six people). Three different 1-day trips cost A$334 to A$365 (US$267-US$292/UK£134-UK£146) per person, including transfers, an excellent lunch with wine, and park entry fees. Two-, 3-, and 4-day trips, including all meals and accommodations, cost A$829 (US$663/UK£332), A$1,323 (US$1,058/UK£524), and A$1,818 (US$1,454/UK£727) per person, respectively.

Another excellent operator on the island is Adventure Charters of Kangaroo Island, Playford Highway, Cygnet River, SA 5223 (tel. 08/8553 9119), with the knowledgeable and gregarious Craig Wickham at the helm. Day trips cost A$340 (US$272/UK£136) a day with a big lunch, or A$648 (US$518/UK£260) for a 1-day safari including flights from and to Adelaide. A 2-day and 1-night safari including accommodations and flights costs A$1,230 (US$984/UK£492).

Another option is Wayward Bus (tel. 08/8410 8833) from Adelaide. Two-day trips depart daily between December and March, with fewer departures at other times. They cost A$380 (US$304/UK£152) in a hostel bunk and A$410 (US$328/UK£164) twin/double shared room.