From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour

If you’re stopping at Penneshaw on a cruise and want to get a real taste of Kangaroo Island, this 7-hour tasting tour might just be what you’re looking for. It promises a flavorful journey through the island’s best food and drinks, with stops at renowned producers and scenic outlooks. While it’s tailored for cruise passengers, it offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s culinary scene and natural beauty.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines delicious local produce with stunning coastal views. The stops at lavender farms, honey producers, and wineries really showcase the diversity of Kangaroo Island’s unique offerings. Plus, the guides are noted for being friendly and knowledgeable, which makes the day more enjoyable.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour is quite packed with stops—so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend extra time at certain locations, this might feel a little rushed. Also, because it’s designed exclusively for cruise ship visitors, those arriving on other types of ferries or staying longer might need to look for different options.

This tour seems best suited for curious food lovers and wine enthusiasts who want a fun, informative, and scenic taste of Kangaroo Island in a single day. If you’re after a relaxed, leisurely experience or traveling with kids, you might want to explore other options. But for those wanting to maximize their short time on the island, it hits the right notes.

Key Points:

• Designed specifically for cruise travelers departing from Penneshaw
• Includes visits to local producers like honey, lavender, and eucalyptus oil
• Offers tasting experiences — wine, spirits, honey, and lavender scones
• Features scenic stops such as Pennington Bay for dolphin watching
• Guides are highly praised for their friendliness and knowledge
• The tour is full-day and quite busy, so pace might be quick

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Kangaroo Island Tasting Tour

This tour is a carefully curated adventure for those arriving in Penneshaw, aiming to introduce you to Kangaroo Island’s culinary treasures and scenic highlights in just over half a day. While it’s not a comprehensive tour of the entire island, it hits several key spots that showcase the local flavors and natural beauty.

Starting Point: Penneshaw Ferry Terminal

The adventure begins right at the ferry terminal—easy to find, with guides waiting with a sign that says “Kangaroo Island Trails.” From here, you’ll hop on a comfortable bus that will take you through the island’s varied landscapes.

Scenic Drive to Pennington Bay

First, expect a scenic drive that offers glimpses of the rugged coastlines and rolling hills. You’ll stop at Pennington Bay, a stretch of beach famous for dolphin sightings and spectacular photo opportunities. We loved the way this stop combines natural beauty with wildlife watching, giving you a chance to snap impressive pictures of the coastline and possibly catch dolphins or even whales in season.

Lavender Farm and Morning Tea

Next, you’ll head to the Emu Bay Lavender Farm, where you can enjoy lavender scones and morning tea. This is a peaceful spot, and the scent of lavender adds to the sensory experience. The farm’s atmosphere is charming, and the tasting of lavender products is a highlight for many. It’s a chance to unwind a bit and enjoy some of the island’s most fragrant and picturesque offerings.

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Clifford’s Honey

The tour continues to Clifford’s Honey, where you’ll learn about the Ligurian Bee and taste different honey varieties. This stop is especially interesting if you’re into local produce and sustainable practices. The guides here are enthusiastic about sharing the honey-making process, and the tasting offers an authentic taste of the island’s beekeeping craftsmanship.

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery

Then, you’ll visit South Australia’s only commercial eucalyptus oil distillery. Here, you’ll witness the distillation process firsthand and gain insight into how a traditional Australian bush product is made. It’s fascinating to see how the essential oil is extracted from eucalyptus leaves—an experience that adds depth to your appreciation of Australian native plants.

Wine and Spirit Tastings

Afterward, the tour takes you to Bay of Shoals Wines for a wine tasting, where you’ll sample a selection of local wines in a relaxed setting. Judging by reviews, the wine offerings are well-curated and appreciated by visitors. Following that, you’ll visit Kangaroo Island Spirits for gin, vodka, and other liquors—a must-try if you enjoy spirits with a local twist.

