Our favourite things to see & do on Kangaroo Island
We love sharing our Kangaroo Island home with guests. Here are just a few of our team's favourite places to visit, things to do, and places to eat, drink & stay. So you can explore Kangaroo Island like a local.
Stay Central: Cygnet River, Kingscote & Surrounds
The area encompassing Cygnet River, Kingscote & Emu Bay offers a fantastic half-day cellar door cruise (or add in breakfast & lunch for a full date saunter). There are plenty of things to see & do between tastings.
TASTE:
THE ISLANDER ESTATE VINEYARDS
How could we not invite you to visit our intimate Tasting Room first & foremost? We pride ourselves in providing personally hosted tastings, showcasing our handcrafted wines which blend the best of old-world French winemaking techniques with the creative freedom & stunning environment Kangaroo Island offers.
The Islander Estate Vineyards is both Kangaroo Island's only Halliday Wine Companion 5-star rated winery & Australian Gourmet Traveller Wines Star Cellar Door 2022.
Book one of our premium food & wine experiences & save. Or indulge in a private tasting experiences.
Visit us 6 days a week (closed Wednesday), noon to 5pm
78 Gum Creek Road, Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island
SPRINGS ROAD WINES
Our neighbours and friends Joch Bosworth & Louise Hemsley-Smith grow classic Australian varietals at their Springs Road vineyard (orignally a sheep farm). They also own the respected McLaren Vale winery Battle of Bosworth which has been accredited organic for almost thirty years, so they have great credentials. Drop into their cellar door for a tasting.
Don't miss: The Terre Napolean Shiraz.
761 Playford Hwy, Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island
www.springsroad.com.au
KANGAROO ISLAND SPIRITS
Have you even been to Kangaroo Island if you haven't had a cocktail in the KI Spirits gin garden? Their recent expansion means they offer fantastic gin blending & cocktail classes.
Don't miss: We love the Mulberry Gin
856 Playford Hwy, Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island
www.kangarooislandspirits.com.au
BAY OF SHOALS WINES
Just a few minutes outside of the town of Kingscote, visit to take in the wonderful views across the vineyard to the sea over a tasting or a picnic hamper.
Don't miss: Alternative white varietals from Spain like Albarino & Arinto.
749 Cordes Rd, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island
wwww.bayofshoalswines.com.au
EMU BAY LAVENDER
Set amongst commercial lavender groves which yield a wonderful variety of lavender products, Emu Bay Lavender offers some of the best breakfasts on Kangaroo Island & great lunches to boot.
Don't miss: For brunch - Eggs Benedict with a glass of bubbles. At lunch the Johl Momo Dumplings are fantastic.
205 Emu Bay Rd, Wisanger, Kangaroo Island
www.emubaylavenderfarm.com
THE ODD PLATE - Temporarily closed due to fire, stay tuned for reopening info.
Kingscote's hottest dining venue, created by team Dylan & Yolandi in a 1927 heritage guesthouse, The Odd Plate has set the town abuzz.
Don't miss: Sit back & experience the sharing menu (& the cocktails are amazing)
51 Chapman Tce, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island
www.theoddplate.com.au
CAFE BELLA
If a long day of touring has you craving an easy dinner, Cafe Bella pumps out delicious pizza and pasta from their tiny cafe in Dauncey Street, Kingscote. Dine in or get take-away to enjoy on the seafront lawns with a delicious glass or three of local Sangiovese.
64 Dauncey Street, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island
www.bellacafekangarooisland.com.au
OZONE HOTEL
As well as being the primary hotel in Kingscote for accommodation, the Ozone Hotel has a bistro restaurant serving great quality modern Australian & pub food. If you're planning to eat in, the bottle shop has a lovely selection of Kangaroo Island wines.
67 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island
www.ozonehotelki.com.au
EXPLORE
DUCK LAGOON NATURE RESERVE
Just a few minutes from The Islander Estate Vineyards' tasting room, Duck Lagoon Nature Reserve is a secret picnic spot alive with native wildlife. It has bird hides, picnic tables, BBQs & toilets onsite.
Don't miss: Look up as well; there are koalas to find!
Duck Lagoon Road, Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island
EMU BAY BEACH
With calm waters and stunning white sand, Em Bay is the local beach for many Kangaroo Islanders for after-work swims with a cold wine in hand.
Don't miss: Dolphins cruising by.
Emu Bay Road, Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island
KANGAROO ISLAND E-BIKE TOURS
A new way to experience Kangaroo Island from our friends at Exceptional Kangaroo Island. Put yourself in the hands of a local expert on the Gin, Wine & Wildlife E-Bike Tour. It's an easy ride on their modern e-bikes along back roads & to visit secret spots while you take in a cellar door trail of the Cygnet River area.
Don't miss: A fully catered lunch in a secluded private bush setting alongside the Cygnet River. www.exceptionalkangarooisland.com.au
STAY
HAMILTON & DUNE
Two of the most luxurious homes on Emu Bay & our favourite place to deliver a private wine masterclass.
Don't miss: A private catered degustation dinner overlooking the ocean.
