Kangaroo Island: Little Sahara Buggy Tour & Private Beach

Summary

Koalas in gum trees wild coastlines and secret dunes on kangaroo island

You’ll ride through ancient gum forests spotting koalas, cross rivers, and reach a private stretch of wild coast on Kangaroo Island’s Little Sahara buggy tour. With your local guide leading the way, you’ll hear stories about wildlife and history before bouncing across inland sand dunes—ending sandy, windblown, and probably still grinning.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to be the only person standing between the sand and the ocean, with nothing but wild wind and the thought that Antarctica is somewhere out there? That’s kind of how our day trip to Little Sahara from Vivonne Bay started. The drive itself was already something — I kept craning my neck for koalas, and sure enough, our guide (his name was Mark, super patient with my endless questions) pointed out two curled up in those huge old gum trees. You could actually smell eucalyptus when we stopped by the Eleanor River — sweet but sharp, almost like menthol. Mark said some of these trees are older than most countries. I didn’t expect to feel so small next to them.

The buggy ride itself is… well, bumpy, but in a fun way. We zipped past patches of orchids and even some Ligurian bees (Mark explained they’re kind of a big deal here), goggles fogging up just enough to make me laugh at myself. There’s this moment when you break out of the bush and suddenly you’re staring at cliffs and that wild blue water — honestly, I had to shout just to hear myself over the waves. We stopped at a private beach where it was just us and this salty wind; I tried to skim a stone but mostly just got wet shoes. Didn’t see any whales this time but apparently they show up sometimes, which sounds surreal.

And then there were the inland sand dunes — not what I pictured for Kangaroo Island at all. The light was changing fast, shadows stretching over the sand like long fingers. Mark let us hop out for photos (mine are mostly blurry because I couldn’t stop laughing). It’s hard to explain how quiet it gets out there except for the crunch under your boots and the odd bird overhead. By the end I was sandy, tired, and weirdly grateful — not just for the views but for having someone local show us around who actually seemed happy we were curious about everything.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Buggy tour through forest and coast

• Cruise through 500-year-old gum forests
• Spot koalas, orchids, and Ligurian bees
• Cross over the Eleanor River
• Travel to secluded private beach
• Visit rugged cliff tops and observe wildlife
• Explore inland sand dunes of Little Sahara
• Learn about local history during ride

Top questions

How long does the Little Sahara buggy tour last?

The buggy tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Are koala sightings guaranteed on this tour?

Yes, koala sightings are guaranteed during the tour through gum forests.

Is transportation from Penneshaw ferry terminal included?

No, transportation is not included; guests must arrange their own transport to Vivonne Bay.

Is this Kangaroo Island buggy tour suitable for children?

Yes, children 17 years and under can join if accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in prams or strollers.

What wildlife might we see besides koalas?

You may spot dolphins, seals, ospreys, wedge-tailed eagles, whales (seasonal), orchids and Ligurian bees.

Does this day trip include access to a private beach?

Yes, you’ll stop at a secluded private beach along Kangaroo Island’s south coast during your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes helmet and goggles for safety plus an experienced local guide who’ll lead you through ancient forests, along riversides teeming with wildlife, out to rugged cliffs and a pristine private beach before crossing Little Sahara’s inland sand dunes—all starting from Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island.