One of the world’s best off-grid escapes is right on Adelaide’s doorstep

Images via Kangaroo Island

A truly secluded and off the grid holiday seems like something that doesn’t really match any hotspot destination criteria. With nearly every must-visit place is full to the brim with tourists, phones, cameras and working locals, it’s hard to fully disconnect.

But luckily a recent report from luxury yacht charter company Goolets, found ten of the top off-grid destinations in the world and there’s one that sits right on Adelaide’s door step.

To determine the rankings, researchers assessed 25 remote destinations across the globe, analysing their distance from key infrastructure such as airports, public transport, roads, hotels and restaurants. Each location was then awarded an overall “off-grid” score out of 100, highlighting just how disconnected these hidden escapes truly are.

Kangaroos Island came in with an off-grid score of 54 out of 100, placing it at sixth on the overall list. Located just 13 kilometres off the South Australian coast, the premier nature-based destination known for abundant wildlife, pristine beaches and local gourmet food.

Covering around 4,500 square kilometres,it features iconic sites like Remarkable Rocks and Seal Bay, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting, in both the winter and summer months.

Getting there requires either a ferry ride from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw or a short regional flight to the Kingscote Airport. So even though it’s not unreachable, it’s more so the lifestyle that is removed from the bustling of Adelaide’s centre.

If you’re wondering what makes the island stand out from the likes of the Namib Desert in Namibia and Mahale Mountains in Tanzania, which also made the list, there’s really no guess work.

Take the coastal road and discover a variety of beaches, towering cliffs and great fishing spots on the island’s North Coast. See Emu Bay’s stunning four-kilometre-long stretch of white sand, which is popular for its direct vehicle access.

Heading further west after leaving Emu Bay, sits Stokes Bay; a beautiful stretch of beach that can only be reached via a boulder-lined walkway through a cave which emerges onto a white sandy beach with rock pools.

The region’s west is rugged and untamed, with vast wilderness home to the world-renowned Flinders Chase National Park and the well-known Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. The viral Remarkable Rocks, which take on funky shapes and colours are a must-visit spot on the island as well.

The island is also home to arguably the best and biggest lavender scones you’ll find at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, nestled among picturesque rows of lavender. The cafe craft a variety of lavender products right on site and even have their own cocktail list featuring their range of Lavender Gin and Limoncello.

The island is no stranger to winning awards or a spot on top lists. It’s been named as one of the greatest places in the world by Time Magazine and Stokes Bay has been named one of Australia’s best beaches.

Another Australian destination actually took top spot on the global list was Rowe Island, a small island approximately 600–700 km northeast of Sydney, Australia.