3 Day - 2 Night getaway

DAY 1 : Disembark from your ferry (or plane) and launch early into exploring the Island to maximise your daylight sightseeing time.

We suggest you meander through really interesting countryside down the South Coast and Western End of the island, working your way back toward your Sunrise on Falie 'home away from home' accommodation at American River toward the evening.

Down the extreme Western end of the island, a good couple of hours drive from Penneshaw, is the Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

This is an amazing area, although badly burnt out during the 2019 Bushfires. Perhaps check on the South Australia National Parks website before heading in for updates on any closures, but even being able to see how the bush in Australia regenerates after a major fire is an experience in itself.

Raptor Domain wildlife and bird park is well worth the visit. You'll find this located at the entrance to the Seal Bay turnoff.

Little Sahara sand dunes are a great place for the adventure minded activity seekers - but also just amazing to view.

It's a long day and but a really enjoyable one.

Navigation back to Sunrise on Falie can be programmed into your Maps using '15 Falie Court - American River, Kangaroo Island, South Australia'

If you plan to eat-out rather than cook-in, American River has a couple of quality restaurants within walking distance from Sunrise on Falie ... the Mercure Hotel and Wanderer's Rest. But you will need to book in advance.

After dinner, take an evening walk near us to see the wallabies, and if it is a clear night, the stunning sky. The 'Milky Way' star constellation view is far better on Kangaroo Island when there is no background city lights to spoil the view. Travellers from the Northern Hemisphere will be amazed by the darkness and clarity of our Night Sky. You'll see millions of stars you've never seen before. 

As most of the animals are active at night you could see tammar wallabies,  brush tail and pygmy possums and hear the Southern Booboo Owl or Pacific Barn Owl.  Walking along the beach (depending on the tides) listen out for stingrays, bird calls and if it is a full moon see the reflections on the water.  Other possibilities include echidnas and of course Kangaroo Island kangaroos.

The night sky on a clear night is a wonderland.  Look out for the Southern Cross constellation and with a tripod and time exposure you will have your own unique memory captured.

Then it's time to get comfy back at home with us!

You'll be tired. This was a big drive day.

DAY 2  :  This is your only full day on the Island. You might be a bit tired after a busy day 1.

It's worth getting up early to see the sunrise and to hear the birds. Cockatoos, Parrots, Glossy Blacks, Magpies, Currowongs, Cookaburra's, Blue Wren's and more. You might also see the odd Echidna, Goanna and Koala when they travel through our property looking for a meal.

We do at times also get Kangaroos, Wallabies and even Possums on the driveway and decks so you might hear them at night.  Also koalas are occasionally heard in the tree tops.

You won't have as much driving today, as you would already have seen the far western end of the island and there are plenty of places nearer to Sunrise on Falie at American River.   

Sunrise on Falie is surrounded by a large bushland park and have kept as many trees as we can on the property to encourage their nesting and feeding.   

There is a walk 'Cannery walk' that starts 300m from us and travels along the coastline of Eastern Cove for keen morning walkers. You will see Pelicans, Black swans, and many small birds and even our local wild geese. Take the camera or even your mobile phone. 

Check out American River wharf area and the Pelican Lagoon Conservation Zone on your way out of the township. 

Then hit the road for the day to get just a glimpse of the North Coast region – Stokes Bay – with its hidden entrance through the rocks.

Then it's the North Coast Road (unpaved) to Emu Bay, Kingscote and maybe the Honey Farm, Eucalyptus Distillery OR you head over to the wildlife Park near Parndana in the centre of the Island.

Allow 5 hours at least and the option of a light lunch at the Rockpool Café in Stokes Bay is worth it. But note in mid-winter, it is often closed and there are less daylight hours.

You will find this day is much less rushed than if you only had 1 night on KI as you don't have to head back to the ferry port.

Return to American River in time for the dusk birdlife and maybe a walk to the wharf (30 minutes) before dinner at home or at a nearby restaurant.

DAY 3  :  Up at dawn – just kidding ... you might want to sleep in a bit and enjoy the morning audience of birdlife.     

After checking out from Sunrise on Falie, take your time to head back to your evening departure ferry at Penneshaw (or around to the airport closer near Kingscote) by stopping off at an array of lovely places.

Detour into our favourite calming and refreshing place Pennington Bay, where you could easily spend an hour or two walking the ocean beach, discovering the rock pools and walking paths. Climb to the highest point on the Island nearby at Prospect Hill.  Spectacular panoramic views.

Then drop in on Island Beach – the KI millionaires row of holiday homes which are nestled into the sea side. The beach is stunning and very under populated.   

Browns Beach and Baudin Beach are also along the drive and worth a look, maybe a swim or just a paddle depending on the season.

Then you should still have enough of afternoon remaining to take a 2 hour trip along the Cape Willoughby Road (look for signage as you enter the Penneshaw township) that goes through the 'Dudley Peninsula'.

At the very end is the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse.

You will pass through Chapman River, Antechamber Bay National Park, causeway and 30 minutes from Penneshaw there is a winery (Dudley Wines) with stunning views across the sea passage to the mainland. They also have quality food (Pizzas and local entrée foods).

That or travel back to Penneshaw and experience the Penneshaw Pub before it's back to the ferry port and your trip back to the mainland, perhaps on a 7.30pm ferry.

You would need a couple of weeks to really unwind and see even a lot more of what we get to explore living here but you will just have to return again to Kangaroo Island and you will be most welcome at Sunrise on Falie.