Secret Autumn Sunset Spots on Kangaroo Island

When summer’s warm weather passes & Anzac Day is over, visitor numbers to Kangaroo Island traditionally slow.

But ‘Islanders’ know the cooler months are some of the most stunning on Kangaroo Island.  Warm days, crisp nights, and rains transform dry paddocks into vibrant green almost before your eyes. 

And our favourite part?  The light in the late afternoon & at sunset is magic.  Autumn sunsets are our favourite.  We asked our team to share their favourite spots to end the day with a glass of wine.
 

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Yale, Managing Director, Winemaker, Wrangler of Staff

Favourite Sunset Spot?  West Bay Beach, Flinders Chase National Park

“I love watching the sun sink behind the horizon into the southern ocean at West Bay. Sitting on the beach with a glass of wine, feeling like you’re at the end of the earth.  Such a secluded spot but still totally accessible to anyone willing to make the drive.”

Favourite Sunset Wine?  Wally White Semillon
“Our white wine for red wine drinkers.  With enough  creaminess & texture to go with some rich Australian salmon caught fresh from the beach & cooked in a pan with a little wine over a beach fire”

Image courtesy of Lauren Garret on Instagram

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Sophie, Cellar Door Manager extraordinaire

Favourite Sunset Spot? Flagstaff Hill Lookout, Reeves Point.  “Just a few minutes from my home in Kingscote, Flagstaff Hill is a stunning elevated spot for an evening after-work walk to watch the sunset over the Bay of Shoals.  With elevated views for almost 360 degrees, there’s no better place to let go of the day.” 

Favourite Sunset Wine?  Varietal Range Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. “A limited release wine, this is my new favourite for when you want something a little more textural & sophisticated in the white wine spectrum.  I’ve visited Jacques in Bordeaux & this reminds me so much of the Bordeaux Blanc blends that I tried there.”
Image courtesy of Ross Evans Photography on Instagram

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Carmen, Cellar Door host with most

Favourite Sunset Spot?  Pennington Bay.  “Most people visit Pennington Bay in the height of summer to swim & surf.  It is absolutely stunning in the cooler months just after a storm when it’s almost deserted & the sunset views are ours alone, it totally refreshes the mind & spirit.”

Favourite Sunset Wine?  Boxing Bay Shiraz/Cab Sauv.  "I love that this is a European take on a classic Aussie blend. A glass watching the sunset is perfect to ward the chill off & the rest goes down perfectly by the fire when we get home".

Image courtesy of Grant Coutts on Instagram

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Sue, Cellar Door Hand, Luxury Accommodation Specialist, Farmer

Favourite Sunset Spot? One Kangaroo Island, Brown Beach
“There is no more luxurious experience on Kangaroo Island than sitting in a warm outdoor bubble bath on a crisp evening, in total privacy, overlooking Brown Beach & the sunset to the west.  Unforgettable”

Favourite Sunset Wine?  Petiyante
What else is there to drink in an outdoor bath at sunset than a delicious glass of Methode Champenoise sparkling?

Image courtesy of One Kangaroo Island on Instagram

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Tracey,  Wrangler of all things financial

 Favourite Sunset Spot?  Cygnet River
“In the late afternoon just as dusk descends, the light through the trees surrounding the Cygnet River is something else.  And it only happens during the cooler months.  It makes you look up from your computer at our Tasting Room, step outside & take a deep breath.”

Favourite Sunset Wine?  Tracey’s been drinking Bark Hut Road, Shiraz/Cabernet Franc, our signature blend for 15 years ago.  It brings together our French & Australian heritage in a bottle & it suits just about any cool evening dish.

Image courtesy of Cath Williams on Instagram

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Cath, Marketing & Story Teller

Favourite Sunset Spot?   Baudin Beach
“My home, Baudin Beach.  We live in a cottage snuggled behind a sand dune.  Just near our house is a path along the cliffs with a special chatting seat in honour of a much loved local.  After a long day on the social media tools, I can be there with a glass of wine, my partner, daughter & dog in just a couple of minutes.  We all take a deep breath & let go of the day.  Then back home out of the evening chill & into the warm cosiness of the fire.”

