Kangaroo Island Full Day Tasting Tour

Traveling to Kangaroo Island offers a chance to explore its rugged landscapes, stunning beaches, and an array of local produce. This Full Day Tasting Tour promises a delicious journey through some of the island’s most beloved food and drink spots, guided by knowledgeable locals who know their stuff. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of what you can expect.

What we love about this experience? First, the variety of stops—from wine and spirits to honey and lavender—means you’ll walk away with a real sense of the island’s diverse industries. Second, the guides are often praised for their insights, making each visit both educational and entertaining. Third, the scenic coastal views and chance to see dolphins or whales add a memorable natural backdrop to the tasting adventures. The only potential downside? The tour is quite packed, so it’s best suited for those eager to tick off many highlights in one day.

Ideal for foodies, wine lovers, or anyone curious about Australian bush industries, this tour offers an authentic taste of Kangaroo Island—literally. If you’re looking for a full immersion into the island’s flavors with a good dose of scenic beauty, this could be your perfect day out.

Key Points

• Diverse Experiences: From vineyards to lavender farms, the tour covers a wide range of local industries.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance each stop with interesting facts and stories.
• Scenic Coastal Drives: Expect beautiful views, with chances to spot dolphins or whales.
• Tastings & Scones: Enjoy local ciders, honey, spirits, and lavender scones with tea or coffee.
• Value for Money: The inclusion of multiple tastings and a scenic route offers a comprehensive day for a reasonable price.
• Group Size & Timing: The tour balances the need to see many sights with a manageable group size, though it’s a long day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting the Day: Coastal Views & Dolphins at Pennington Bay

The tour begins early, with pickup from Kingscote or Penneshaw, setting the tone for a day filled with scenic sights. The drive to Pennington Bay reveals sweeping views of the Penneshaw coastline. Travelers frequently mention the stunning vistas, which create the perfect backdrop for photos. It’s common to see dolphins or whales frolicking in the water, a bonus that nature often delivers during the right season. Several reviews emphasize how the early start is worth it to soak in these peaceful, picture-perfect moments.

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus: Learning About Aussie Bush Products

Next, you’ll visit South Australia’s only commercial Eucalyptus Oil Distillery—a highlight for many. Here, the guided tour explains the process of turning local eucalyptus leaves into essential oils, a traditional Australian Bush product. Visitors appreciate the hands-on tasting of eucalyptus products and the chance to browse a retail shop packed with local goods, including the famous Kangaroo Island ciders. As one reviewer notes, “learning about the distillation process was fascinating,” adding depth to an otherwise straightforward tasting.

Bay of Shoals Wines: A Toast to Local Vintages

Mid-morning, the tour moves into the world of wines with a tasting at Bay of Shoals Wines. Known for their quality and local flavor, these wines offer a genuine taste of Kangaroo Island’s emerging wine scene. Guests often comment on the excellent variety, with some calling it “a pleasant surprise” considering the size of the vineyard. The scenic vineyard setting enhances the experience, making it more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to appreciate the island’s growing reputation as a wine destination.

Lunch in Kingscote (Optional)

The tour includes a stop in Kingscote, where guests can choose to grab a bite at their own expense. The town offers cafés and eateries with a variety of options, although the tour does not include lunch. This flexibility allows travelers to select a meal that suits their tastes and dietary needs. Some reviews mention the convenience of this pause, giving guests time to relax before the afternoon’s activities.

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Clifford’s Honey: Sweet Flavors and Buzzing Beekeepers

Next, Clifford’s Honey introduces visitors to the Ligurian Bee, a special honey bee species that produces a distinct honey flavor. Visitors love tasting different honey varieties and browsing the gift shop, where local honey and bee-related products are available. One reviewer called it “a delightful stop,” especially for those interested in how honey is made and the importance of bees in local agriculture.

Kangaroo Island Spirits: Spirits, Spirits, Spirits

The spirits segment is a definite crowd-pleaser. At Kangaroo Island Spirits, guests sample their range of gin, vodka, and liqueurs. The ability to taste multiple spirits in one place and learn about their production from friendly staff makes this a memorable stop. Many reviews highlight the high quality and unique flavors, with some describing the gin as “exceptional.” It’s a chance for spirits enthusiasts to pick up a bottle or two as souvenirs.

