Many associate Kangaroo Island (or KI to the locals) as being a natural hive of wildlife, and yes, it’s true some of the world’s most unique wildlife resides there, but that’s not the only reason to visit, thanks to Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours who bring you their new tour ‘Tasting Kangaroo Island’.
.jpg)
This new day tour showcases the incredible culinary diversity of the island with the signature luxury touring and expert local guides that Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours are renowned for. All the produce is seasonal, so tours may vary throughout the year, but don’t worry, it means you can visit KI time and time again and always have a new food and wine experience.
The day starts with the crème de la crème of indulgent food: lobster. At Ferguson’s Australia you’ll be able to inspect the processing plant as well as try their spectacular lobster medallions. From Ferguson’s it’s a short scenic drive in one of Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours’ luxury 4WD vehicles into the Cygnet Valley, home of the renowned ‘Island Pure’ sheep dairy who produce the smoothest sheep’s milk yoghurt we’ve ever tasted – it’s slightly bitter yet creamy taste is perfect with homemade granola and beautiful fresh fruit for breakfast whilst staying at Seascape Lodge; Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours’ luxurious B&B. You can also sample a range of sheep cheeses that are made on site.
Next up is oyster tasting in the small seaside hamlet of American River. These fat, juicy oysters are the hit of the Island’s annual Feastival where locals don waders and make their way out to dinghies that serve freshly caught oysters off the stern of fishing boats: a site definitely worth seeing! But don’t worry, we won’t make you wade out for your oysters, instead we purchase a dozen or two for lunch to round up this part of the tour.
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours pride themselves on serving a lunch which continues the showcase of local gourmet produce, all accompanied by fantastic Kangaroo Island wines – an unexpectedly good alternative to their more famous mainland South Australia counterparts.
With your stomach lined, the afternoon of this delectable tour is a bit more boozy, starting with a visit to Dudley Wines: KI’s very first winery. Here you can sit back and relax, gazing out at the spectacular view across to the mainland whilst enjoying award winning wines with quirky names such as Shearing Shed Red and Porky Flat Shiraz.
Further temptation awaits as you leave the Dudley Peninsula and drive through rolling farmland to the Islander Estate vineyards. Here you’ll take a gentle wander around the vines before heading to the barrel room for a sample…or two!
As the sun sinks lower it ushers into cocktail hour and what better place than Kangaroo Island Spirits to indulge! Enjoy a short lesson on spirit fermentation before trying your hand at designing your own cocktail with some of their intriguing liqueurs made on site, such as KI wild fennel, or KI organic limoncello. Couple them with house made gin or vodka for the perfect sundowner to finish the day.
With your driver and guide it’s then a short trip back to your accommodation. Seascape Lodge on Emu Bay would be our recommendation with only three suites, each with a private veranda that boast spectacular views; it’s the perfect place to enjoy owners Paul & Mandy’s warm hospitality, and of course, more fantastic local food and wine.
