Kangaroo island cruise industry

Kangaroo Island is one of the world's best nature-based destinations. Sometimes called ‘South Australia's Galapagos’, Kangaroo Island is stunning, rugged, and wild, with abundant native wildlife. The 4,400 square kilometre island is Australia’s third-largest, with over 540 kilometres of spectacular coastline. At 155 kilometres long and 55 kilometres across its widest point, ‘KI’, as it is known to locals, is six times larger than Singapore—but with a population of only 5,000 people.

The Island's natural attractions include the well-known Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch at Flinders Chase National Park, and Seal Bay , but also magnificent beaches, soaring cliffs, unspoiled bushland, and coastal dune systems. The wildlife and plant life on the island include species found nowhere else on earth, and birds migrate here from the other side of the world.

The Island boasts a range of cellar doors, breweries, and distilleries offering great wines, craft beers, and spirits, all set against spectacular views and accompanied by delicious local produce. Agricultural industries form the backbone of the Islands economy, and this can be experienced through aquaculture, apiary, wool, and eucalyptus industries, with locals telling their stories.

All these treasures are spread over eight diverse and intriguing Kangaroo Island regions.

This information is provided to assist cruise line operators, tour providers, and industry stakeholders in managing cruise visits to Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island.

Tender Operations

Penneshaw is a tender port with no berthing facilities. Passengers and crew will be transported ashore via the ship’s tenders to landing pontoons within the wharf precinct. There is a terminal which is occupied by the SeaLink Ferry Service, which is located approximately 145 metres from the tender landing point.

Shared Jetty Operations – Sealink Ferry

The Penneshaw wharf precinct is a shared facility with the SeaLink Ferry Service, which is critical to the Island’s transport and freight logistics. SeaLink has absolute right of way and adheres to a fixed schedule.

Foot traffic may also be temporarily held during vehicle and freight movements. Safety barriers are in place, and visitor passage will be managed by ground staff and volunteers.

Visitor Welcome & Town Access

Welcome volunteers will be stationed at the wharf precinct to provide directions and information. The Penneshaw town centre is a 5-minute walk. A map highlighting local amenities and attractions is provided to passengers upon arrival, which can be found below.

Public Amenities

A single public toilet is located at the terminal area. Passengers are encouraged to use onboard facilities before tendering ashore.

Additional toilets are available nearby at Lloyd Collins Reserve and the Town Centre.

Transport & Tours

Public Transport: There is no public bus or taxi service on Kangaroo Island.

Tours: Shore excursions must be booked through the cruise line and will depart directly from the terminal area . A limited number of local tours operate from North Terrace, which is approximately a 5-minute walk, and depart shortly after the first tender arrivals.

Shuttle Service: For ships with 1,000+ passengers, a town shuttle will operate approximately every 30 minutes from 8:30am to 2:00pm, prioritising passengers with mobility requirements. The loop includes stops at the town lookout and museum (when open).

Car Hire

Rental vehicles are available through:

• Budget

• Hertz/Thrifty

• Seafront Connect

All bookings must be made directly with the hire companies. Vehicles are limited and subject to availability.

Local Facilities

Cruise Market: Held on cruise call days where there is more than 1,000 passengers on board the ship, featuring local produce, art, and souvenirs. Recommended for non-touring passengers.

Pharmacy: Terry White Pharmacy, Middle Terrace, Penneshaw

IGA: 149 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw

Post Office: 99 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–12pm)

Medical & Dental: There is no hospital or dental services in Penneshaw. The nearest hospital is in Kingscote (approx. 80km). Emergency evacuations may require helicopter transport. Dial 000 for emergencies.

Quarantine Compliance

A Department of Primary Industries and Resources Quarantine Officer will be stationed at the pontoon to inspect all passenger and crew hand luggage. No food or beverages (excluding sealed bottled water) may be brought ashore.

Customs & Visitor Access

Under Australian Customs regulations, visitors are not permitted to board cruise vessels in Penneshaw. The port is classified as an unproclaimed port.

Jetty Upgrade Works

Planned upgrade works to the Penneshaw wharf area commenced in November 2023. Passenger impact is expected to be minimal, and operations will continue as scheduled with appropriate safety measures in place.