Penneshaw is the perfect starting point for exploring Kangaroo Island’s stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and local flavors. Its small-town charm makes it easy to hop onto tours that showcase the island’s best attractions. We’re particularly fond of the Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour, which combines delicious local foods with scenic stops like Pennington Bay, and the Indigenous Day Tour, offering deep insights into the island’s rich Aboriginal culture. These tours give you a taste of what makes Kangaroo Island special — from its wildlife to its artisanal products — all with expert guides who know the area inside out. If you’re arriving by cruise or planning a day trip, Penneshaw’s variety of tours ensures you won’t miss the highlights.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the top experiences, from half-day explorations to full-day adventures and wildlife encounters, each with its own unique appeal. Whether you’re a foodie, wildlife lover, or history enthusiast, there’s something here to fit your interests.
- 1. From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour
- 2. Kangaroo Island: Indigenous Day Tour
- 3. Kangaroo Island Full Day Tasting Tour
- 4. Kangaroo Island: Half-Day Guided Coach Tour
- 5. Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Ultimate Adventure Tour
- 6. From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Sights and Wildlife Tour
- 7. From Penneshaw – A Tasting Of Kangaroo Island
- 8. From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Wildlife Encounter
- How to Choose the Right Tour
- Final Thoughts
1. From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour
At number 1 on our list, this 7-hour guided tour is perfect for cruise passengers looking to sample the island’s best local produce and enjoy scenic stops. The trip starts at Penneshaw’s ferry terminal and takes you on a journey through local vineyards, lavender farms, honey producers, and distilleries. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local flavors—from lavender scones at the Lavender Farm to tastings at Bay of Shoals Wines and Kangaroo Island Spirits.
The itinerary includes a visit to Pennington Bay, a favorite for dolphin watching and photo ops, complemented by visits to SA’s only eucalyptus oil distillery. The guides bring the island’s stories alive, sharing insights into its agriculture and craft industries. Guests have praised the tour’s balance of tasting, sightseeing, and learning, with a well-organized schedule that hits multiple highlights without rushing.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive, food-focused experience on a manageable schedule. It’s especially suited for cruise visitors who want to maximize their time and enjoy a taste of Kangaroo Island’s local products.
2. Kangaroo Island: Indigenous Day Tour
At number 2, this 16-hour experience dives deep into Kangaroo Island’s cultural roots. Led by a Ngarrindjeri elder, it offers a rare chance to understand the island’s Indigenous heritage, history, and connection to the land. The tour includes visits to Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, iconic symbols of the island’s rugged beauty, but the real highlight is the cultural storytelling and insights shared by the Aboriginal guide.
The day also features wildlife encounters, such as echidnas, wallabies, and koalas, along with scenic views and a delicious 2-course lunch that introduces you to local cuisine. The tour’s length makes it perfect for travelers eager to see a wide array of sights and learn about the island’s past from a unique perspective. The small-group format ensures personalized attention and an immersive experience.
Reviewers praise this tour for its authenticity and depth: “It’s a truly enriching experience that combines natural beauty with cultural understanding.”
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers interested in cultural history and wildlife, willing to spend a full day exploring Kangaroo Island’s stories and scenery.
3. Kangaroo Island Full Day Tasting Tour
Coming in at number 3, this 8-hour tour is another excellent option for food lovers. It covers some of the island’s top gourmet stops, including a visit to Bay of Shoals Wines for tastings, a guided tour of South Australia’s only eucalyptus oil distillery, and a relaxing afternoon at the Lavender Farm with lavender scones.
Guests on this tour appreciate the focused food and drink experiences combined with scenic visits. It’s a great choice if you want a taste of Kangaroo Island’s culinary scene without overcommitting your day. The inclusion of multiple tastings makes this tour stand out for value, and the guides’ expertise enhances each stop with local stories.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a balanced day of food, drink, and scenic sights, particularly those with a keen interest in local produce.
4. Kangaroo Island: Half-Day Guided Coach Tour
At number 4, this 5-hour tour offers a quick but comprehensive look at Kingscote and nearby attractions. The tour features a visit to the town’s historic sites, a look at the famous Silo Art, and a stop at Kangaroo Island Brewery for tastings. It includes a visit to the Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, providing insights into one of the island’s key industries.