Favourite Sunset Wine?  “Old Rowley Shiraz/Grenache I am a grenache fan & absolutely love Old Rowley.  Elegant but robust, complex but drinkable.  Simply one of my go-to blends & I’m yet to find one I love more than the one we make at The Islander Estate Vineyards.”

Image courtesy of Cath Williams on Instagram

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Plan your cool weather visit to Kangaroo Island now

Click to Visit The Islander Estate Vineyards
map of Favourite Autumn Sunset Spots

and
Visit the Tour Kangaroo Island Website

 

Demystifying Malbec

Let's get intimate with stunning Malbec

Jacques Lurton has grown Malbec across three continents, including on Kangaroo Island. Get up close with this amazing varietal.

Malbec's Provenance
Malbec originated in Jacques Lurton's native Bordeaux (and also Cahors), where it plays a supporting role in classic Bordeaux blends, never really getting the chance to shine in the spotlight. In the late 19th century, phylloxera nearly destroyed all the Malbec vines in France. They eventually recovered before being later hit by deadly frosts in the mid-1950s. The variety struggled to return to France until the mid-1970s.

Luckily then, a French agronomist, Michel Aimé Pouget, had introduced the variety to South America in the mid-1800s, where the variety found its place in the sun in the hot high-altitude Argentinian climate around Mendoza.  Malbec finally found its place centre stage as a single varietal, becoming the shining star of Argentinian wine. 

In modern-day wine, Malbec has travelled all over the world, but Argentina still produces 75% of the world's Malbec and Cahors in France’s southwest the second-largest producer. 

Malbec's Australian story began in 1860 when it began growing particularly well in South Australia. Production is still selective, and Malbec represents less than 0.5% of Aussie grape and wine production. In Australia, Malbec’s beginnings were as a blending grape. These days, a small but growing number of producers are taking inspiration from South America and showing Malbec’s potential as a single varietal.

A Malbec love affair spanning three continents

Jacques Lurton’s relationship with Malbec began in his native France, where the variety originated. The love affair really took off when he spent extensive time in South America, establishing vineyards in partnership with his brother Francois in Argentina and Chile and experiencing Malbec as the powerhouse of the wine industry there.

As a flying winemaker, he had also spent time in Australia, seeing how well the variety transferred from Argentina's hot high-latitude climate to South Australia’s moderate Mediterranean climate. 

When Jacques set up his own Australian business, The Islander Estate Vineyards, on Kangaroo Island, he planted Malbec to blend with flagship varieties. 

Those plans changed almost from the first vintage when the quality of his Malbec on Kangaroo Island impressed Jacques so much that he saw it deserved to shine on its own. The Majestic Plough was born as the region’s only single-varietal Malbec.

The quality continued to increase from vintage to vintage.  Jacques was determined to show the true potential of Malbec on Kangaroo Island, so in 2015, The Islander Estate's flagship wine range was joined by The Independence Malbec – rated as one of the country’s best single variety Malbecs (96 points James Halliday's 2021 Wine Companion). 

"Hand-picked fruit, destemmed, table-sorted, then barrel fermented in seasoned 600L demi-muids; left 5 weeks on skins, matured 24 months in new 600L demis. Deep crimson-purple hue, showing no sign of age. An alluring, expressive bouquet with licorice, polished leather, eastern spices, dried plum and earth all calling out. The palate tucks in behind that array, giving substance and cedary oak tannins on the long, perfectly balanced finish."  James Halliday

The Islander Estate Vineyards is the only winery commercially producing Malbec on Kangaroo Island.

So, what's so special about Malbec anyway?

Often considered an alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, Malbec is a powerhouse wine of its own accord, the most structured and tannic wine we produce on Kangaroo Island.

Malbec is a thick-skinned, purple grape variety with an inky red hue.  On Kangaroo Island, the vines are low-yielding and one of the first red varieties to be harvested.

In the glass, it has an intense deep red colour, magenta-tinged at the rim.  On the nose, you’ll find savoury aromas of leather, tobacco, blackberry, dried herbs and spices with plenty of toasty oak.

