Getting to Know Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a haven of wildlife and stunning scenery. Boasting pristine beaches, lush forests, and a huge collection of native species. It’s the go-to place for animal lovers who find themselves in the area.

Penneshaw is a township that sits along the northeast coast of the Dudley Peninsula. It acts as the main ferry port, linking up with Cape Jervis to provide regular transport from the mainland to the island.

The Beach at Penneshaw

Penneshaw’s beach is known as Hog Bay. The beach offers visitors a delightful sandy scene and is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and picnicking on. There are designated eating spots, as well as a grassy picnic reserve with barbecues.

The Penguin Colony

When dusk falls, the local colony of penguins totter up the beach to their homes for the night. At Penneshaw, you can watch the show unfold as guides share fascinating information about these cute critters. The colony leaves the sea just after sunset near the Penguin Interpretative Centre. While here, you can learn more about the colony, their habitat, and their history on the island.

The penguins have chosen Penneshaw as their home because of the rich abundance of fish. Plus, the unpolluted waters around the island makes for much safer journeys. There is a specially lit boardwalk that gives visitors the chance to watch the penguins make their journey from the rocks to the burrows in the cliff face.

Other Things to Do in Penneshaw

Before seeing the penguins and kicking back on the beach, there are plenty of activities to do in the town.

Visitors can check out the Gateway Information Centre, which shares facts and stories about the island. Or, play some rounds at the picturesque Penneshaw Golf Course. Additionally, you could learn more about the history of the town and its surroundings at the popular Maritime and Folk Museum.

Just outside of the town, the Baudin Conservation Park gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the island’s wildlife and plant species.

For a dose of history, the Ironstone Hill Hike shares the life of the family that used to live on the local farm, while exposing hikers to stunning views across the cliffs and sea to the Fleurieu Peninsula back on the mainland.

Visit Rob’s sheep shearing and Sheep Dogs and discover the authentic Aussie experience.

Kangaroo Island is a must-visit for anyone looking to soak up the natural beauty of Australia, and Penneshaw is the perfect place to start your journey.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.