The Dudley Peninsula which forms the east end of Kangaroo Island is a microcosm of the rest of the island. The north coast has hills rolling down to the sea and white sand beaches. Roadside vegetation forms an avenue overhead many of the narrow roads. Ice-age dunes and rugged limestone cliffs dominate the south coast, which is indented by high-energy beaches.
Start the day at Pennington Bay situated at the narrowest part of the Island. This Southern
Ocean beach is a popular fishing and surf spot. Enjoy home-baked morning tea overlooking
extensive wave-cut platforms and contrasting deep aqua water.
Travelling east we get endless views of the serene marine sanctuary which is Pelican Lagoon.
Adjacent the lagoon is excellent kangaroo habitat and the tea-tree thickets harbour tammar
wallabies sheltering from their constant predator - the wedge-tailed eagle.
The deep alluvial soils of Willson River overlying limestone are perfect for grapevines. The team
at False Cape Wines have a newly opened cellar door experience overlooking well-established
wines. We will sample their range of wines and then enjoy a local produce picnic overlooking
the vines.
Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, established in 1852, stands tall on an exposed headland. Explore
the lighthouse precinct and the granite canyon known as "Devil's Kitchen". This lighthouse
shines a warning for sailors traversing the treacherous Backstair's Passage. The headland
provides protection from ocean swells for Antechamber Bay. Take a walk on the long white
sandy beach or seek our birds on the quiet backwaters of the Chapman River estuary.
End the day in Penneshaw which we can access via a 4WD trail known as Binney's Track. This
runs adjacent to Baudin Conservation Park which provides habitat for a range of wildlife
including glossy black-cockatoos, kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas.