The must-visit wineries on Kangaroo Island

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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Kangaroo Island is making a splash on the drinks front. Here’s the lowdown on the best wineries on Kangaroo Island with a brewer and distiller thrown in for good measure.

Whether watching a sunset over the Backstairs Passage with a glass of chilled chardonnay in hand, enjoying pizza and live music at a local brewery or sipping on spirits at a cutting-edge cellar door, here’s our guide to Kangaroo Island’s wineries, breweries and distillers.

Pouring wine in a glass, False Cape Wines, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Enjoy a glass of Kangaroo Island’s award-winning wines. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

False Cape Winery

The history of growing grapes on KI dates back to the early 1900s and is woven into the island’s culture. False Cape Winery upcycled an old steel hay shed and patched it with recycled wood, jetty timbers and limestone to construct its cellar door, located on the Willson River, just 15 minutes from Penneshaw. Enjoy a glass of the award-winning Willson River riesling with a cheese platter and chunky homemade pie.

Aerial view, False Cape Wines, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
The history of growing grapes on KI is woven into the island’s culture. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Dudley Wines

The spectacular cellar door at Dudley Wines is perched on the clifftops of Kangaroo Island’s north coast, boasting endless ocean views across Backstairs Passage to mainland Australia. There are truly no Dudley duds; all the wines are winners. We love, love, love the Dudley Bubbly NV and 2018 Stud Shiraz. The cellar door menu includes platters, oozy grilled brie and gourmet pizzas; lunch bookings preferred.

Dudley Wines, Winery in Kangaroo Island, South Australia
The spectacular cellar door at Dudley Wines is perched on the clifftops of KI’s north coast. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Bay of Shoals

Arrive by yacht to Kangaroo Island and you will receive a discount at Bay of Shoals due to winemaker John Willoughby’s side obsession for sailing. Bay of Shoals’ cellar door and vineyard doubles as a maritime museum thanks to its vast collection of wooden boats and nautical flotsam and jetsam. Pair a bottle of sav blanc with a seafood platter of Spencer gulf prawns, smoked mussel pâté and hot-smoked salmon.

Lunch with wine pairing at Bay of Shoals Wines, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Order a bottle of sav blanc to pair with your meal. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

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Springs Road Wines

The cellar door at Springs Road Wines is in a pitch-roofed tin shed on the northern part of Kangaroo Island. Turn off the Playford Highway and slice through the sheep paddocks and vineyards to arrive at the striking cellar door at Springs Road Wines, sister vineyard to Battle of Bosworth in McLaren Vale.

Pull up a pew on the deck to sip Springs Road little island fizz – a fresh and juicy sparkling shiraz/cabernet – or a full-bodied chardonnay.

Time your visit for Pizza on the Deck; check website for next session and book ahead to secure a spot.

Tin Cellar Door at Springs Road, Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia
The cellar door at Springs Road Wines is in a pitch-roofed tin shed.

Kangaroo Island Spirits

Inspiration for Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery, founded by Jon and Sarah Lark, came from Jon’s brother Bill, founder of the award-winning Lark Distillery in Tasmania. Kangaroo Island Spirits is now owned by the mighty Mighty Craft, which still operates out of the original cellar door.

Book a table in the Gin Garden to enjoy the Wild Gin, distilled using boobialla (KI’s native juniper).

Wild Gin and mixed drinks at Kangaroo Island Spirits, South Australia
Book a table in the Gin Garden to enjoy the Wild Gin. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The Islander Estate Vineyards

You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at The Islander Estate Vineyards. Sip on a selection of wines and nibble on a picnic-style platter of local artisanal produce at the tasting room, located near a crook in the Cygnet River. Learn about the history of the vineyard during a tutored tasting that touches on the measured style of winemaking favoured by Frenchman Jacques Lurton, who hails from Bordeaux.

Exterior of The Islander Estate Vineyards, Outside Seating, Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia
Sip on a selection of wines at The Islander Estate Vineyards. (Image: Josie Withers)

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Amadio Wines

Amadio Wines is located on one of the main streets of Kingscote on Kangaroo Island. It’s adjacent to Vino e Cucina in a beautiful heritage building. Kangaroo Islanders in the know head here to try a handful of Amadio’s best wines at the aptly named restaurant which is as much about the wines as the food. Work your way through the wine list until you’re woozy and then pick up a few bottles of your favourite varietals to take home.

Exterior of Amadio Wines, Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia
Try a handful of Amadio’s best wines. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Kangaroo Island Brewery

Although Kangaroo Island Brewery is the only brewery on KI, it’s a broad church when it comes to welcoming a diverse craft-beer audience. In addition to sampling brilliant brews from the onsite taproom – such as the Coastal Lager, Sheoak Stout and Indian Pale Ale – the brewery hosts regular tap takeovers. You can also get a decent bite to eat (pizzas on Fridays and Sundays; ploughman’s boards, burgers and fries every other day) in the rustic brewhouse, which was cobbled together using materials recycled from old piers, wharves and shearing sheds.

Exterior, Kangaroo Island Brewery, Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia
Kangaroo Island Brewery is the only brewery on KI. (Image: Josie Withers)

Kangaroo Island Ciders

Graham and Mary Jones planted an apple orchard on their Kangaroo Island property in 2004. From little things, big things grow. The enterprising couple have planted more than 30 different varieties of dessert apples and their humble cider house, Kangaroo Island Ciders, now produces a range of award-winning ciders and sparkling juices. You can sample four ciders in a tasting paddle at the cafe of nearby Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery.

Glasses of Cider at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia
You can sample four ciders in a tasting paddle at the nearby Emu Ridge Distillery.

Kangaroo Island Ligurian Honey Mead

Mead is also having a moment on KI: head to Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co to pick up a bottle of Kangaroo Island Ligurian Honey Mead. The ancient Greeks referred to honey mead as ‘ambrosia’ or ‘nectar’ and you can buy bottles of the stuff to bathe in and beautify your body when you visit Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co (formerly Island Beehive), which was one of the first organic honey producers in Australia. Beekeeper Peter Davis teamed up with Maxwell Wines to produce the mead and it’s on the money.

Honey drips off a hive frame at Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co
Pick up a bottle of mead made with honey from the Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
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Untouched wilderness & unexpected pub crawls: 8 experiences you’ll only find in the NT

(Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Sean Scott)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Northern Territory isn’t just different – it’s a whole new world. From the friendly locals and varied landscapes to its cultural layers, there’s nowhere else in Australia quite like it.

    The Northern Territory has to be experienced to be believed. The majesty of Uluṟu doesn’t quite hit until you’re standing before it. The untouched beauty of Arnhem Land strikes the heart in a way you can’t imagine. The quirky and friendly locals and the festivals they throw impart stories that won’t be forgotten. And that’s just the beginning. From natural hot springs and local larrikins to deep cultural ties and ancient stories, these are the experiences to be discovered only in the NT.

    1. Swim in pristine natural hot springs

    woman swimming in Katherine Hot Springs only in the nt
    Dive into Katherine’s crystal clear thermal springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Backyard Bandits)

    The NT’s natural hot springs are truly picturesque. Katherine’s crystal clear thermal springs sit on the banks of the Katherine River, framed by nature. Picnic grounds and scenic walking tracks make it easy to linger.

    In Elsey National Park, the teal waters of Bitter Springs have long been popular with locals. It’s not uncommon to spot turtles as you drift with the gentle current, palm trees waving on the banks. The park also contains Mataranka Thermal Pool, a sandy-bottomed swimming hole sitting at a cosy 34°C year-round.

    2. Explore the Red Centre Light Trail

    Light Towers Kings Canyon
    Head to Kings Canyon to see the Light Towers. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is more than just a place; it’s earned its name as Australia’s cultural heart. Here, a wealth of stories is held by its Traditional Owners, the Aṉangu. And while there are many ways to connect, in more recent years, the Red Centre Light Trail has offered visitors one more way to interpret all this landscape holds.

    Wander the Light Towers at Kings Canyon and watch the Field of Light transform the land before Uluṟu as day turns to night. Also, be sure to take in Wintjiri Wiṟu by light artist Bruce Ramus, sharing the Aṉangu’s Mala story.

    Arrive in April to experience Parrtjima, a free annual 10-night festival of light, featuring installations, workshops and more.

    3. See unrivalled views from a helicopter

    helicopter ride over kakadu only in the nt
    See Kakadu from the air. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Sean Scott)

    There’s no better place in the world to hit the skies in a helicopter. Soar over thundering waterfalls, world-famous wetlands and the floodplains of Kakadu National Park. A bird’s-eye view brings a special type of magic to this one-of-a-kind landscape.

    You can also meet local characters on the pub crawl of a lifetime as you fly between some of the NT’s best and most remote pubs.

    4. Discover the start of Western Arrarnta art

    Hermannsburg Potters only in the nt
    Book ahead to visit Hermannsburg Potters. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Felix Baker)

    Hermannsburg is one of the most unique towns in Australia. This historic mission town holds several claims to fame, including being the birthplace of Western Arrarnta art – a renowned style of Indigenous art using vibrant, naturalistic watercolours to depict Central Australian desert landscapes. Book ahead from April to September to visit Hermannsburg Potters, a collective of dedicated Western Arrarnta artists.

    Other options to see this art style near Alice Springs include the Araluen Arts Centre, Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye).

    5. Spot crocs on a cruise

    Crocodile being fed on a cruise on the Adelaide River nt
    Spot wild crocs up close. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

    The NT is the only territory that feeds wild crocs, putting the ‘wild’ in wildlife spotting experience. Join a cruise along the Adelaide River, just an hour from Darwin, to see these not-so-gentle prehistoric giants in their natural habitat.

    Be sure to stop into Humpty Doo or Noonamah for lunch on your way back to Darwin. Here, you’ll experience a real NT roadhouse.

    6. Experience local Indigenous cultures

    young participant at the Garma Festival Nhulunbuy arnhem land
    Time a trip to Nhulunbuy for the Garma Festival. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    The NT offers some of the best opportunities to experience the world’s most ancient living culture. Head to Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem mid-year for the Garma Festival, Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering, with four days of song, dance and art sharing Yolngu culture. Stop into Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre in nearby Yirrkala while you’re there, current home of the Yirrkala Church Panels. Painted in 1963, they form one of the first ‘title deeds’ to Country.

    Join a celebration of Indigenous music, art, culture and sport at the Barunga Festival, 80 kilometres from Katherine, every June. And year-round, book an Indigenous-led tour through Ubirr, one of the oldest rock art sites in Australia.

    7. Meet the larrikins of Alice Springs

    competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta
    Henley on Todd Regatta might be one of the NT’s whackiest events. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/

    Head to Alice Springs at any time of year and you’ll be guaranteed to meet some colourful locals. But to really get to the heart of the eccentricities, mark a few dates on your calendar.

    March brings one of the best Pride events in the world, fabAlice. Inspired by the iconic Aussie movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which was filmed in Alice Springs over 25 years ago, the festival has a strong focus on the art of drag and celebrates LGBTQI+ communities, as well as self-expression in general.

    Come August, Todd River’s typically dry, sandy bed comes alive with the world’s only dry river boating event, the Henley on Todd Regatta.

    8. Swim in a waterfall with no one else around

    Upper Cascades in Litchfield National Park
    Swim in the Upper Cascades with no one else around.

    So few of Australia’s most beautiful places remain untouched, but that’s not true in the NT. Take a short hike through monsoon forest in Litchfield National Park (just over an hour’s drive outside of Darwin) to reach the secluded Cascades swimming area. Here, take a dip in the lower or upper cascade pools, both surrounded by rugged bushland. And you’ll probably have it all to yourself.

    Plan your Northern Territory trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com.