Kangaroo Island Must-Do's for Summer 2024
Summer is peak holiday season on Kangaroo Island. We're sharing our favourite new (& tried & tested) things to see, do, taste & sip.
Whether it’s your first visit or Kangaroo Island is your second home, our Cellar Door Trail guides help you plan a day with something for the whole gang to enjoy - click here to explore & download our handy trail maps.
We hope to see you for a tasting of our new-release wines on the Cygnet River Cellar Door Trail. Treat yourself to a premium food & wine experience. Book here.
New in Town
Pick and Shovel Bar, Kingscote
Pick & Shovel opened during winter 2024, adding a much-needed cosy bar to the Kingscote hospo scene. The sister to the fabulous Kangaroo Island Brewery, this hole-in-the-wall services up excellent wine (including The Islander Estate Vineyards, of course), whiskey, beer and cocktails in the heart of Kingscote. They also stock the finest meats and cheeses available for bites. Open every day 4pm - Late. Commercial Street, Kingscote. www.kibeer.com.au/thepick
Mooncake at Kangaroo Island Source, Penneshaw
The newest dining destination on the east end of the Island, Mooncake was jumping last summer and is back for another season. At Kangaroo Island Source, on a hill just outside Penneshaw, with stunning views, Mooncake serves modern Asian cuisine & cocktails at weekends over summer. Whether you want to call in for an afternoon drink & a serving of spring rolls or stay for an Asian feast, it is the new must-do dining experience on the island's east end. Bookings: www.mooncakekangarooisland.com.au
Samphire Restaurant, American River, Kangaroo Island
Peaceful American River has a new fine dining offering in Samphire Restaurant. This intimate restaurant with spectacular views across the bay offers the best Kangaroo Island produce in an elegant seven-course degustation menu. It's a highly personalised experience; every dish is carefully crafted. Samphire Restaurant exclusively serves its Tasting Menu, showcasing the best local seafood and meats. To make the experience even more enjoyable, choose their wine pairing option featuring many wines from The Islander Estate Vineyards. Be sure to book ahead due to their small space. www.theriverki.com.au/samphire-restaurant-kangaroo-island
Look Who’s Back for the Summer Season
The Fig Tree Restaurant, Snellings Beach, Kangaroo Island
The Fig Tree at Snellings Beach is under new management but is serving up the same stunning experience at Snellings Beach on Kangaroo Island’s North Coast. It is one of South Australia’s most memorable dining experiences from the moment you arrive. You will be invited to venture through the leafy entrance of a majestic old fig tree before it opens into a collection of natural ‘living’ rooms. Each space is decked out with stunning table settings ready for you to experience a magical feast of the senses. This season is open for lunch only Tuesday to Saturday and runs until April 5th. Bookings: www.thefigtreeki.com.au
RockPool Cafe, Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island
Have you even been to Kangaroo Island if you haven't had fish & chips at the legendary RockPool Cafe, Stokes Bay? This Kangaroo Island institution is open for the summer season, an essential part of an iconic day on the north coast, which includes swimming, surfing or snorkelling at Stokes Bay Beach, one of Kangaroo Island's most photographed locations, followed by a cone of delicious seafood, burger or ice cream at Rockpool Cafe. You're just as welcome with sandy bare feet as you are in heels. 8 Lightburn Road, Stokes Bay. Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 5pm. www.facebook.com/TheRockpoolCafe