Discover breathtaking landscapes, encounter fascinating wildlife, dive into the island's history and indulge in farmgate produce and warming red wines.
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Day one
Kangaroo Island Sculpture TrailThe Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail is a fun, free and family-friendly experience offering original artwork in a beautiful native setting.
The trail is located in the heart of the coastal village of Penneshaw, just a few minute's walk from the Penneshaw Jetty and adjacent to Hog Bay Beach.
Come for a wander through the stunning trail, following the contours of the natural environment. Explore the many surprises, scenic lookouts, ancient vegetation and the stunning ravine walls.
The growing collection of sculpture installations from local, national and international artists tells the story of our community's connection to nature and local culture.
The trail is owned by our community and managed by a team of dedicated volunteers. Your donation to the trail helps their volunteers maintain and grow their trail.
The trail is 1.5 kms in length; an easy walk but with some steps so is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs.
The trail is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Trail markers with maps are situated within the trail to help you select your route.Cape Willoughby Lightstation - Cape Willoughby Conservation ParkSituated in the easternmost point of Kangaroo Island, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse was the first lighthouse to be built in South Australia in 1852. It stands 27 metres high with 102 steps to the lookout tower, and offers stunning panoramic view across Backstairs Passage and the Kangaroo Island coastline.
Guided tours of the Lightstation precinct, including the tower, are held daily. The Visitor Centre includes a fascinating museum reading room, with light refreshments and souvenirs available.
The isolation, ruggedness and beauty of this part of Kangaroo Island, is striking. Stay overnight in a spacious lightkeeper’s cottage to live the experience from the comfort of one of these beautifully restored cottages.
Self-guided walking trails provide further insight into the lives of the early Lighthouse Keepers and the construction of the Lightstation. A 1.9 kilometre loop walk commences from the Visitors Centre.
Nearby Antechamber Bay, in Lashmar Conservation Park, offers a long sandy beach perfect for swimming, beachcombing, with picnic and camping facilities.False Cape Wines Cellar DoorFalse Cape Cellar Door offers premium wines and is situated in an idyllic setting, nestled amongst the vineyard and gum trees on the picturesque Willson River, surrounded by native vegetation and only 12 km from Penneshaw and the ferry.
The Cellar Door is made from recycled wood, jetty timbers and limestone sourced throughout South Australia. All hand built by us and the exceptional Freestone Creations.
They aim to give visitors a welcoming and relaxing environment to experience their Authentic Kangaroo Island handcrafted premium wines. Made by award-winning winemaker Greg Follett (Julie's brother) of Lake Breeze Wines.
They offer a delicious lunchtime menu to complement their premium wines, which include platters, homemade pies, kids' menu and various specials depending on the season.
There is a kids nature playground, farm animal viewing, large fenced lawned area, plus a basketball backboard for the older kids. So, sit back, relax and enjoy a deluxe platter, a tasting paddle, glass of wine or a local beer.
The Kangaroo Island vineyard was established by Julie and Jamie Helyar in 1999 with North Facing Slopes, Terra Rosa soils over Limestone, cool climate along with sustainable practices creating the ideal conditions for producing great quality grapes and wine.
Their latest releases of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot and Riesling continue to impress, all receiving 94 points from James Halliday Wine Companion 2023.The Oyster Farm ShopDiscover this unique, aquaculture farmgate on Kangaroo Island!
Situated in the picturesque town of American River, their farm-gate showcases Island aquaculture and sustainable seafood including; Pacific Oysters, Native oysters, Wild Marron, Abalone, Abalini, King George Whiting and more (when in season)!
Feast on their Harvest of the Day lunch menu paired with local wine, cider and beer or gather up a seafood banquet to enjoy back at your accommodation!
Enjoy watching the local oyster punt bring in boat loads of fresh oysters during the season, watching oystershuckers in action or book a Daily Farm Tour or their new Shucking Experience to learn more!