Dune Road, Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island
www.hamiltondune.com.au
STOWAWAY
If you're seeking luxury couples' accommodation, Stowaway has luxury covered to the very last detail. From a private sauna, double-sided wood fire, huge bath & outdoor hot tub with the ocean, farm-scape and native bushland views where the only visitors might be local kangaroos.
Don't miss: A glass of champagne in the bath watching the sunset.
3923 North Coast Road, Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island
www.stowawayki.com.au
THE CAPE
Stunning self contained accommodation for 8 people with paonormic views across Emu Bay beach. If you're holidays with friends or family, The Cape is a great option.
Don't Miss: Cocktails on the deck at sunset
61 Bayview Road, Emy Bay
www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/31193629
Go East: Dudley Peninsula
Most people start & finish their Kangaroo Island holiday on the eastern end of Kangaroo Island. While many of the main tourist attractions are on the western end, it's well worth allocating some time to exploring Kangaroo Island's Dudley Peninsula.
TASTE
MILLIE MAE' S PANTRY
An overnight cafe icon in Penneshaw, the garden setting is as good as the delicious food for breakfast or lunch.
Don't miss: Mimosa for breakfast? Don't mind if we do!
Nat Thomas Street, Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island
www.milliemaespantry.com
PENNESHAW PUB
This historic pub has been keeping locals & visitors fed & watered since 1886. It's been renovated many times since & today the place to spend an afternoon is on their outdoor terrace with spectacular views overlooking backstairs passage. You may even spot a whale while you sip on a glass of wine. The food is also delicious for lunch & dinner.
Don't miss: Live music afternoons on the terrace
North Terrace, Penneshaw
www.penneshawpub.com.au
DUDLEY WINES
Dudley Wines is run by one of the oldest farming families on the Dudley Peninsula. Their Cellar Door at Cuttlefish Bay has spectacular views back to mainland Australia that can't be beaten.
Don't miss: A tasting paddle over lunch & a hit of golf
1153 Cape Willoughby Road, Cuttlefish Bay, Kangaroo Island
www.dudleywines.com.au
EXPLORE
KANGAROO ISLAND SCULPTURE TRAIL
This 4.5-hectare art trail nestled amongst the sand dunes of Penneshaw is a testament to a group of dedicated community volunteers. The Kangaroo Island Sculpture trail is a must-do experience featuring a growing collection of art from local, national & international artists.
Don't miss: Scan the QR codes on each installation to hear directly from the artist
Frenchmans Tce, Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island
www.kangarooislandsculpturetrail.com
BOOMERBANK
Found object sculptor Indiana James has been a favourite KI artist for many years. Stop at his Pelican Lagoon gallery for an authentically Kangaroo Island experience.
Don't miss: Wife Linda's handmade hats.
3196 Hog Bay Rd, Pelican Lagoon, Kangaroo Island
www.indianajames.com.au
BROWN BEACH
Two adjacent beaches offer stunning sunset views across the bay to American River & fantastic facilities like warm showers, bbq facilities & toilets make this a favourite spot for an evening wine.
Don't miss: A walk along the beach for coveted Cowrie shells
Brown Beach Campground, Hog Bay Road, Brown Beach, Kangaroo Island
www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/experiences/brown-beach
ANTECHAMBER BAY
Chapman River flows down to the spectacular Antechamber Bay beach providing a huge array of sheltered picnic spots alongside the river & with beach access.
Don't miss: Fishing for bream in the river mouth.
Cape Willoughby Road, Antechamber Bay, Kangaroo Island
www.southaustralia.com/products/kangaroo-island/attraction/antechamber-bay
CAPE WILLOUGHBY LIGHTHOUSE
The most easterly point of the island, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, has stood guard here since 1852 to protect passing ships from danger.
Don't miss: A guided tour with local experts or an overnight stay in the lighthouse keeper's cottages.
Cape Willoughby Rd, Cape Willoughby, Kangaroo Island
www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/cape-willoughby-conservation-park
STAY
MERCURE LODGE AMERICAN RIVER
American River is a stunningly peaceful place to end the day & the Mercure Lodge team will make you very comfortable.
Don't miss: Dinner at the Reflections Restaurant & a visit to the local oyster farm
Scenic Drive, American River, Kangaroo Island
www.kilodge.com.au
ONE KANGAROO ISLAND
Our friends Corrina & Hugh have created one the most spectacular luxury accommodation on Kangaroo Island, so splurge!
Don't miss: A soak with a glass of champagne in one of South Australia's most stunning outdoor baths.
Hog Bay Road, Brown Beach, Kangaroo Island
www.onekangarooisland.com.au
THORN PARK B&B
For an intimate & fully hosted accommodation option we recommend staying with David & Michael at Thorn Park. With decades of experience hosting luxury B&B guests you'll be well looked after. Their beautifully appointed property has spectacular views overlooking Penneshaw. A stay includes indulging in David's delicious catering paired with some phenomenal wines.
Don't miss: Booking in for a private cooking class
50 Wright Street, Penneshaw
www.thornpark.com.au/thorn-park-on-kangaroo-island/