Take time to reset with a restorative four-day winter escape on Kangaroo Island. Stay at Ecopia’s Slow Sanctuary and explore the island at a gentle pace, with wildlife encounters, nature experiences and delicious local produce. This itinerary is designed for travellers seeking quiet moments, open landscapes and meaningful connection with nature.
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Day one
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.Springs Road Kangaroo Island
Springs Road runs East-West across the Northern part of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Spring Road Vineyard was established in 1994 on a small sheep property about 7km west of Kingscote.
Springs Road Wines is owned and operated by Joch Bosworth and Louise Hemsley-Smith from McLaren Vale’s Battle of Bosworth Wines.
Wines are 100% estate-grown and hand-made from the low-yielding vines which are now well over 20 years old.
The Springs Road wine label is adapted from Louis Freycinet’s 1808 map of Southern Australia ‘Terre Napoléon.’
They make small volumes of Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz blend.
Their Kangaroo Island wines are available at their cellar door (and online) located off Springs Road but accessed opposite 761 Playford Highway (just up from Frog and Roses Cafe), in Cygnet River. -
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Day two
Seal Bay
As Kangaroo Island's premier tourist attraction, the award-winning Seal Bay offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Set your own pace on the 800 metre wheelchair accessible boardwalk which meanders through the dunes to a number of viewing platforms. Boardwalk tour tickets can be purchased on-site at the Seal Bay Visitor Information centre. The boardwalk tour can be taken at any time while the park is open from 9am with the last entry at 4pm.
For beach access to the sea-lion colony, join a guided tour to learn more about the amazing lives of these endangered animals with an experienced guide. There will be plenty of time for photos as the sea lions shelter in the dunes, rest on the sand or surf in the ocean. This tour can be booked online up to nine hours before tour departure.
Seal Bay is a 45-minute drive from Kingscote.Bales Beach
Bales Beach is one of the few accessible surfing beaches along the south coast of the island. It is located just 1 km off the Seal Bay road and has a small car park providing access to the main beach but no other facilities.
It's a neighbour to the popular Kangaroo Island attraction Seal Bay, but you're unlikely to find any sea lions at Bales Beach. Instead, there's just a long stretch of sand that's good for walks.
While you're occupying your time at the beach, keep in mind that fishing is one activity that is not permitted. The restriction is due to the site being part of an Aquatic Reserve that is being used to protect the breeding colony of Australian sea lions in the area. The reserve is itself an extension of the conservation park at Seal Bay. -
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Day three
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.Island Alive Wellness Retreat and Experiences
Island Alive is a nature-based wellness retreat on Kangaroo Island, just 15 minutes from the Penneshaw ferry terminal. Nestled among towering pines and overlooking Pelican Lagoon, it's a sanctuary for deep rest, connection and rejuvenation.
Stay two nights or more in forest cabins - a handcrafted retreat space designed for ultimate tranquility. Enhance your experience with relaxation massage and nourishing contrast therapy rituals that ground you in nature.
For those seeking a quick reset, private sessions lasting 1-3 hours are available, immersing you in pure forest therapy. Book a 2 hour Forest Flow contrast therapy ritual, cycling at your own pace through steam sauna, cold plunge and wood-fired hot tub. Sensory Forest Flow grounds you in the space with 1 hour of breathwork and forest bathing before your Flow Session. Sunset Forest Flow includes a platter and bottle of wine and 3 hours to enjoy the sacred pause. A 1-hour steam sauna session gives you ample time to rotate, relax and enjoy the forest views on the wrap-around decking. Feel the rhythm of the island as kangaroos graze nearby and bird calls echo through the trees.
Hire the entire space for a retreat-like experience, guided by Wim Hof Method certified instructor and Island Alive owner Amy Pysden. Reconnect with nature, yourself, each other and the simple pleasures of island life at Island Alive. -
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Day four
Clifford's Honey Farm
Clifford’s Honey Farm is Dave and Jenny Clifford’s family business with three generations currently working at the farm situated at Elsegood Road, Haines, Kangaroo Island.
Home of Jenny's Famous Honey Ice-Cream
Farm Gate Shop: Open 7 days, 9am to 5pm (Closed Christmas Day only).
Guided tours through the extracting shed available daily at 1pm. Book online or contact us.
For Tour Operators: Group bookings available with flexible times. Contact us to arrange dates and times. Phone 08 8553 8295.
Dave started with a couple of hives as a hobby in 1973. During the late 1980’s when the wool prices dropped, Dave and Jenny diversified their sheep farm by expanding the honey business. They opened the farm gate shop in 1993.
The family runs the honey production business and farm gate.
They are open daily operating their farm gate store and free entry to bee information display room.
Free honey tastings are available.
The online shop is available, and you will find a selection of their quality honey and a range of products they can mail order.
Their facilities also include ramps and disabled access toilets.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.Millie Mae's Pantry
Here at Mille Mae's Pantry, they strive to offer a welcoming space for all where people can rest, recharge, and connect over delicious food made with fresh local ingredients.
Whether you're craving a perfectly crafted panini, a comforting slice of house-made cake, or a little browse in the shop stocked with artisanal Kangaroo Island products, the Millie Mae's team invites you to join them in the garden or on their cosy deck.
They proudly serve some of the best coffee on the island and are passionate about creating a memorable experience for every guest, so you'll keep coming back for more. -
That's a wrap
As your stay comes to an end, you will leave Kangaroo Island feeling refreshed and reconnected. With its peaceful landscapes, abundant wildlife and welcoming producers, winter offers the perfect environment to slow down and recharge.
