Escape the noise of everyday life with a cosy four-day winter retreat on Kangaroo Island. Stay in a CABN surrounded by nature and spend your days exploring nearby cellar doors, coastal walks and island produce experiences. Evenings are best spent by the fire under star-filled skies, embracing the simple pleasures of island life.
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Day one
Dudley Wines
Dudley Wines is a hands-on family business. Established in 1997, Dudley is Kangaroo Island's Pioneer Winery. The Cellar Door is situated 12 kilometres from Penneshaw on the cliff tops of Kangaroo Island's stunning north coast, a not to be missed experience for visitors to the island.
Relax for the afternoon on the deck, with unparalleled views to mainland Australia, while enjoying Dudley's locally grown and produced wines, alongside a grazing board or gourmet pizza. Try your luck at 'Golf across the Gully', and browse through the exquisite range of wool and natural fibre clothing. Local produce and beer also available. Lunch bookings are recommended.
Dudley Wines reflect the personality of the Island and the winemaker, fifth generation Islander, Brodie Howard. Being the owner/winemaker for over 20 years has given him the freedom to explore many techniques and develop his own unique winemaking style. His range of wines are diverse, and carefully crafted to capture and emphasise the abundant fruit characteristics presented by the Island’s Terroir.
Dudley Wines use sustainable practices in every area of their business; throughout the vineyard, winery and cellar door. Their wines are all vegan friendly and low in Sulphur.Cape Willoughby Lightstation - Cape Willoughby Conservation Park
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 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.Penneshaw Pub
The Penneshaw Pub has been the home of beer and cheer for over 100 years and offers uninterrupted ocean views over Backstairs Passage from a cliff-top on the western side of town.
Whether it's a special occasion or a memorable dining experience, the venue is the perfect setting, offering a coastal and countryside atmosphere.
Enjoy their diverse menu of fresh, locally inspired coastal and classic dishes that cater to the whole family. Dine indoors, alfresco, or at the cozy front bar, and if you prefer takeaway, all meals are available to enjoy on the go.
The Penneshaw Pub serves up a vast array of local, Australian, and international wines and have over 100 years of experience pouring the perfect pint.
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
Head to their website to make a reservation. -
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Day two
Kangaroo Island Oysters
KI Oysters is a family-owned and operated oyster farming business situated in the picturesque fishing village of American River on Kangaroo Island. Their oysters are cultivated sustainably within the island's pristine waters, guaranteeing exceptional taste and freshness.
Committed to excellence, KI Oysters seamlessly blends traditional farming techniques with innovative practices, resulting in a premium product that authentically reflects the unique flavors of their local environment.
The farm offers both freshly shucked and whole shell oysters along with fresh and frozen local seafood at their convenient Blue Oyster farm gate shop.Rebuild Independence Project
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 sealers from Stonington in Connecticut, USA, in 1803, who sailed here in their Brig "Union".
The vessel is being built in the RIG Boathouse, which is at the entrance to the American River Wharf. Visit us and learn about the "Union" and "Independence". Discover their association with the great explorers Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders.
The vessel is being built entirely by voluntary labour and we estimate that we will need another three to five years to complete. Once finished visitors will be able to climb aboard and go for a short sail around the beautiful Eastern Cove and learn how these old sailing vessels were handled.
Looking for refreshments? The adjoining licensed water front Deck Cafe, with ample parking, looks out over the anchorage. While away the time over a delicious lunch or coffee and watch the many birds, and maybe our resident seal or dolphin.Prospect Hill
Matthew Flinders climbed Prospect Hill when navigating the North Coast of Kangaroo Island to determine his bearings in 1802.
Today, visitors can climb this steep sand hill via 500 steps to see beauitful panoramic views of Pelican Lagoon and Pennington Bay.
The Prospect Hill Stairs and lookout were upgraded in 2018/2019 , constructed using stainless steel fittings and fibre reinforced polymer stairs and structural members. -
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Day three
Emu Bay Lavender Farm
Emu 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 Spirits
Kangaroo 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.Bay of Shoals Estate
Bay of Shoals is a coastal winery situated on historic Reeves Farm, one of South Australia's first European settlements and former home to Augustus Reeves, the first postmaster on Kangaroo Island. The winery, which was recently rated a 4.5 star winery in the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion, was established by Dr John Willoughby in 1993.
The first vines were planted on the hillsides in 1993 and the riesling vines are thought to be the closest to the sea in the Southern Hemisphere, at just 30 metres from the waters edge.
Bay of Shoals Estate offers an authentic Kangaroo Island product, with fruit being Estate-grown, harvested, and made into wine on site at the property. The estate has over fifteen hectares of established vines producing ten grape varieties that benefit from a true maritime climate, which enhances the fruit flavours.
Their wines offer a refined elegant style reflecting the natural fruit characters of each grape variety.
Bay of Shoals Estate vineyard, winery and cellar door offer spectacular views
platter- style lunches, online bookable experiences, cellar door tastings and wine sales – all just five minutes from Kingscote.Parsons Restaurant
Enjoy the relaxed vibe of Parsons Restaurant, located in the Chapman Building of the Ozone Hotel Kangaroo Island in Kingscote.
Parsons Restaurant offers menus showcasing a variety of dishes, giving guests more opportunities to sample the best of Kangaroo Island produce. Lunch is served bistro style with meals ordered at the counter. The restaurant is perfect for a peaceful family meal or that romantic dinner.
Rest your feet after a day of exploring the island or perhaps before taking a stroll along Kingscote Wharf. Coffee, tea, and other refreshments are available throughout the day, ideal for those seeking a chance to unwind.
Daily specials are displayed at the counter, just ask one of their friendly staff.
Open 7 days for breakfast at 6:30 - 10:00am, lunch from 12:00 - 2:00pm and dinner from 5:30 - 8:30pm. Open times are subject to change seasonally.
A take-away bottle shop is situated next door and offers a selection of fine South Australian wine and spirits. -
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Day four
False Cape Wines Cellar Door
False 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.Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail
The Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail is the region's leading cultural art attraction, owned and managed through the work of community volunteers.
The trail's sculptures capture the unique story of Kangaroo Island, its natural environment and its community, providing a unique cultural experience for visitors and residents alike.
Located in the heart of the coastal village of Penneshaw, just a few minute's walk from the Penneshaw Jetty, opposite beautiful Hog Bay Beach, The Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail is a fun, free and family-friendly experience offering original artwork in a beautiful native setting.
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.
Your donation to the trail helps our volunteers grow our trail's art collection.
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. -
That's a wrap
As your time on Kangaroo Island draws to a close, you will leave feeling refreshed and reconnected. Winter on the island is about quiet moments, warm hospitality and the joy of discovering nature at your own pace.