In the mouth expect big, juicy and plush flavours of dark fruit with a robust structure and moderately firm tannins with natural acidity and a longer finish than you expect from overseas examples.

Malbec’s best food friends

Malbec loves lean proteins like a good-quality steak barbecued over coals (even better with a herb or chimichurri sauce on the side), roast lamb with robust stuffing, and roast game like duck or pheasant. 

It also loves hard or blue cheeses and sits beautifully alongside charcuterie.

Drink now or wait?

Malbec has great cellaring potential for 15+ years if you have the patience!

 

Get up close to The Islander Estate’s Vineyards' Malbec

The Independence Malbec from our Flagship range has just been rated as one of the best in the country. The Australian Wine Companion team rated both the 2015 and 2016 vintage releases 96/100 points. Pop this one away and try not to think about it for a few years—it will pay off.

Shop 2016 The Independence Malbec

 

Our Estate range Majestic Plough Malbec is back in stock and in high demand. It is an example of just how good a cool-climate Malbec can be. Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.

Shop 2021 Majestic Plough Malbec

 

Two to Tango by James Halliday

The Making of The Islander Estate Vineyards
by James Halliday
The Weekend Australian Magazine 9 April 2022

Our thanks to James Halliday and The Weekend Australian magazine for sitting down with Jacques Lurton and Yale Norris to catch up on the stunning recovery of our Kohinoor Hills estate and to share some of our upcoming releases.

Read the article online here & click on the links below to access reviewed wines.

Buy 2018 Boundary Track Shiraz
Buy current vintage 2015 The Independence Malbec (2016 yet to be released)
Buy 2021 Sauvignon Blanc

 

 

 

Our Favourite Easter Food and Wine Pairings

No matter what's on your Easter menu, we have a wine to match. From the traditional to the unexpected.

To make it easy, take advantage of our Autumn Favourites wine pack, with complimentary bonus wine in every pack. 

To make an occasion of an Easter brunch with friends, serve our sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, Petiyante with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon - such a luxurious pairing. The creaminess of the eggs and the smoky flavour of the salmon complement the super fine bead, crispness & texture of the Petiyante. 

Cool climate Kangaroo Island Sauvignon Blanc at its best - elegant, clean and crisp. On the nose, passionfruit, lime zest, citrus and sea spray.  On the palate, delicate & aromatic with a light herbal note, ripe citrus and tropical fruits.  The crisp acidity of Sauv Blanc is the perfect foil for your favourite fish and chips.

The White is crafted in a contemporary Australian style to demonstrate Chardonnay's elegant varietal character. It is slightly toasty and has flavours of peach, nectarine, melon, and toasted nuts. The fruit sweetness is offset by steely, refreshing acidity and a long finish. The White has just the right amount of texture to match a moist roast chicken.

The richness and texture of Easter roast lamb needs the rich fruit flavour, savoury notes and fine, firm tannin structure of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauv. Boxing Bay is just the pairing, offering cherry, blackberry, pepper, eucalyptus, toasted vanilla, cedar, and baking spices. On the finish, power and structure abound in the Cab Sauv, balancing the softness and elegance of the Shiraz.

Our Burgundy style Shiraz/Grenache blend has spicy, earthy aromas supported by notes of confection from carbonic maceration.  The palate is robust but still delicate on the front palate. Full flavoured with supple raspberry & boysenberry flavours, lifted florals, vanilla oak & clove notes. Natural acidity supports a long finish, increasing the richness and length of flavours.  The fruit character and balanced tannins match beautifully with bitter dark chocolate.

When you're firing up the BBQ, you want a wine that goes with everything from sausages to vegetables. Our cool-climate Cab Sauv has a softer palate and higher acidity than warmer climate wines.  With red fruit, including red cherry, cranberry, and raspberry. Herbaceous and earthy notes are complemented by higher acidity and a plush, velvety mouthfeel to create a long, elegant, well-balanced finish.

Try our Autumn Wine packs, all our favourite Easter wines at phenomenal value

The Islander Estate Vineyards wines rated by USA Wine Enthusiast

As part of Wine Australia’s US Market Entry Program, a range of our wines were recently reviewed by the Wine Enthusiast’s rating panel.  Wines from around the world are tasted by the Wine Enthusiast’s expert tasting panel at their New York Office.