Lavender Farm & Scones: A Relaxing Finish

The final stop is at the Lavender Farm—a beautifully fragrant setting. Guests can walk among the rows of lavender, enjoy lavender scones with jam and cream, and sip tea or coffee. The lavender scones are a popular highlight, often praised for their delicate flavor. This peaceful spot provides a gentle wind-down after a busy day, with reviews mentioning the lovely opportunity to relax and take photos in the aromatic fields.

Transport & Timing: The tour uses a comfortable vehicle, with pickup from Kingscote or Penneshaw, typically around 8:45-9:45 am. The entire day lasts about 8 hours, with the return ferry scheduled at 7:30 pm, ensuring a full but manageable experience.

Cost & Value: While prices are not specified here, reviews suggest it’s a good value considering the multiple tasting stops, guided insights, and scenic drives. The inclusion of lunch is optional, allowing for flexibility based on your preferences.

Group Size & Guides: The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide, with reviews praising guides like Kylie-Jane and Chris for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. Group sizes tend to be manageable, fostering a more personal experience.

Accessibility & Considerations: The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and involves a fairly packed schedule. It’s best for those who are comfortable with a full day on their feet and who enjoy trying different local products.

Booking & Cancellation: Flexible booking options are available—reserves can be made now with the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind.

This tour is all about showcasing the authentic flavors of Kangaroo Island—whether it’s the distinct honey, locally made spirits, or lavender scones. The guides’ knowledge turns each stop into a mini lesson, enriching the tasting experience with insights about local industries. The scenic coastal views, combined with the chance to see dolphins or whales, add a memorable natural dimension.

The variety of stops ensures you get a well-rounded taste of the island’s offerings, making it ideal for those who want more than just sightseeing. The opportunity to purchase local products directly from producers enhances the value, giving you authentic souvenirs.

This experience is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts eager to sample local flavors and learn about regional industries. It suits casual travelers who enjoy scenic drives and leisurely tastings, as well as those interested in Australian bush products like eucalyptus and honey. The tour is especially good for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Kangaroo Island’s culinary side in one day.

However, it’s less suited for wheelchair users or travelers with limited mobility due to the busy schedule and walking involved. If you’re looking for a more relaxed or customizable experience, consider other options, but if you enjoy a packed day of tasting and scenic drives, this tour delivers.

This tour offers a well-balanced blend of scenic beauty, local industry insights, and delicious tastings. The variety of stops—from vineyards to lavender fields—means you’ll leave with a broad appreciation for the island’s diverse offerings. The guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, which enhances every aspect of the journey.

While the itinerary is quite full, many find the experience to be excellent value given the number of tastings, the scenic coastal drives, and the chance to learn directly from local producers. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a taste of Kangaroo Island’s authentic flavors paired with beautiful scenery and engaging storytelling.

If you’re visiting Kangaroo Island and want to dive into its food, drink, and botanical industries, this tour stands out as an enriching, fun, and tasty day.

Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included but there is a stop in Kingscote where you can choose to purchase food at your own expense. The tour allows flexibility and you can pick a café that suits your taste.

What kind of transportation is used?
A comfortable vehicle transports the group throughout the day, with pickup from Kingscote or Penneshaw. The full-day schedule makes a reliable, relaxed journey between each stop.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently mention guides like Kylie-Jane and Chris for their friendliness and thorough knowledge, making each stop informative and fun.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans are uncertain.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?
Infant rates apply if they do not occupy a seat, but the tour involves a full day of activity, so check if your child can comfortably handle the schedule.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and involves a minimum drinking age of 18 years. Intoxication is not allowed, and guests should be prepared for a busy day.

This comprehensive review hopefully gives you a clear picture of what to expect from the Kangaroo Island Full Day Tasting Tour. It promises a delightful mix of scenic views, local flavors, and engaging storytelling—perfect for those eager to experience the heart of Kangaroo Island’s culinary and natural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: