Top Things to do in Kangaroo Island
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10 Museums in Kangaroo Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Kangaroo Island is the epitome of variety, ripe with pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, conservation land, underground caves, rare honeybees, gourmet local delicacies and… penguins. Book a tour with the Kangaroo Island Penguin Centre to watch these tuxedoed darlings waddle along the water, then tuck into a hearty dinner featuring native ingredients like rich sheep’s-milk cheese, freshwater marron, olive oil and boutique wine. The island’s art galleries showcase the woodworking, glass-blowing and furniture-making talents of local craftsmen.
Restaurants in Kangaroo Island
1. Shep's Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
This is the working studio and gallery of artist Neil Sheppard, alias Shep, on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. An amazing selection of approximately 150 paintings - Australian impressionist landscapes, seascapes, contemporary and abstract. The gallery is family friendly with indoor play area for children. Also wheelchair friendly. Mostly open Monday to Saturday - please check open times during winter and off peak periods. Appointments very welcome! Only 10 kms from Kingscote.
2. Fine Art Kangaroo Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Serene showcase of local and Island inspired artworks, lovingly curated in a renovated heritage building in the heart of the Island's main township, Kingscote. Views to panoramic Nepean Bay compliment award winning artworks, working jewellery studio and quirky Wabi-Sabi arts courtyard. Resident Fred Peters creates custom jewellery while you visit. Other featured artists featured include Neil Sheppard (Shep), ShepJanet Ayliffe, Jenny Clapson, Fred Peters, Nicholas Burness Pike, Dave Clark and many, many more.
Reviewed By 639russellm
We have regularly visited Kangaroo Island over the past 8 years and each time we call in at Fine Art Kangaroo Island. Fred, the owner, always gives a warm welcome and has a great variety of jewellery, sculptures and paintings, virtually all of which are produced on KI. If you visit Kingscote then I’d recommend calling in to view the latest pieces and have a chat with Fred.
3. Rebuild Independence Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
See the reconstruction of Independence, the first vessel ever built in South Australia. Hear about the original vessel's construction, the history surrounding it and its untimely fate. Learn how it fits into Kangaroo Island's history and development.
Reviewed By CatherineRenee - Renmark, Australia
We stopped by here after breakfast just to chat with the friendly man in the shed. He told us the story of the boat Independence and about the explorers of the area. It was an interesting bit of history. We ended up buying a small plank to make a donation to their cause. It only takes 20 minutes but I definitely recommend stopping by for a chat. And perhaps your own plank/donation.
4. Hope Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Suebright - Brighton, Australia
An amazing display of historical items and written information about Kangaroo Island , take some time to visit it is well worth the trip.
5. Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Diannemh46 - Whangarei, New Zealand
Lovely little museum with lots of fascinating local information. A showcase of some of the farming equipment from the soldiers that settled in the island. Great layout of things from the soldier settlement. Do go and visit.
6. Kangaroo Island Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By 4chillis - Adelaide, Australia
Kangaroo Island Gallery is a great place to find local artwork and jewellery. It has something for everyone from photography, to paintings, textiles and jewellery.
7. Penneshaw Maritime & Folk Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By casper93 - Ingle Farm, Australia
You don't need to be big to convey history. This museum does it well. More of pre 1900 when life on the island was a struggle.
8. Australian Red Gum Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
An active wood turning studio where the owner turns local Redgum wood into beautiful pieces,for example bowls,salt/pepper grinders, lazy susans,knifes and pens in front of your eyes. On request he will be turning THAT special piece for you.
9. Roolagoon Homestead
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
A four star homestead set in lovely gardens in the middle of the Island The homestead has two Q beds, lounge room, full kitchen and large verandas with BBQ Great for long stays and for families Pets are welcome as long as they are behaved Next door you can watch jonny wood turn and look through his gallery A great stay and a great location cheers jonny
10. Baudin Beach Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By islander088 - Kangaroo Island, Australia
The Baudin Beach Art Gallery is well worth a stop. Only 100 meters off the mainroad it is manned by friendly local volunteers artists. I enjoyed talking to them and sharing in their local knowledge and passion for their 'trade'. Lots of well presented works including ceramics, pottery, local jewellery and a range of quality and unique paintings and artwork. The first time we went about 0930 but it doesn't open until 10:00 and closes at about 4:00. A gem of a place tucked away at Buadin Beach. Nice.