Though shorter, this tour is praised for its efficient itinerary and personable guide. It’s perfect if your time is limited but you still want to get a sense of Kangaroo Island’s history, local products, and scenic beauty. Some reviews mention the average rating of 3.4/5, partly because it’s a quicker overview, but most agree it offers good value for a half-day.
Bottom line: Suited for travelers with limited time who want a broad overview without a full day commitment.
5. Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Ultimate Adventure Tour
Number 5 is for the thrill-seekers — an 8-hour adventure packed with outdoor activities. Highlights include a snorkeling and dolphin swim with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari, a scenic hike in Baudin Conservation Park, and a delicious lunch at Millie Mae’s.
This tour is best for active travelers who want to combine wildlife encounters with some physical activity. The dolphin swim and hiking are particular draws, with reviews noting the guides’ expertise and the spectacular scenery. The tour’s small group size ensures personalized attention, and the mix of land and sea adventures provides a well-rounded experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for adventurous types who enjoy outdoor pursuits and wildlife in a single day.
6. From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Sights and Wildlife Tour
Ranking at number 6, this 8-hour tour combines iconic sights like Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks with wildlife viewing and a bird of prey display at Raptor Domain. It includes a lunch at Flinders Chase National Park, making it a full-day adventure.
The emphasis here is on wildlife and scenery, with the opportunity to see fur seals, koalas, and other native animals. The inclusion of a 30-minute bird display adds a special touch. This trip offers a balanced mix of nature, wildlife, and scenic landscapes.
Bottom line: Designed for nature lovers wanting a comprehensive outdoor experience with wildlife and scenic highlights.
7. From Penneshaw – A Tasting Of Kangaroo Island
Number 7 offers a 7-hour culinary adventure focusing on local flavors. Highlights include scones and cider at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, honey tasting at Island Beehive, wine at Bay of Shoals Winery, beer at Kangaroo Island Brewery, and oyster tasting at American River.
It’s ideal for foodies eager to sample a variety of local products in one day. The tour’s multiple tasting stops provide good value for money, and guides share stories about each product’s origin and production. It’s a casual, tasty way to explore the island’s culinary scene.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers keen on food and drink, wanting a relaxed, flavorful exploration.
8. From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Wildlife Encounter
Finally, the 7-hour Wildlife Encounter is perfect for animal lovers. It includes visits to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, a lunch at Vivonne Bay, a walk at Seal Bay, and a 75-minute coastal safari with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari.
The focus is on close encounters with native species and experiencing the island’s natural environment firsthand. Many reviews highlight the unique opportunity to see iconic Australian animals up close, with expert guides explaining their behavior and habitat.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for those who want a full day immersed in kangaroo island’s wildlife and natural scenery.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Picking among these options depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you’re arriving on a cruise and want a food-focused tour, the Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour offers great value and variety. For a deep cultural experience, the Indigenous Day Tour provides meaningful insights into Aboriginal heritage.
Active travelers should consider the Ultimate Adventure Tour, which combines wildlife and outdoor pursuits, while wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the Wildlife Encounter. Foodies can’t go wrong with the Tasting of Kangaroo Island.
When booking, consider seasonal availability, especially for outdoor and wildlife tours, and plan ahead — some tours fill up quickly. Check each tour’s cancellation policy and whether they require advance reservations.
Final Thoughts
Penneshaw offers a range of tours that suit different interests and schedules, from quick half-day trips to full-day cultural or wildlife adventures. For a well-rounded experience, the From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour offers a delicious introduction to local flavors, while the Indigenous Day Tour provides a rare cultural perspective.
Active travelers and wildlife lovers will find plenty to love in the Ultimate Adventure and Wildlife Encounter tours. Foodies should prioritize the tasting tours, which highlight Kangaroo Island’s artisanal products and culinary traditions.
Whatever your focus, booking early ensures you can enjoy these popular experiences without last-minute stress. Kangaroo Island’s natural beauty and unique wildlife are waiting — all you need is to choose the right tour for you.