Kangaroo Island – Full Day Tasting Tour

Imagine a day spent wandering through the picturesque scenery of Kangaroo Island, stopping at farms and distilleries that produce some of Australia’s most unique and delicious local products. For around $270, you can join a small-group tour (max 10 people) that takes you on an 8-hour journey through some of the island’s most appealing tasting spots. The tour includes visits to a honey farm, a eucalyptus distillery and cidery, a lavender farm, plus stops for wine, gin, and craft beer tastings—culminating in a delicious lunch.

What we love about this experience are the personal touches and intimate atmosphere—a small-group setting means more interaction, more personalized attention, and fewer crowds. Plus, the variety of tastes and sights keeps the day lively. Our favorite moments? The honey tasting at Clifford’s Honey Farm, where you learn about Ligurian Bees, and the lavender farm, where seasonal lavender scones and tea are served in a fragrant setting.

A possible consideration is that the lunch isn’t included in the price, so you’ll need to budget for your meal. Also, since the tour runs seasonally at the lavender farm, if visiting outside the flowering period, you might miss that particular highlight. This tour suits travelers who enjoy food and drink experiences, appreciate local craftsmanship, and prefer small, relaxed groups over large bus tours.

If you’re someone who loves tasting and learning about local products in an authentic setting, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially appealing if you want to avoid the typical tourist traps and instead connect with the island’s culinary soul.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small-group tour with no more than 10 travelers for a more personal experience.
• Diverse Tasting Stops: Honey, lavender, wine, gin, and craft beer samples.
• Beautiful Scenery: Scenic drives around Kangaroo Island offer stunning views.
• Seasonal Highlights: Lavender farm visits include lavender scones (seasonal).
• Flexible Pickup: Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation or ferry port.
• Value for Money: Combines multiple tastings and sightseeing for a reasonable price.

Exploring the Full Itinerary: What to Expect

Clifford’s Honey Farm: Sweet Beginnings

Our day starts at Clifford’s Honey Farm, where we’re greeted with honey tastings straight from the hive. The guide, perhaps a friendly local with a knack for storytelling, explains the Ligurian Bee’s importance and the honey-making process. We wander around the gift shop, which offers a range of honey products perfect for souvenirs or gifts. The 45-minute stop is both informative and delightful, giving us a fresh appreciation for honey’s complexity and the effort behind each jar.

From reviews, we know visitors love the authenticity of this stop—”Plenty of places to taste the best the island has to offer,” as one traveler put it, highlighting how genuine and generous the tastings are. This stop sets the tone for the day: a focus on local excellence and educational fun.

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus: A Distillery with History

Next, we visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus, where the guide shares stories about the distillery’s history. You’ll learn about the distillation process and get a chance to try eucalyptus drops, which are both refreshing and medicinal. The gift shop offers a selection of ciders and eucalyptus products, making this stop both sensory and educational.

This stop provides a glimpse into how Kangaroo Island’s native flora is turned into unique products. Travelers often comment on how friendly and knowledgeable the staff are, making the experience both engaging and relaxed. If you love botanical flavors and learning about local craftsmanship, this stop hits the mark.

Emu Bay Lavender: Aromatic Relaxation

The lavender farm, Emu Bay Lavender, is a highlight—if you’re visiting during the flowering season. Here, you’ll enjoy a lavender scone paired with tea or coffee, served in a fragrant setting. The grounds are perfect for wandering, with gift shops offering lavender-infused products.

The review mentions this as a seasonal highlight, but even outside the bloom, the peaceful grounds and the chance to sample lavender-infused treats make it a worthwhile stop. Visitors love the chance to relax among fragrant fields and browse local lavender products.

Bay of Shoals Winery: Scenic Wine Tasting

The next stop is the Bay of Shoals Winery, perched with views of the bay that set a serene backdrop for tasting local wines. You can relax and enjoy a variety of wines while soaking in scenic vistas. A relaxed, intimate tasting experience, perfect for wine lovers.

Guests frequently mention the high quality of the wines and the friendly staff. The setting allows you to appreciate the terroir of Kangaroo Island, making each sip feel connected to the landscape.

Kangaroo Island Spirits: Crafting Fine Gins

After wine, the tour ventures into the world of gin, vodka, and liqueurs at Kangaroo Island Spirits. The rustic distillery setting adds to the charm as you sample their craft spirits. Expect a hands-on feel—this stop is about tasting and learning about the distillation process.

Reviews highlight the friendly staff and the variety of flavors, making this a fun and flavorful stop. For those who enjoy spirit tasting in a relaxed environment, this is a highlight.

Kangaroo Island Brewery: A Craft Beer Finish

The final tasting stop is at the Kangaroo Island Brewery, where everyone can enjoy a craft beer paddle. The short 30-minute visit offers a chance to unwind and reflect on the day while sampling local brews.

This stop is appreciated for its casual vibe and the quality of their beers. It’s a perfect way to wrap up the tour, especially if you’re a beer enthusiast.

The Practicalities: What to Know Before You Book

This tour is well-organized with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation or the ferry port, making logistics straightforward. The 8-hour duration grants plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed—though, of course, you’ll want to keep your palate ready for all the tastings.

The price of $270.95 is reasonable considering the multiple tastings, admissions, and transportation provided. Keep in mind, lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring some extra funds or snacks. Also, the tour is seasonal at the lavender farm, so check the flowering schedule if visiting outside peak bloom.

Group size is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized, less hurried experience. This makes a difference—you’re more likely to have meaningful conversations with your guide and fellow travelers.

What Travelers Say

The reviews echo the authenticity and friendly guides—one reviewer raved about their driver Darren, who shared good history and made the day enjoyable. The variety of tastes was also a highlight, with visitors appreciating the local craftsmanship and relaxed atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, foodie-focused day that highlights local products and scenic views, this is a fantastic choice. It suits adventurous eaters, wine and spirit enthusiasts, and those who enjoy small-group intimacy. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences over cookie-cutter tours and want to connect with Kangaroo Island’s culinary character.

The Sum Up

This full-day tasting tour on Kangaroo Island offers a delightful balance of scenic beauty, local craftsmanship, and delicious flavors. It’s a chance to see the island’s best producers in a relaxed, intimate setting, and to learn about their stories firsthand. The variety of stops ensures you won’t get bored, and the small-group format makes it easier to ask questions and connect with your guide.

While the lunch isn’t included, the overall experience provides excellent value, especially considering the quality of tastings and the personalized nature of the tour. It’s ideal for foodies, wine lovers, and curious travelers looking for an authentic taste of Kangaroo Island’s rich local scene.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day of indulgence or a culture into island life, this tour delivers a memorable experience that will leave your palate satisfied and your mind enriched.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered at your accommodation or ferry port, making logistics simple.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 8 hours, giving plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed.

What is not included in the price?
Lunch is not included, so plan to bring some extra money or snacks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the minimum drinking age is 18, given the tastings involved.

How many people are in each group?
Up to 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

What kind of tastings are offered?
Honey, lavender scones, tea/coffee (seasonal), wine, gin, vodka, spirits, and craft beer.

Are the stops seasonal?
Yes, particularly the lavender farm, which depends on the flowering season.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Reviews mention friendly, informative guides who share good local insights.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 13 days in advance to secure a spot.

This tour stands out for its blend of scenic beauty, local flavors, and small-group intimacy—a true taste of Kangaroo Island’s unique charm.