Touring the Dudley Peninsula

If you arrive or depart by ferry, you might like to conduct your tour of Dudley Peninsula on arrival to or departure from the island. It can take a full day though.

American River is an attractive village beside an estuary incorrectly called a "river". Is is an important marine sanctuary. Near the turnoff to American River is Jumbuck Australiana, where you can learn about Kanmgaroo Island's important sheep industry, maybe see a sheep being shorn, and purchase some top quality sheep products, wool and lanolin.

A little further on is a big sandhill named "Prospect Hill" by the explorer Matthew Flinders. It is well named because the "prospect" from the top is excellent, well worth the 10 minute climb up the 500+ steps.

Then just around the corner from Prospect Hill is one of Kangaroo Island's most spectacular beaches - Pennington Bay. Surfing, fishing and when the weather is calm, swimming, are all popular pursuits at Pennington.

If you like art, don't miss KI Artworks, on Bessell Drive at Baudin Beach. It is just 30 metres off the main road and well signposted. Kangaroo Island inspires many artists to produce varied and top quality work. Don't miss the 3D octopus in the garden in front of the building.

If you like wine, don't miss Sunset Winery, on top of the hill on the way to Penneshaw. They have a range of quality wines including a really popular Sparkling Shiraz. Local cheeses and other delicacies can be enjoyed with the wines, and the elevated views over American River.

Next stop Penneshaw, but not to catch the ferry yet... there is a lot more of Dudley Peninsula. Visit the Kangaroo Island Gateway Information Centre and see the original Frenchmans Rock, inscribed by one of Captain Nicholas Baudin's crew back in 1803. A copy is under the dome on Hog Bay Beach, enabling the original to be kept protected from the elements.

Drive up the hill on Willoughby Road, following the signs to Cape Willoughby. On the way you will find Chapman River and Antechamber Bay, yet another beautiful beach and pretty little fresh water river. If you have kids, you might need to stay for the day. If you have a fishing line, another reason to stay a while.

Continue on to Cape Willoughby, the oldest lighthouse in South Australia. Tours are available, conducted by National Parks guides. The coastline is dramatic, with "The Devil's Kitchen" nearby.

If you are there around lunchtime, you couldn't do better than to visit the Dudley Wines Cellar Door, a big tin shed that just happens to be a fabulous café with fantastic views across Backstairs Passage towards Fleurieu Peninsula. Naturally Dudley Wines can be enjoyed with the food.

If you are leaving on the ferry, take the same road back to Penneshaw, allowing time to check in.

If you are returning to your cottage at Brownlow, you can turn left onto Willson River Road and East West Road for an unsealed short cut back to the Hog Bay Road.