Family Adventure to Kangaroo Island: Nature and Wildlife

Beacon of History and Island Tales

Today was a beautiful blend of history, culture, and delightful flavors, all wrapped up in the stunning scenery that Kangaroo Island offers. It was a day of exploration and connection with my family, discovering more about this unique place and its people. As the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the island, I reflect on the day's adventures with a grateful heart, eager to share our experiences.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at The Rockpool Cafe. The cafe is located near Stokes Bay Beach, one of Kangaroo Island's most talked about beaches. The Rockpool Cafe had a classic beach kiosk feel, and offered restaurant quality meals. I ordered some coffee and the family had some breakfast, and we were set for the day. Elena enjoyed a classic eggs benedict, while Miguel opted for a stack of pancakes with local berries. I couldn't resist trying their seafood omelet, a delightful mix of fresh island flavors. We reminisced about our early days in Canada, when weekend breakfasts at our local Filipino bakery were a cherished family tradition. This breakfast felt like a perfect blend of our past and present, a comforting start to a day of new discoveries. It was November, so the weather was nice and mild. We made sure to bring sunblock with us, as Kangaroo Island can get quite hot.


Experience the flavors of Cassini at The Rockpool Cafe, where delicious meals meet stunning coastal views.

After breakfast, we drove to the northwestern tip of the island to visit the Cape Borda Lighthouse. The drive itself was an experience, with the landscape changing from rolling hills to dense bushland. As we approached the coast, the views became simply breathtaking. The lighthouse is perched on cliffs overlooking the Investigator Strait. It was built in 1858 and is the only square stone lighthouse in South Australia. It was built to guide ships arriving into South Australia off the Roaring Forty trade-winds and into the Investigator Straits and on to Adelaide. The kids were fascinated by the old cannon, which was once used to signal ships during foggy conditions. I learned that the placement of the cannon was symbolic of a small military presence, as a deterrence to invasion from possible enemy ships. The views from the top were incredible, stretching out over the vast ocean. We took some photos and breathed in the fresh sea air. It was a moment of shared wonder, appreciating the beauty and history of this remote place. We learned that the lighthouse is one of only three in Australia to retain a Deville lantern room.


Experience the majestic Cape Borda Lighthouse, a historic gem on Kangaroo Island, offering breathtaking views and rich maritime history.

The spirit of Kangaroo Island lies in its ability to blend history, nature, and community into a tapestry of unforgettable experiences.

Next on our itinerary was the Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum. Located in a charming 1869 school building, the museum offered a glimpse into the island's past. The building was once known as the Hog Bay Public School, which operated from 1869 to 1967. The School Room recreated a 19th-century classroom, while the Maritime Room showcased the island's whaling and sealing heritage. The McKenzie Room displayed various aspects of island life through the years. Miguel was intrigued by the maritime artifacts, while Elena enjoyed learning about the early settlers and their way of life. I was particularly moved by the stories of resilience and resourcefulness. We learned about Mrs. Mary Seymour, who is said to be the first child born in South Australia of a European father and an Aboriginal mother. It was a humbling reminder of the diverse heritage that shapes this island. We also saw a lifeboat from the SS Karatta. The museum is run by volunteers.


Discover Kangaroo Island's maritime heritage and pioneer stories at the Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum, housed in a historic schoolhouse.

For lunch, we stopped at Reflections Restaurant in American River. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu showcasing some of the region's finest food and wines. I savored the fresh seafood, while Elena enjoyed a locally sourced lamb dish. Miguel, ever the adventurous eater, tried the Kangaroo Island marron, a type of freshwater crayfish. As we dined, we enjoyed the views of the Eastern Cove. The restaurant has won Trip Advisor's Travellers Choice Award in 2020 and 2021 and is known as one of the top restaurants on Kangaroo Island.


Discover exquisite dining at Reflections Restaurant in American River - where stunning views meet exceptional local cuisine.

In the late afternoon, we decided to visit Kangaroo Island Ciders. This family-run business offers a fantastic selection of ciders. We sampled a few different varieties, learning about the process of cider making from the friendly staff. I enjoyed the Colony Cove Draught Cider, while Elena preferred the Sparkling Cider. Miguel, who is not much of a cider drinker, enjoyed their non-alcoholic sparkling apple juice. We even got to pet the two resident kangaroos, which was a hit with the whole family. I was impressed by the fact that they use apples from their own orchard to make the ciders.


Discover the exquisite taste of locally crafted ciders at Kangaroo Island Ciders, where stunning landscapes meet artisanal flavors.

As the day drew to a close, we headed to Penneshaw Pub for dinner. The pub has uninterrupted ocean views from a cliff-top in the middle of town. The pub has been the home of beer and cheer for over 100 years. We enjoyed a hearty meal of classic pub fare, accompanied by local beers. The kids enjoyed the fish and chips, while Elena and I shared a seafood platter. We watched the sunset over the ocean, the sky ablaze with color. It was the perfect end to a day of exploration and discovery. It was nice to just relax and talk about our experiences from the day.


Experience authentic South Australian hospitality at Penneshaw Pub with local cuisine, stunning views, and vibrant atmosphere.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Humpback Whale Skeleton and Dudley Wines [If last day of trip, merge in “Trip end”]. It's hard to believe this journey is almost over, but I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings before we head back to Canada. I'm also glad we didn't forget the camera for wildlife photography, as Kangaroo Island has been a photographer's dream [TripEssentials]. I am a little disappointed that we forgot our portable phone charger, but we've managed [TripEssentialsForgotten].