Not a restaurant, cafe or fish and chip shop, this is an authentic farmgate experience where you can learn about the aquaculture produce farmed on Kangaroo Island. Sample free tastings of delicious farm shop Smoked Produce and their famous KI Kilpatrick sauce.
A visit to The Oyster Farm Shop is a foodie must-do on Kangaroo Island! -
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Day two
Kangaroo Island WoolKangaroo Island Wool, a pioneering South Australian company, sets a new standard in the wool industry with a focus on modern farming practices, animal husbandry, and fine merino wool production.
What truly distinguishes them is their ambitious move towards on-site, end-to-end manufacturing through a vertical wool mill, ensuring complete control over quality and sustainability from scouring to the final product.
Embracing innovation and eco-conscious practices, Kangaroo Island Wool leads the way for environmentally friendly, Australian-made, and high-quality woollen garments.
Discover the unmatched luxury of Kangaroo Island Wool, whether you seek classic knitwear or stylish accessories, embrace the warmth and style of Kangaroo Island Wool, where a passion for sustainability and fashion meet to create the ultimate in comfort and style.
Visit the retail showroom any time or book online to experience their captivating mill tour.Emu Bay Lavender FarmEmu Bay Lavender is a charming farm gate cafe nestled among picturesque rows of lavender, where they craft a variety of lavender products right on site. The cafe is renowned for its indulgent oversized lavender scones and artisanal handmade ice cream. The cafe serves up a delectable breakfast and lunch menu featuring fresh and flavorful dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds. With a full liquor license, and their cocktail list featuring their own range of Lavender Gin and Limoncello, along with several other stand out local drinks offerings. Join Emu Bay Lavender for a delightful culinary experience surrounded by the beauty and fragrance of lavender fields on Kangaroo Island.Kangaroo Island BreweryKangaroo Island is home to Kangaroo Island brewery, and is the first cellar door microbrewery on Kangaroo Island. Nestled a short distance from the main town on the island, Kingscote, it is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Spread across a sprawling 20-acre property, the brewery offers ample space for children to play freely, while couples or groups of friends can seek out a tranquil nook in the paddock, on the deck or a spot inside.Springs Road Kangaroo IslandSprings Road runs East-West across the Northern part of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Spring Road Vineyard was established in 1994 on a small sheep property about 7km west of Kingscote.
Springs Road Wines is owned and operated by Joch Bosworth and Louise Hemsley-Smith from McLaren Vale’s Battle of Bosworth Wines.
Wines are 100% estate-grown and hand-made from the low-yielding vines which are now well over 20 years old.
The Springs Road wine label is adapted from Louis Freycinet’s 1808 map of Southern Australia ‘Terre Napoléon.’
They make small volumes of Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz blend.
Their Kangaroo Island wines are available at their cellar door (and online) located off Springs Road but accessed opposite 761 Playford Highway (just up from Frog and Roses Cafe), in Cygnet River.Kangaroo Island SpiritsKangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) is South Australia's first boutique distillery and was established in 2006. Kangaroo Island Spirits produce a range of high-quality liqueurs and spirits, emphasising local and native ingredients.
While Gin is their passion,they also produce a variety of liqueurs and vodkas and have just commenced their world-class whisky program. All the products are handmade in small batches using hand-crafted copper pot stills. KIS' products have received international awards in London, New York, San Francisco and Hong Kong. Products are available online and in discerning local restaurants and outlets. (See website for more details).
Their cellar door is open seven days, and offer a range of highly curated experiences, including Premium Guided Tastings, Cocktail Masterclasses, and a very popular Gin-Blending Master Class. -
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Day three
Australian Red Gum GalleryNestled in the heart of Kangaroo Island, discover the unique artistry and natural beauty of Kangaroo Island at the Australian Red Gum Gallery. Here, artist Jonny Gloyne breathes new life into the relics of the giant Red Gum trees that once flourished on the island's western end. Hand-turning each piece, he creates a stunning range of high-quality products that are both beautiful and useful. From pepper and salt mills to salad bowls, fruit platters, clocks, and barometers, there's something for everyone to admire.
Experience a truly immersive stay at Roo Lagoon Homestead where you can spend your day observing and learning the skillful techniques of Jonny. With the option to stay onsite, you'll have the opportunity to witness firsthand the mastery of Jonny's craft.
The Australian Red Gum Gallery typically operates from 10am to 4pm, six days a week. However, it is recommended to make an appointment and contact them prior to your visit.Kelly Hill CavesReady to step back in time? Kelly Hill Caves has reopened with a brand-new visitor experience.
An audio-visual tour featuring narration and a dynamic light display will provide visitors with an immersive experience through the history of the caves.
The experience starts with a guided above-ground walk. Here, you learn about the caves’ history and view new interpretive signage, setting the stage for the underground adventure.
Visited before? The tour offers fresh insights for both new and returning visitors.
About Kelly Hill Caves
Around two million years ago the sea was constantly changing between its present level and 125 metres lower, intermittently exposing the continental shelf. It was at this time that the dunes of Kelly Hill were formed as calcareous shell fragments from the exposed sea bed were windblown and deposited on the island’s south and west coast. Over a long period of time these dunes hardened into a porous limestone that is shaped by the action of percolating rainwater.
At Kelly Hill this has given rise to an underground labyrinth of sinkholes and caverns thought to extend for kilometres. Nature has again created some of its finest work here, with caves full of beautiful yet fragile stalagmites, stalactites, helictites and towering columns that transport visitors to another world.Kangaroo Island Outdoor ActionKangaroo Island Outdoor Action offers fun nature-based adventures for all ages to enjoy!
Activities include the exhilarating quad bike tours and the more serene flat-water kayaking.
Observe and learn about the island’s unique flora and fauna with your experienced guide. Wild koala and kangaroo sightings are guaranteed on some tours, while other wildlife such as goannas, echidnas and wallabies are often also spotted!
Cruise through various stunning Australiana landscapes that are inaccessible to the public.
Enjoy a personalised and memorable experience with small group numbers or affordable private tour options.
All outdoor adventures are suitable for any age, ability or fitness level. Guided tours are from 1.5 hours to 3 hours, with full day or multi day packages also available.Raptor DomainRaptor Domain is home to one of the only free-flight Birds of Prey presentation in South Australia. Enjoy a delightful interactive experience with the friendly Barn Owls; have a laugh with Banjo and Paterson the laughing Kookaburras; meet an array of birds including majestic Wedge-tailed Eagles; incredibly aerobatic Black Kites; chatty Cockatoos and many more. These presentations offer a rare opportunity to see and interact with some of Australia’s incredible birds in up close encounters.
At the daily Reptile presentation have a look into the amazing Australian reptiles, venom, and the creatures that use it. Here you will be able to get up close and personal in a safe environment with some of Australia’s most venomous critters. Learn interesting facts about amazing snakes and lizards while holding them yourself or watch as others face their fears with a python around their shoulders. Creepy crawlies also make an appearance with experienced trainers bringing out scorpions, spiders and much more.
Once in a lifetime private experiences available daily. See the web site for more information.Seal BayAs Kangaroo Island's premier tourist attraction, the award-winning Seal Bay offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Set your own pace on the 800 metre wheelchair accessible boardwalk which meanders through the dunes to a number of viewing platforms. Boardwalk tour tickets can be purchased on-site at the Seal Bay Visitor Information centre. The boardwalk tour can be taken at any time while the park is open from 9am with the last entry at 4pm.
For beach access to the sea-lion colony, join a guided tour to learn more about the amazing lives of these endangered animals with an experienced guide. There will be plenty of time for photos as the sea lions shelter in the dunes, rest on the sand or surf in the ocean. This tour can be booked online up to nine hours before tour departure.
Seal Bay is a 45-minute drive from Kingscote. -
That's a wrap
Bundle up and escape on this captivating 3-day Kangaroo Island adventure, where you'll be enveloped by awe-inspiring landscapes, encounter captivating wildlife, delve into the island's storied past, and treat yourself to the bounty of farmgate produce and comforting red wines.