Kangaroo Island attractions

Despite its name, American River is a town on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island (not, actually, a river). Set in a sheltered harbor between the ocean and Pelican Lagoon, the location attracts yachties and fishing vessels with its calm waters. For travelers, it’s primarily a base for birdwatching in Pelican Lagoon and exploring further afield on Kangaroo Island.

Perched on the north coast of the Dudley Peninsula, the port town of Penneshaw is the gateway to Kangaroo Island. If you’re arriving on the island by ferry from Cape Jervis, this will be your first port-of-call, but the lively seaside town is more than just a travel thoroughfare—it’s also renowned for its beachside colony of Little Penguins.

Beneath the woodlands and bushland trails of the Kelly Hill Conservation Park lies one of the most impressive natural wonders on Kangaroo Island, formed from millions of years of erosion, sea level change, and weather patterns. Venture underground and discover an expanse of ancient limestone caves, where you'll see dramatic rock columns, multicolored shawl formations, and towering stalagmites and stalactites.