history & Museums

Captain Matthew Flinders, and his hungry crew members, discovered Kangaroo Island on 2 March 1802. They found no inhabitants but were compensated for this by the discovery of what they needed most of all - fresh food in the form of kangaroos.

The human history of the island, which started many thousands of years ago is full of suffering, endurance, privation, success, failure, courage and bravery.

Discover Kangaroo Island's rich history ... there are a multitude of stories waiting to be discovered at the many galleries, museums and collections. Search below for places to visit.

Penneshaw Maritime And Folk Museum

52 Howard Drive Penneshaw SA 5222

Telephone 0885531109

Penneshaw Maritime And Folk Museum
Penneshaw

The Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum is a National Trust Museum situated in Penneshaw on the Dudley Peninsula at the eastern end of Kangaroo Island. It has displays, information and artefacts on the maritime and folk history of the Dudley Peninsula. The Museum was started in 1968 by a group of...

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Cape Willoughby Lightstation - Cape Willoughby Conservation Park

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Willoughby SA 5222

Telephone 0885534466

Cape Willoughby Lightstation - Cape Willoughby Conservation Park
Willoughby

Situated 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...

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Rebuild Independence Project

The Wharf, Tangara Drive American River SA 5221

Telephone 0403443323

Rebuild Independence Project
American River

The Rebuild Independence Project is a volunteer group that is re-creating the first vessel ever built in South Australia - the 45ft United States Schooner "Independence." The original Schooner was built on the banks of an inlet, where now stands the town of American River. She was built by American...

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Cape Borda Lightstation - Flinders Chase National Park

Playford Highway Cape Borda SA 5223

Telephone 0885534465

Cape Borda Lightstation - Flinders Chase National Park
Cape Borda

Cape Borda Lighthouse is perched on cliffs overlooking Investigator Strait. Located on the north western corner of Kangaroo Island, this unique square lighthouse was built in 1858 and is steeped in European history. The lightstation was established to guide ships entering the dangerous waters of...

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