Skip to main content
POINT OF INTEREST

Little Sahara

3733 South Coast Road, Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Vast wind-sculpted sand dunes stretch out across the horizon just north of Vivonne Bay on the south coast of Kangaroo Island. Nicknamed “Little Sahara,” the dunes tower up to 250 feet (76 meters) high, affording magnificent views across the Great Australian Bight and serving as a natural playground for sandboarding and tobogganing.

Adventurers hopping between Kangaroo Island’s beaches and wildlife sanctuaries won’t want to miss a stop at Little Sahara. Walk up to the top to admire the views, traverse the dunes on an electric fat bike or buggy tour, or go for the thrills of sandboarding or tobogganing. The natural wonder is a popular stop on Kangaroo Island tours, often in combination with a beach break at nearby Vivonne Bay and Seal Bay, or a bushwalk through the surrounding gum forests, known for their wild koala sightings.

  • With activities for all ages, Little Sahara is a great choice for a family adventure.

  • Tours and activities at the Little Sahara dunes set out from the visitor center and must be booked in advance.

  • Make sure you bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as there’s no shade.

Little Sahara is on the south coast of Kangaroo Island, about a 10-minute drive north of Vivonne Bay and about a 75-minute drive from Penneshaw. There’s no public transportation on the island, so you’ll need to drive or join a tour.

Summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit Little Sahara, but tours and activities in the dunes take place year-round, from morning to late afternoon or early evening. Opt for an early-morning or late-afternoon time slot if you’re visiting in the summer months, to avoid being out in the midday sun.

Kangaroo Island is famous for its white-sand beaches, rolling surf, and wildlife sightings, and Little Sahara is just one of the must-visit coastal spots. Combine a visit with nearby Vivonne Bay, where the gentle waves are ideal for swimming, and Seal Bay to see Australian sea lions lounging on the rocks. For consistent surf, D’Estrees Bay and Pennington Bay Beach are top of the list, while along the north coast, the most picturesque beach breaks are Snellings Beach, Emu Bay, and Stokes Bay.

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP