Kingscote is a charming seaside town that offers a range of activities and experiences. Whether you're lover of art, a foodie, or history buff, Kingscote has a little something for everyone.
Centrally located on the island, Kingscote is a convenient base from which to explore the island's many attractions, cafes, producers, national parks and beaches. It also offers a great range of accommodation options, with hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts and self-contained holiday homes in abundance. Here are some of the top things to do in Kingscote and Emu Bay:
The best food in Kingscote
Kingscote is home to a number of cafes, producers and restaurants, serving up delicious food and beverages featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The Aurora Ozone Hotel is located in the heart of Kingscote, and is a popular choice for both locals and visitors. The hotel houses a restaurant that serves a diverse menu, including seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. The relaxed atmosphere, stunning views and friendly service make it a great spot for a casual meal.
Kangaroo Island Brewery is a craft brewery on the outskirts of Kingscote, founded in 2012. The brewery produces a range of hand-crafted beers, including Pale Ale, Wheat Beer and IPA as well as seasonal beers and limited-edition brews throughout the year. In addition to producing great beer, Kangaroo Island Brewery is committed to sustainability and supporting the local community. They use solar power to run their brewery and source their ingredients from local farmers and suppliers whenever possible.
Bay of Shoals Wines is known for its award-winning wines and stunning views of the vineyards and ocean beyond. They serve a range of platters that pair well with their wines, featuring cheeses, charcuterie and indulgent seafood.
The Emu Bay Lavender Farm is a pretty farm gate cafe set amongst rows of lavender and produces a range of natural, handmade products and lavender-inspired gifts and souvenirs. In addition, they are renowned for their delicious breakfasts, lunches and baked goods – their giant lavender scones are not to be missed! Spend some time on Emu Bay Beach, named one of the best beaches in Australia. The white sandy beach runs 4kms and it's a great spot for a swim as the beach is rarely crowded.
So Sando is a new, family-owned business. Known for its delicious sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients and Asian-inspired dishes such as Korean noodles and dumpling soup, you won’t leave hungry after a visit.
Cactus is a funky café at the top of the main street, serving delicious, Insta-worthy breakfasts and lunches and is also a great place to get your caffeine fix. Customers love their flavourful dishes and generous portions.
Cafe Scrumptious is a cosy café, the perfect place to eat, drink and relax in the heart of Kingscote. Serving up delicious pizzas, hearty breakfasts, coffee and sweet treats – you’ll be sure to find something to fill your belly before a day out exploring.
Discover local art
Kangaroo Island has a thriving art community and its multiple galleries are must-visits for anyone interested in the arts scene. Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind piece to take home or simply want to soak up the creativity and talent of local artists, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Kingscote is lucky to house three art galleries - Fine Art Kangaroo Island, Kangaroo Island Gallery and Bloom by the Ocean.
Fine Art Kangaroo Island presents refined exhibits of interpretive artwork created by the island's most talented artists. The artwork captures the essence of island life, its creatures, wildlife, and nature, as seen through the eyes of Kangaroo Island's vibrant and imaginative community.
The gallery boasts four rooms, each with its unique focus, including a print room featuring original works on paper, a jewellery studio showcasing a collection of stunning pieces from multiple artists, including owner Fred Peters, who crafts exquisite sterling silver jewellery on-site in the gallery. The exhibition rooms are frequently visited by photographers, painters, textile artists, and ceramicists throughout the day. With a deep understanding of the local art scene and current exhibitions, practitioner Fred and his wife and curator, Fleur, have established personal connections with the exhibiting artists and are well-versed in their artistic practices, making them the go-to experts for must-see art destinations on the island.
BLOOM. by the Ocean is a vibrant studio gallery that was founded in February 2022 by the passionate emerging artist, Chantal Leonhardt. The studio serves as a hub for local creatives to come together and be inspired and empowered in their artistic pursuits.
The studio gallery proudly showcases a small but impressive collection of work from some of the most innovative and inspiring artists on the island. From stunning watercolours and oil paintings by Chantal, to 'Tidal Creations' crafted from locally sourced sea glass to mesmerizing resin art creations, intricate birdhouses, and captivating local photography.
The Story behind BLOOM. by the Ocean is one of inspiration and courage. In early 2022, Chantal made the bold decision to pursue her art full-time and open her own studio gallery at the age of 20. Now, with the freedom to create and film her art journey, Chantal offers an authentic look into the artistic process behind all the magical pieces she creates. Visit BLOOM. by the Ocean and experience the creativity of Kangaroo Island's talented artists.
The Kangaroo Island Gallery is a non-profit art gallery, run by a group of 35 dedicated artists and volunteers. Established in 1988, the gallery boasts two display rooms showcasing a wide variety of art styles, including paintings, prints, textiles, pottery, woodwork, glasswork, and photography. Housed in a heritage listed building, the Gallery was amongst the first art outlets on the island.
Visitors to the gallery can engage in conversations with the passionate members about the artists and the work on display, creating a unique and interactive artistic experience.
The gallery also features an "Artist of the Month" program, where a chosen artist is given a designated area to showcase their work. In addition, the Spinners & Weavers will be holding a textile exhibition in the top room of the gallery in June, featuring a fantastic collection of warm and cosy items for sale. An exhibiting artist of the gallery, Rupshi Mitra, is using the Kangaroo Island Gallery as the venue for her SALA Exhibition. This can be viewed from mid-July until SALA closes at the end of August. Rupshi draws inspiration from her culture, her work as a neuroscientist and the environment of Kangaroo Island.
All items on display in the gallery are available for purchase, with a small commission from each sale supporting the gallery's ongoing operation. By supporting the Kangaroo Island Gallery, visitors not only support local artists but also help to ensure the gallery's continued success as a vital cultural institution.
The Kingscote Silo Art is a magnificent display of public art and was initiated to transform the town's grain silos into vibrant and captivating artworks that celebrate the local community and its natural surroundings. The mural was created by the artists Cam Scale and Andrew Davis. The first side features a kangaroo and her joey, while two of the Island’s endangered glossy black cockatoos – one perched on a tree branch and the other mid-flight – occupies the other.
This silo took Cam and Andrew four weeks to complete, ensuring that they portrayed the native animals of Kangaroo Island perfectly. The silos are spectacular at night, so make sure you leave some time to admire it after dark.
Take a hike
The Kingscote Town Walk is a sign-posted, two-part adventure that covers approximately 12.5 km in total. The first part is a flat 6.5 km return walk to Brownlow Beach, best experienced in the morning. The second part is an undulating 6 km loop that takes you through to Reeve's Point, a local winery with spectacular views of the Bay of Shoals and larger-than-life Silo Art.
Finish your journey by returning back to the trailhead near the town centre. This self-guided tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty and culture of Kingscote at your own pace.
Learn about local history
The town of Kingscote is South Australia's oldest European settlement and the island's largest town.
The South Australian Company chose Reeves Point in Kingscote as its colony site on 27 July 27 1836, marking the first official European settlement in South Australia. The settlement was named after Henry Kingscote, one of the founding directors of the company.
Despite initial suggestions that Kingscote could serve as the capital of South Australia, the limited resources on the island made it impractical to support a large community. Consequently, the South Australian Company relocated to Adelaide almost six months later after sending surveyors to find a more suitable location.
Visitors can learn more about Kingscote's fascinating history by exploring sites like Hope Cottage and Reeves Point.
Built in 1859, Hope Cottage is the restored home of Charles and Michael Calnan, two brothers who, with a ship’s carpenter, built three small cottages from local stone, called Faith, Hope, and Charity after a successful venture at the Victorian goldfields. The cottage has since been restored and converted into a museum, showcasing the life and times of the early settlers on Kangaroo Island. Visitors can explore the cottage's original rooms and see exhibits on the island's history, including the whaling industry, farming, and the role of women in the community. The museum is open to the public for a small fee and is a must-visit for history lovers.
Reeves Point, located just a short walk down the hill from Hope Cottage, is another important historical site on Kangaroo Island. It was here that the first official European settlement in South Australia was established in 1836, led by Governor John Hindmarsh. Reeves Point was a vital location for early settlers, serving as a whaling station, trading post, and shipping port. Today, the site features a monument and interpretive signage that tells the story of the early days of the colony, as well as a restored windmill that was used to grind grain for the settlers.
Hope Cottage and Reeves Point provide a fascinating insight into the history of Kangaroo Island and the people who lived and worked there. Whether you're interested in colonial history, architecture, or simply want to learn more about the island's past, these sites are well worth a visit.
Where to Stay in Kingscote and Emu Bay
Kingscote and Emu Bay offer a wide array of accommodation options ranging from hotels, bed and breakfasts, cottages, beach houses, and holiday rentals.
The Ozone Hotel and Apartments are located on the stunning Kingscote seafront providing an enticing mix of old world charm and modern facilities. They offer a range of accommodation options from Family Rooms to Standard, Seaview and Executive Rooms to 1 bedroom apartments and Deluxe Suites. With an extensive menu featuring local produce and seafood and a carefully curated wine and beverage list at the Zone Restaurant and Bar, all you need to do is sit back, relax and overlook the panoramic views of Nepean Bay.
Check out other Kingscote and Emu Bay accommodation options and make your Kangaroo Island experience one to remember.
And so much more...
Kingscote offers a delightful blend of food, art, history, and natural beauty that will satisfy any traveller. From indulging in delicious locally sourced meals to exploring the thriving arts community and discovering the town's rich history, Kingscote has something for everyone. It's the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxed seaside escape or a base from which to explore Kangaroo Island's many attractions – including nearby Cygnet River – known for its cellar doors and gin distillery.