Kingscote and Final Stops

There’s a brief stop in Kingscote, giving you some free time to walk around and soak in the local atmosphere. The last couple of stops are quick but meaningful: a final chance to sample more spirits, and a short drive back to the ferry terminal to conclude the day.

What We Loved About the Tour

One of the most praised aspects is the knowledgeable guides. Several reviews mention that guides like Caitlin and Joel are friendly, engaging, and full of great information. Their upbeat and personable style makes the stops more enjoyable and helps you understand the significance of each location.

The scenic stops like Pennington Bay are genuinely memorable. The chance to see dolphins, snap stunning photos, and enjoy the fresh sea air is worth the trip alone. Plus, the wine tastings at Bay of Shoals are highly regarded, with visitors appreciating the quality of the local wines—something not always guaranteed on small tours.

The tasting experiences at Clifford’s Honey and Kangaroo Island Spirits are authentic and give you a true taste of what the island produces. The lavender scones and morning tea add a charming, local touch that elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Honest Feedback from Visitors

One reviewer noted, “Guide Caitlin was friendly and personable. We had a small group and the locations we visited had lovely food & drinks,” highlighting the small-group feel that many travelers enjoy. Others appreciated the well-paced narration and variety of stops, though some wished for a little more time at lunch (as one mentioned, “Would have liked another 10 minutes added to lunch break”).

The Value and Price

Considering the stops and tastings—ranging from honey, lavender, wine, and spirits—the tour offers a good mix of culinary treats and scenic views for the price. It’s a solid way to get a flavor of Kangaroo Island’s local craftsmanship in just a day, especially if your time on the island is limited.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Booking early is advisable, especially during peak cruise seasons, as spots can fill up quickly.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended, as tours booked for cruise stops are non-refundable if the port is canceled, which has happened to some travelers.
• Remember to bring water and wear comfortable clothing and shoes suited for outdoor stops.
• The tour does not allow large luggage or bags, so plan accordingly if you’re carrying extra gear.
• The tour is full-day and quite busy, so if you prefer a more relaxed experience, consider whether this suits your travel style.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for foodies and wine lovers wanting to explore Kangaroo Island’s local products in a short time. If you enjoy guided stories, scenic coastal views, and tasting a variety of local goods, you’ll find it rewarding. It’s perfect if you’re cruising and want to maximize your shore time without stressing about logistics.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to spend more time at individual locations, this might feel a bit rushed. It’s also tailored for those who don’t mind a structured schedule and specific stops rather than an open-ended exploration.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically advertised as family-friendly, the focus on food, spirits, and scenic views makes it generally suitable for older children and teens. However, younger children might not enjoy the tastings or the quick pace.

How long is each stop?
Most stops range from about 20 to 45 minutes, with some optional free time in Kingscote. The overall day is quite compact, so expect a busy schedule.

What should I bring?
Bring water to stay hydrated, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor stops and walking.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Keep in mind that cancellations within that window are non-refundable, especially if due to port changes.

What’s included in the tasting experiences?
You can expect tastings of honey, wine, spirits, and lavender products, along with some food like lavender scones.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
The data doesn’t specify, but given the outdoor stops and bus-based transportation, it’s best to check directly with the provider if you have specific needs.

How many people are typically on the tour?
Reviews mention small groups, which tend to be more engaging and personalized, but the exact size isn’t specified.

What makes Kangaroo Island Spirits special?
They produce gin, vodka, and liquors using local ingredients, offering a taste of authentic island distilling craftsmanship.

Is this tour cost-effective?
Considering the multiple stops with tastings and scenic views, many find it offers good value for a curated snapshot of Kangaroo Island’s local flavors and scenery.

This tour strikes a nice balance between culinary exploration and scenic sightseeing, making it a strong pick for cruise visitors eager to sample Kangaroo Island’s best in a single day. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy guided experiences, local food and drink, and picturesque coastal vistas—just be prepared for a lively, full schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here: