Imagine spending a day on Kangaroo Island, not just sightseeing but tasting your way through some of the island’s best food and drinks. For cruise passengers docking at Penneshaw, this guided 7-hour tour offers a delicious way to explore the island’s culinary treasures. With a price of $151 per person, it’s a compact yet flavorful experience that combines scenic beauty with authentic local flavors.
Two things we love about this tour are the chance to enjoy South Australia’s only commercial eucalyptus oil distillery—a truly unique experience—and the opportunity to sample lavender scones at the Lavender Farm, which is a delightful, fragrant break in the day.
A potential consideration is that the tour is strictly for cruise passengers only and departs from Penneshaw. If your ship doesn’t dock, or if you’re not on a cruise, this wouldn’t be the right fit. But for those arriving in Penneshaw and craving an authentic taste of Kangaroo Island, this tour is a wonderful choice.
This experience is ideal for foodies and beverage enthusiasts wanting a curated taste of Kangaroo Island’s local products, along with scenic stops and a friendly guide to enrich the journey. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, this tour offers a balanced mix of education, relaxation, and indulgence.
Key Points
- Authentic Local Flavors: Enjoy tastings of wines, spirits, honey, and lavender products directly from Kangaroo Island producers.
- Scenic Highlights: Pennington Bay offers dolphin sightings and photo opportunities with stunning coastlines.
- Unique Experiences: Visit South Australia’s only eucalyptus oil distillery to see and learn about this traditional Australian product.
- Delicious Breaks: Indulge in lavender scones and morning tea at the Lavender Farm.
- Flexible & Guided: Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour is designed for cruise passengers with convenient pickup and drop-off at Penneshaw.
- Value for Money: At $151, it includes all tastings, transportation, and guides, making it a well-rounded, hassle-free experience.
When we first looked into this tour, what immediately caught our attention was how it combines culinary delights with scenic stops, making it more than just a tasting trip. It’s a chance to connect with the island’s local producers and learn about their craft while soaking in views that are, quite frankly, breathtaking.
Given that the tour runs only for cruise passengers and departs from Penneshaw, it’s tailored specifically for folks arriving by ship. The focus on local, authentic products — from honey to spirits — ensures that you’ll get a genuine taste of Kangaroo Island’s unique offerings.
You can check availability for your dates here:Itinerary Breakdown
The journey begins with a pick-up from Penneshaw’s cruise terminal, conveniently organized so you won’t have to worry about logistics. From there, the first stop is Pennington Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, renowned for dolphin sightings and panoramic views. Watching dolphins play along the coast or catching a glimpse of whales (seasonally) makes this a highlight early on, and it sets a relaxed, scenic tone for the day.
Next, the tour heads inland to Clifford’s Honey. Here, you’ll learn about the Ligurian Bees—an intriguing breed that’s been on the island for generations—and taste different honey varieties. This stop beautifully blends education and indulgence, giving you insight into local beekeeping traditions.
A visit to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus offers a peek into South Australia’s only eucalyptus oil distillery. Watching the distillation process unfold, you’ll understand how this traditional Australian product is made—an experience that adds a layer of authenticity and appreciation for local craftsmanship.
For a relaxing break, the group visits the Lavender Farm for morning tea and lavender scones. The aroma of fresh lavender fills the air, and the scones—complemented by local jams and tea—are a simple yet memorable treat that captures the essence of the island’s fragrant agriculture.
The tour then makes a brief stop at Kingscote, offering time to wander and explore at your own pace. It’s a casual moment to stretch your legs before the wine tasting at Bay of Shoals Wines. Here, you’re invited to sample a selection of wines crafted on the island—many of which are praised for their quality and local character.
Finally, the group visits Kangaroo Island Spirits for a tasting of gin, vodka, and other liquors. Many reviews highlight how good the liquors are, with one guest noting that guides deliver information in a cheerful, approachable manner. The variety on offer means there’s something to suit every palate, whether you prefer a smooth gin or a more robust spirit.
The tour concludes with drop-off back at Penneshaw’s cruise terminal, leaving you with a full stomach and a new appreciation for Kangaroo Island’s rich food and drink culture.
Planning more time in Penneshaw? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Authentic Experiences and Guest Insights
Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the friendly atmosphere. For example, one guest mentions that guide Joel provided “plenty of information delivered in a jovial fashion,” making the experience both fun and educational. Others note the excellent wine and liquor tastings were highlights, with one saying, “Just superb. Good knowledgeable guides and so pleasant.”
The scenic stops at Pennington Bay receive high praise for their dolphin sightings and stunning coastal views, making them more than just a photo opportunity—they add a real sense of connection to the natural environment.
Food lovers especially appreciate the lavender scones at the Lavender Farm, describing them as both fragrant and delicious. The honey stop at Clifford’s Honey is also a favorite, with reviewers noting their interest in learning about Ligurian bees and tasting different honey varieties.
However, not all reviews are perfect. One guest recounted a cancellation due to their ship not docking, which resulted in a loss of money despite claiming on insurance. This underscores the importance of flexible travel insurance when booking shore excursions.
What Sets This Tour Apart?
The small group size and guides’ local expertise make this tour feel intimate and authentic. You’re not just a tourist on a bus; you’re a guest learning about the island’s stories, products, and landscapes from locals who genuinely care.
The taste-focused approach ensures you’ll walk away with more than just photographs—you’ll have a deeper understanding of what makes Kangaroo Island’s food and drink scene special. Plus, the variety of stops—from honey to spirits—caters to diverse interests.
Practical Details: What You Should Know
- Price & Value: At $151, the tour covers all tastings, transportation, and guides. Considering the quality of the experiences and the convenience of pickup/drop-off, it’s a good value for a guided shore excursion.
- Duration & Timing: Usually available in the morning, the full 7-hour experience fits well into a cruise schedule, allowing you to enjoy other activities later in the day.
- Group Size & Guides: Small groups and friendly guides ensure personalized attention and plenty of opportunity for questions.
- What to Bring: Just bring water—everything else, including tastings and tea, is included.
- Limitations: Not suitable if you have large luggage or if your ship doesn’t dock; no refunds if your ship cancels docking, so travel insurance is recommended.
This excursion is perfect for cruise passengers wanting a relaxed yet immersive taste of Kangaroo Island’s culinary offerings. It’s ideal if you love discovering local foods and drinks, enjoying scenic coastlines, and learning from friendly guides. If you’re looking for an easy, well-organized way to experience some of the island’s best producers without the hassle of planning, this tour delivers.
Food and beverage enthusiasts will appreciate the quality and variety of tastings, while travelers who enjoy scenic stops and light walking will find it plenty satisfying. Just keep in mind the limited time—this is a quick, concentrated experience rather than a deep dive into the island.
For cruise travelers eager to explore Kangaroo Island’s flavors and scenic beauty in a compact, guided format, this shore excursion delivers real value. You’ll experience local honey, spirits, wines, and lavender products, all while soaking in coastal views and learning from knowledgeable guides. The blend of educational stops and delicious tastings makes it a memorable way to spend a day ashore.
While it’s best suited for those on a cruise schedule, anyone with an interest in authentic local food and drink, and a love for scenic coastal landscapes, will find this tour rewarding. It’s a smart choice for those who want a taste of Kangaroo Island’s best without the hassle of self-driving or extensive planning.
If you’re after a fun, tasty, and scenic snapshot of Kangaroo Island, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to book with travel insurance, as cancellations from the ship can affect your plans, and enjoy every sip and bite along the way.
More Great Tours NearbyFAQ
Is this tour suitable if I don’t have much time in port?
Yes, it’s designed as a 7-hour experience, fitting well into a cruise schedule, with pickup and drop-off included.
Can I participate if I’m not a cruise passenger?
No, this tour specifically caters to cruise passengers only and departs from Penneshaw.
Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, but you are encouraged to bring a light lunch or purchase something along the way. Morning tea with lavender scones is provided.
What should I bring?
Just water—everything else, including tastings, is included. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.
Is there a chance to see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, Pennington Bay is known for dolphin sightings, and you might also see whales seasonally.
What if my ship doesn’t dock?
You might lose your booking unless you have travel insurance, as cancellations are out of the tour operator’s control. They offer a credit for future tours if your port is canceled.
This tour delivers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Kangaroo Island that’s perfect for curious travelers eager to enjoy local flavors and scenic beauty—all in a manageable, guided package.
You can check availability for your dates here: