A Taste Of Kangaroo Island offers a delightful journey into the island’s best local produce and scenic views in just over six hours. While you won’t be traveling far from Penneshaw, the tour packs in enough food, drink, and nature to satisfy any traveler craving authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
What we love about this tour is how it combines beautiful rural landscapes like the lavender fields with delicious tasting stops at iconic spots like the oyster farm and local wineries. The knowledgeable guides make it feel relaxed yet informative, helping you truly appreciate Kangaroo Island’s culinary treasures. The variety of tastings—from honey to craft beer—ensures you’ll leave with a well-rounded taste of the island’s flavors.
One consideration is that lunch isn’t included, so you might want to budget extra for a leisurely meal at the brewery or oyster farm. Also, this tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness since it involves some walking and standing. Overall, it’s a fantastic way for food lovers and curious travelers to explore Kangaroo Island without the hassle of planning every stop themselves.
This experience appeals most to visitors who want a comprehensive taste of local produce, enjoy scenic drives, and prefer a small group feel with plenty of tastings in a relaxed setting. If you’re eager to see the island’s scenic highlights while sampling its best food and drink, this tour could be a perfect fit.
Key Points
- Authentic tastings of honey, wine, oysters, and craft beers showcase Kangaroo Island’s rich local flavors.
- Scenic stops like lavender fields and wineries provide beautiful photo opportunities.
- Flexible, small-group setting allows for personalized experiences and interactions.
- Includes transportation, making it easy to relax and enjoy without logistical worries.
- No lunch included, so plan for additional meals or snacks.
- Moderate physical activity required—ideal for most travelers but worth considering if mobility is an issue.
Exploring the Itinerary in Detail
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Starting Point: Penneshaw
This tour kicks off in Penneshaw, the main gateway to Kangaroo Island, with a quick 15-minute pickup. The convenience of being based here means you’re right in the middle of the action and can start your culinary adventure almost immediately.
Emu Bay Lavender Farm
The first stop is at the expansive Emu Bay Lavender Farm—covering 51 acres with around 7,500 lavender plants. Visitors love how stunning the fields are, with waving purple blooms stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s the perfect spot to breathe in fresh, lavender-scented air while enjoying farm-made lavender scones and local apple cider.
One reviewer noted that the farm’s signature lavender honey is a highlight—”The honey was amazing, and I loved browsing their farm-shop for lavender-infused treats.” You’ll have 45 minutes here, enough time to stroll, take photos, and pick up some lavender-inspired souvenirs.
Island Beehive and Ligurian Bee Honey
Next, the tour visits Island Beehive, where you get a close-up look at a working hive. It’s a chance to see how Ligurian Bees produce their renowned honey—one of Kangaroo Island’s standout products. Tastings here include various honey varieties, and many guests find the honey ice cream irresistible.
A traveler shared, “Seeing the hive in action was fascinating, and the honey tasting was like a sweet reward for learning about local beekeeping.” This stop lasts about 45 minutes, offering both insight and delicious samples.
Bay of Shoals Winery
Moving on, the Bay of Shoals Winery treats you to spectacular views of the bay and Reeves Point, the site of South Australia’s first European settlement. The tasting room provides a relaxed environment where you can sip on a selection of wines, appreciating how the landscape influences the flavors.
Guests often comment on the high quality of the wines, with one mentioning, “The wines were lovely, especially the reds, and the view made it even better.” It’s a calm, scenic spot to soak in your surroundings for about 45 minutes.
Kangaroo Island Brewery
One of the tour’s highlights is the Kangaroo Island Brewery, known as the island’s first microbrewery. Nestled near Kingscote, it’s a haven for craft beer lovers. The group spends about 1 hour and 25 minutes here, sampling a variety of beers and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
Many reviews praise the diverse beer selection and friendly staff. It’s also the perfect place to relax after a day of tastings, with the option to purchase snacks or order a light meal from their menu. The guide often recommends trying their signature brews—“The beers here are refreshingly different, and you get a genuine local taste.”
The Oyster Farm Shop
The final tasting stop is at the Oyster Farm Shop in American River. You get to sample oysters harvested and shucked right there—an authentic taste of Kangaroo Island’s seafood bounty. The shop also offers other local products, so you can browse and purchase souvenirs.
A visitor shared, “The oysters were so fresh, and I loved that I could see how they’re harvested right at the farm.” This stop is quick but impactful, lasting around 25 minutes, ending with a fresh oyster tasting.
Return to Penneshaw
After a full day of sampling and sightseeing, the tour returns to Penneshaw for drop-off, rounding out a memorable journey into the island’s culinary scene.
What Sets This Tour Apart
The real appeal of this experience lies in the combination of scenic views and tasting opportunities. The lavender fields, vineyard vistas, and oyster farm all contribute to a sense of place that’s hard to match. The small group size ensures you get plenty of interaction and personalized attention, making the experience feel intimate rather than rushed.
The value for money is quite solid when you consider the inclusions: multiple tastings, transportation, and the chance to explore a variety of local producers. While the lunch isn’t included, the tour’s timing means you can enjoy a relaxed meal at one of the stops—particularly the brewery, which offers options for casual dining.
The tour is well-paced, with enough time at each stop to appreciate the surroundings and samples without feeling hurried. The vehicle used is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable even on warmer days, and the group size is capped at 56, fostering a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Why It’s Worth Considering
The reviews, although limited, hint at satisfied travelers who appreciated the variety of tastings and the stunning views. The tour offers a balance of educational insight, scenic beauty, and culinary delight, making it excellent for those who want a taste of everything Kangaroo Island has to offer.
It’s especially suitable for food and wine enthusiasts, nature lovers, or anyone seeking a relaxed way to explore without the stress of planning. If you’re after a truly local experience—beyond typical sightseeing—this tour provides some of the best food experiences the island has to offer in a single day.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including travel time between stops.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers all tastings, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the guide. Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.
Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking and standing, so it’s best suited for travelers with average mobility.
Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, each stop—like the lavender farm, honey house, and oyster shop—has a shop where you can purchase local products.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, some cash or card for additional purchases, and perhaps a light jacket if the weather is cool.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Final Thoughts
A Taste Of Kangaroo Island offers a genuine, delicious glimpse into the island’s local produce and scenic landscapes. It’s a well-rounded experience for those who want to enjoy tasting, learning, and relaxing without feeling rushed.
The combination of lavender, honey, wine, beer, and oysters makes it particularly appealing for foodies and nature lovers alike. It’s a perfect day-trip for anyone wanting to sample the best of Kangaroo Island’s flavors while soaking up its natural beauty.
While it may not include a sit-down lunch, the flexibility to explore local shops and the variety of tastings make up for that. The tour’s relaxed pace and small group size ensure a personable, memorable experience—one that leaves you full of good food and great stories to tell.
Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or just looking for a convenient way to see the highlights, this tour helps you taste and see Kangaroo Island in an authentic, enjoyable way.