The tasting gives us the opportunity to test how our wines are received by USA wine experts, alongside some of the best from Australia & Europe.

We were really pleased to receive solid results.  Our Estate wines were placed in the Highly recommended category, with one of scoring 93 points, a score awarded to less than 1% of all Australian wines tasted by the panel.  Our everyday drinking varietal wines also scored in the good value, well-recommended category, exactly where we would place them.  Check out the reviews & order a selection for your wine cellar.

Wine Enthusiast Rating Scale

Classic  98–100	The pinnacle of quality
Superb 94–97	A great achievement
Excellent 90-93	Highly recommended
Very Good 87 - 89	Often good value, well recommended
Good 83 - 86	Suitable for everyday consumption; often good value
Acceptable 80-82	Can be employed in casual situations

              

2018 Boxing Bay Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark purple at the core, this supremely ripe wine’s nose bursts in aromas of cassis, oodles of menthol, Black Mission fig and Morello cherry. All at once sweet in fruit and savory in spice, this is a vibrant and slightly baroque wine in aromas and flavors. In structure, it is well-proportioned and seamless, leaving the taster to revel in the complex flavor dimensions. Creamy tannins are juxtaposed by roaring, refreshing acidity. The spicy finish recalls memories of walking through Istanbul’s Spice Market. Buckle up, this is quite a flavor ride. Drink now–2026.

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2019 Bark Hut Rd Syrah-Cabernet Franc

This is an energetic, engaging wine with tremendous aromatic appeal and racy palate lift. The nose shows distinctly different aromas with black peppercorn popping up first, followed by a refreshing herbal lift.  The palate gorges on popping-ripe blackberry and blueberry fruits. The tannins are strapping but well-placed and the acidity is marked and vibrant. The medium-plus body is nicely weighty with solid extraction but no heaviness. Lovely now, this should evolve nicely in the coming years. Drink now–2025.

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2019 Old Rowley Shiraz-Grenache

Sultry on the nose, with graphite and game dominating the blackberry undertones, the palate follows in the same vein. This is definitely one to decant. The palate opens up with time in the glass. Black plums, Dr. Pepper soda and dried wildflowers create a whirlwind of flavor with a solid caramel tone on the medium finish. That finish is also just a touch warm, but if the wine is served at cellar temperature, it will be fine with a hearty meal. The midpalate is a bit cherubesque, but it is nicely framed by sassy acidity and sculpted tannins. Drink now–2024.

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2021 Sauvignon Blanc

This is a snappy, youthful and delightfully intricate white. It shows classic Sauvignon Blanc aromatic markers of ripe yellow citrus and fresh green beans while offering a solidly ripe core balanced by roaring acidity. Hints of sweet and savory spice grace the pretty fruit on the medium finish, which is flecked with crushed slate. Lovely now, this should hold nicely in the bottle for a couple more years. Drink now–2024

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2020 The White Chardonnay

 This wine is rambunctious and inviting on the nose. Generous in floral perfume, it also reveals honeydew melon, green gauge plum and toasty baking spice. Nicely rounded on the midweight palate, the buttery undertones are a bit domineering for the reserved, lighter fruit flavors that finish with moderate length.  Still, the pleasant mix of tropical fruit and sweet spice influence is an attractive profile that will appease a wide sphere of consumers. Drink now–2024.

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2021 The Red Shiraz

This wine’s vivid aromas are a dance party for the nose. Sassy red and black cherries and plums pop out of the glass along with a spray of black peppercorns and an undercurrent of hard-stemmed herbs. The attack is a burst of perfectly ripened fruits with acidic verve and streamlined tannins. Nicely extracted but not unctuous, and neither cloying nor heavy, this shimmies across the palate with incredibly energetic, youthful fruit. Given the fairly fast finish, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for casual settings. Drink now–2024

 

Shop a selection of Wine Enthusiast's favourites 

 

A year in our Kangaroo Island vineyard - Summer

Our annual vintage may last just a few weeks, but it takes an entire year of hard work to ensure we are harvesting the best possible grapes.
Come with us for a guide to a year in our vineyard – one season at a time.

