6 Of The Best Tours In Penneshaw

Penneshaw is a perfect jumping-off point for exploring Kangaroo Island, thanks to its convenient location and charming waterfront vibe. Whether you’re arriving on a cruise or staying longer, this tiny town offers a surprising variety of trips that highlight its spectacular scenery, unique wildlife, and local flavors. We especially love the Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour, which combines wine, spirits, lavender, and honey into a delightful day—perfect for cruise passengers eager to sample the island’s best. As you walk past the rugged coastlines and stop at Pennington Bay for dolphin sightings, you get a real sense of why Kangaroo Island remains a must-visit destination.

If you’re interested in learning about the island’s Indigenous culture, the Kangaroo Island: Indigenous Day Tour takes you into the heart of local history with a Ngarrindjeri elder, making history come alive through stories and scenic stops. For wildlife lovers, tours featuring iconic sights like Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and marine experiences with dolphins and seals are readily available. Whatever your interests, Penneshaw makes a great base for exploring Kangaroo Island’s diverse attractions.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a range of experiences, from half-day tours exploring Kingscote and local producers to full-day tasting excursions at wineries and lavender farms. There’s also an indigenous cultural experience and adventure-packed trips with snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife encounters. Each tour has been selected for its unique focus, quality reviews, and ability to showcase Kangaroo Island in authentic ways. Now, let’s dive into what makes each one special.

1. From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour

At number one, this 7-hour guided food and drink tour offers cruisers a taste of Kangaroo Island’s renowned producers. It’s particularly popular because it combines delicious local flavors—from wines and ciders to spirits, honey, and lavender products—into a single, well-organized trip. The tour starts at the SeaLink Ferry Terminal in Penneshaw, where you’ll hop onto a bus that takes you to several highlights, including the Emu Bay Lavender Farm for lavender scones and morning tea. You then visit the SA’s only commercial eucalyptus oil distillery, where you’ll learn about the distillation process firsthand.

The tour continues with tastings at Bay of Shoals Wines, known for its crisp whites and bold reds, and Kangaroo Island Spirits, home of the island’s signature liqueurs and spirits. The itinerary is packed, with stops at Pennington Bay to watch dolphins and snap photos. The reviews highlight its balance of fun, education, and delicious samples—earning a 4.6/5 from 23 reviews. It’s ideal for cruise passengers wanting a comprehensive taste of Kangaroo Island’s culinary scene in just one day.

Bottom line: This tour offers incredible value for anyone wanting a full sensory experience, especially if your time in Penneshaw is limited.

2. Kangaroo Island: Indigenous Day Tour

This 16-hour experience stands out for its focus on Indigenous culture and natural wonders. Led by a Ngarrindjeri elder, it offers a rare chance to understand the island from a local perspective. The tour kicks off in Adelaide, with a scenic 105-minute bus ride followed by a 45-minute ferry to Kangaroo Island. Once there, you’ll visit iconic sites like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, learning about their cultural significance.

What makes this tour unique is its storytelling approach. The guide shares insights into Ngarrindjeri traditions, history, and their relationship with the land and sea. You’ll also see native wildlife such as echnidnas, wallabies, and koalas, plus enjoy a 2-course lunch that complements the culture. The tour includes stops at Seal Bay and Flinders Chase National Park, with plenty of scenic views along the way.

Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, this tour is perfect for travelers eager for a deep, authentic cultural experience combined with wildlife viewing. Be prepared for a long day, but it’s worth it for the storytelling and insight into Kangaroo Island’s indigenous heritage.

Bottom line: Best suited for those interested in culture and wildlife, and willing to spend a full day exploring.

3. Kangaroo Island Full Day Tasting Tour

At number three, this 8-hour tasting tour offers a flavorful showcase of Kangaroo Island’s top food and drink producers. It’s a great pick for those who want to explore multiple culinary highlights without a full-day commitment. The tour includes wine tasting at Bay of Shoals Wines, a visit to South Australia’s only commercial eucalyptus oil distillery, and a chance to sample lavender scones at the Lavender Farm.

The experience balances gourmet food with scenic stops, allowing visitors to appreciate both the region’s flavors and its natural beauty. The focus on local products makes it ideal for food lovers wanting a curated taste of the island. While reviews are fewer—just 7—they commend the tour for quality and variety, rating it 4.4/5.

If you’re short on time but still want to indulge in Kangaroo Island’s culinary riches, this tour offers good value and a relaxed pace. It’s best suited for those who want a broad taste of the island’s gourmet scene without the full-day intensity.

Bottom line: Perfect for foodies wanting a well-rounded, half-day experience of Kangaroo Island’s culinary delights.

4. Kangaroo Island: Half-Day Guided Coach Tour

Number four on our list covers a 5-hour guided exploration of Kingscote and nearby local producers. It’s a practical, shorter option for travelers with limited time. The tour provides a look into Kangaroo Island’s history in Kingscote, combined with visits to the Ligurian Bee Honey farm and the only commercial eucalyptus oil distillery in South Australia.

One of the quieter highlights is the scenic drive past Silo Art, which offers a glimpse into local creativity and rural life. The tour includes a taste at Kangaroo Island Brewery, giving a casual yet authentic experience. With 23 reviews and a 3.4/5 rating, it’s a decent option but shows some room for improvement—perhaps due to the shorter duration limiting depth.

It’s best suited for travelers wanting an introduction to local culture and products without dedicating a full day. The tour’s focus on local producers makes it a good choice for those interested in supporting small-scale businesses.

Bottom line: A solid choice for a quick overview of Kingscote’s history and local flavors, especially if time is tight.

5. Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Ultimate Adventure Tour

Number five is an adventure-packed 8-hour trip tailored for thrill-seekers. Starting from Penneshaw, it features an ocean safari with snorkeling and dolphin swimming, plus a hike in Baudin Conservation Park. The tour includes morning tea and a light lunch at Millie Mae’s, giving a break from the outdoor activities.

The highlight is the marine adventure—a boat cruise where you can observe dolphins, seals, and marine birds up close. The hiking component explores Kangaroo Island’s rugged coastline, offering some physical activity amid stunning scenery. While reviews aren’t available, the itinerary promises a mix of wildlife, water-based fun, and scenic hiking, making it ideal for active travelers.

Best suited for those who love outdoor pursuits and are comfortable with some physical effort, this tour demands good fitness but rewards with memorable marine and land encounters.

Bottom line: Perfect for adventure lovers eager to combine water and land experiences in one day.

6. From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Sights and Wildlife Tour

Our final pick is an 8-hour exploration focusing on wildlife and iconic scenery, including Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks. It features a private 30-minute bird flight display at Raptor Domain, where you’ll see native birds in action. The tour also visits the Eucalyptus Oil Distillery and includes lunch at Flinders Chase National Park.

While reviews aren’t specified, the emphasis on both scenery and wildlife makes it appealing for travelers wanting a balanced, all-in-one experience. The tour’s highlights give a snapshot of Kangaroo Island’s unique geology and fauna with manageable time commitment.

Ideal for those who want to see top natural sights and enjoy some wildlife encounters in a day, this trip suits travelers interested in both landscapes and animals.

Bottom line: A well-rounded, scenic tour for visitors wanting a taste of Kangaroo Island’s wild beauty.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Penneshaw

When selecting a tour, consider your interests, timing, and budget. If you love food and wine, the From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour provides a comprehensive sampler, perfect for cruise day visitors. For those eager to learn about Indigenous culture and natural landmarks, the Kangaroo Island: Indigenous Day Tour offers a deep dive into local stories and scenery.

Adventure travelers should consider the Kangaroo Island: Ultimate Adventure Tour, which combines marine activities and hiking for a physically active day. Shorter on time? The Half-Day Guided Coach Tour covers key highlights efficiently, especially suited for those with limited schedules.

Always book early, especially for popular tours, and check the weather forecast—outdoor adventures are best with clear skies. Match your interests and fitness level with the tour’s focus, and you’ll find an experience that makes your Penneshaw visit truly memorable.

Final Thoughts

Penneshaw offers a fantastic gateway to discovering Kangaroo Island’s natural beauty, wildlife, and local flavors. Whether you’re after a full-day tasting adventure, an immersive Indigenous experience, or an action-filled outdoor trip, the options above cater to different interests and travel styles. For most travelers, the From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour and the Indigenous Day Tour are standout choices for their depth and authenticity.

To ensure your spot on your preferred tour, consider booking early—these experiences tend to fill quickly. With a little planning, your time in Penneshaw can be filled with memorable, enriching adventures that showcase the best of Kangaroo Island.