Home to Kangaroo Island’s main ferry port, Penneshaw is a small town that sits on the north coast of the Dudley Peninsula. Australia’s mainland is just 16 kilometres across the Backstairs Passage, a strait in which the town overlooks.
Penneshaw is an attractive town and a great welcome for visitors arriving on the island by ferry.
The town’s beach; Hog Bay, was named after the fact that numerous pigs were released here long ago. Today it is a great place for a swim and for a picnic.
In fact, just behind the beach is a grassy area that is designated for picnics and barbies, making it a great family beach.
Penneshaw is home to numerous attractions, including the Gateway Information Centre, Penneshaw Golf Course and the Maritime and Folk Museum.
The Baudin Conservation Park sits just two kilometres east of the town and when it opened it was a family farm.
The Ironstone Hill Hike follows the life of the family that used to live and work here, while at the same time boasts fantastic views across the water to the Fleurieu Peninsula on the mainland.
The night time is the best time to see Penneshaw’s Little Penguin colony. The Penguin Interpretive Centre offers nightly tours to the beach to see these fascinating little creatures waddling up to the beach to their holes to retire for the night.
Where to stay at Penneshaw
Penneshaw has a number of self-contained establishments ranging from seaside holiday homes to bushland cottages – a perfect spot to explore Kangaroo Island.
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The town is centrally located on the east of the island. Discover more great places to stay on Kangaroo Island and where to stay in Adelaide.