 

The Summer wine growing season on Kangaroo Island

Spring may be when the vineyard bursts from dormancy back to life, but Summer is when things begin to get exciting, giving us a glimpse towards the potential of the next vintage.

Summer is the season that can make or break vintage.  The climate on Kangaroo Island in early summer can still be variable.  Optimum conditions for a good vintage are warm, dry days with mild winds.  Excessive rain, wine or humidity can all spell disaster.

Fruit Set (Dec)

As flowering begins to end, the fertilised flowers start to develop a seed and grape berry to protect the seed.  This stage is critical as it determines the potential crop yield. 

Now is the time we begin to get a good idea of bunch development and quality on the vine with an insight into how vintage may shape up if the weather remains at optimum conditions. 

At this stage of the growing season when we pray for warm sunny days, moderate frost-free nights, gentle breezes and little or no rain.
 

Véraison (January)

During January, the tiny bunches of grapes go through a rapid period of growth.  Once they reach around half their final size, they enter the stage of véraison, usually around 40 – 50 days after fruit set.  However, the grapes remain hard, have very little sugar &  are high in organic acids.

Throughout véraison the berries begin to ripen, turning from green and begin to turn purple, red and golden.  This tipping point is when the vine begins to turn its energy away from vine growth concentrating on developing sweetness in the grapes.If necessary, leaf thinning is undertaken to allow the grapes more access to light & increase airflow to minimise disease risk.

Berry Ripening (February)

After véraison the grapes swell & fill with water.  During this ripening period, sugar levels rise & acid levels drop.  Colour pigments, flavour compounds & tannins develop.  Watering stops to induce mild water stress, inhibit shoot growth & encourage concentrated character in the ripening grapes.

A close eye is kept on the vineyard & when flocks of marauding birds arrive, nets are installed across the vineyard to protect the crop.  Once nets are on, vintage is only a matter of weeks away.

Many regions begin vintage in February, however in the cooler conditions on Kangaroo Island, wine vintage traditionally begins a few weeks after other South Australian regions, often in March.

 

We look forward to continuing to share the journey towards Vintage 2022
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Life Springs: 2 years on from the Kangaroo Island bushfires

Two years ago this week, the unimaginable happened to a community already reeling from the worst bushfire disaster Kangaroo Island had ever known.

A lot has happened in the world since January 2020. But for many on Kangaroo Island, recovery is still very real & will be for a long time to come.

Today, we take a look back at how far we've come with some images from immediately after the fire & today. It's only with the benefit of hindsight that we can see what an incredible journey it has been. What Mother Nature takes away, she gives back.

Huge credit to Yale Norris who has lived this disaster every single day, who believed we could recover & put in the immense work to help it happen. And to Jacques Lurton who is so committed to his business here.

Our vineyard is recovering in stages, full production is still a year or two away but come March we will be picking fruit - a major milestone.

Our gratitude to our many customers who have kept us in business & recovering with their support. You each have a hand in our recovery.

If you have a moment this week, jump online & purchase from a small business impacted by fire in your area. The world may have moved on, but they are still dealing with the impact & your support means the world.

Bring on Vintage 2022!

Aerial view of our Estate immediately after January 2020 fires & today.

Cabernet Franc vines January 2020 & January 2022

Bush vine Grenache January 2020 & January 2022 at The Islander Estate vineyards

Regrowth of the remnant native bush which overs almost 30 percent of our estate

Explore Our Wines Now

What's new on Kangaroo Island this Summer?

Heading back to Kangaroo Island for the Summer holidays? There are some fantastic new experiences to be had.  We're sharing our favourite new things to see, do, taste & sip.  

Whether it’s your first visit or Kangaroo Island is your second home, our Cellar Door Trail guides help you plan out a day that has something for the whole gang to enjoy - click here to explore & download our handy trail maps.

 

Guess Who’s Back for the Summer Season?

The Enchanted Fig Tree: Gastronomo is relaunching The Enchanted Fig Tree experience at stunning Snellings Beach on Kangaroo Island’s North Coast. One of South Australia’s most memorable dining experiences from the moment you arrive. You will be invited to venture through the leafy entrance of a majestic old fig tree before it opens up into a collection of natural ‘living’ rooms. Each space is decked out with stunning table settings ready for you to experience a magical feast of the senses. The season runs from 16 December 2021 until 4 April 2022. Bookings:  www.gastronomodining.com.au

Sunset Food & Wine: Kangaroo Island foodies are doing a happy dance that Jack Ingram & Vanessa Chu are reopening the east end’s icon restaurant for the summer season. A modern bistro focusing on local produce, Sunset Food & Wine combines stunning views overlooking American Beach, a killer wine list & elegant dishes that are a work of art. The season runs from 14 December until early April.  Bookings: www.sunsetfoodandwine.com

New in Town

Home Grown Pantry on the Cygnet River Gourmet Trail: Our neighbourhood in Cygnet River just got a little more delicious with Home Grown Pantry at Frogs & Roses garden centre. Whether you want a lunch stop between wine & spirit tastings, a picnic lunch to take to nearby Duck Lagoon or to stock up on holiday provisions, it’s all delicious & homemade. Opening days & hours do vary, so check out their Facebook page before your stop in: www.homegrownpantryki.com.au.

The Shy Wren, Penneshaw: The team at The Shy Wren are kicking off 2022 in style with their NYE opening. This wine bar /kitchen /providore will be a great addition to the east end. Keep an eye on their socials for more info on opening days & offerings: www.facebook.com/theshywren.

The Odd Plate, Kingscote: Quickly becoming the favourite dinner haunt in Kingscote. Located in a charming heritage guesthouse built-in 1927, overlooking the beautiful Napean Bay in Kingscote, offering a shared plate concept with a menu receiving rave reviews.  Bookings:  www.theoddplate.com.au

New Ways to Experience Kangaroo Island

Cellar Door Touring: Let a local do the driving; there’s a range of local guides now offering unique cellar door trail experiences. One of our favourites is hosted by our team’s own Luca Lovison at Kangaroo Island Hire A Guide: https://kiguide.rezdy.com/415123/gourmet-food-wine-tour

Gin, Wine & Wildlife E-Bike Tour: Exceptional Kangaroo Island are constantly innovating new ways to connect visitors with Kangaroo Island. Their Gin, Wine & Wildlife E-Bike tour is a one-of-a-kind & a new discovery for even regular visitors: www. kangarooislandebikes.com

Walk this way: Also from the team Exceptional Kangaroo Island, Walk Kangaroo Island consists of 11 diverse independent walks, exploring a range of island landscapes and habitats, each with its own unique story. If slowing down & reconnecting with nature is your aim, this is the experience for you: www.walkkangarooisland.com
 

Coming Soon:

Kangaroo Island Wool at Cygnet River: We are so excited to be welcoming Kangaroo Island Wool to the Cygnet River trail in early 2022. They have been championing local wool for many years. Their new venture will bring visitors to KI in touch with our agricultural heritage with wool garments handcrafted on-island from the sheep to the lucky wearer. Keep an eye out for announcements on their opening date: www.facebook.com/KangarooIslandWool

 

Vintage 2021: Beyond the Bushfires

As we launch our first Vintage 2021 wines, we're taking the opportunity to update our many loyal customers on how we've adapted our winemaking processes to ensure we can continue to supply you with the wines you love. 

We also share an update on the outlook for The Islander Estate Vineyards as we continue on our road to recovery from the 2020 bushfires.

Order 2021 Wine Releases Now

Spring Events not to be missed on Kangaroo Island

Spring is shaping up to be events season on Kangaroo Island

Check out this handy guide to all the events coming up for Spring 2021.  Make sure to get your tickets & be a part of our authentically Kangaroo Island community events.

Download the Spring Events Calendar Here

or click straight through to these fantastic events:

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Carnival:  3 October

Humans of Kangaroo Island Festival:  8-10 October

Tunes in the Dunes:  23 October

New Shoots Music Festival: 20 November

Gastonomo Dining:  October/November

See you there!