Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Between Penneshaw and Kingscote on the way to nowhere in particular, American River
squats redundantly by the glassy Pelican Lagoon. The town was named after a crew of
American sealers who built a trading schooner here in 1804. There's no such industrious-
ness here today, just a general store and plenty of pelicans.
From the end of Scenic Dr, a
coastal walk
(2km one way) passes through natural
scrub, sugar gums and she-oak en route to some old fish-cannery ruins.
4
Sleeping & Eating
All Seasons Kangaroo Island Lodge
MOTEL $$$
( 08-8553 7053, 1800 355 581;
www.kilodge.com.au
;
Lot 2, Scenic Dr, American River; d incl
breakfast $149-279; )
Up-to-scratch motel suites overlooking either the pool or
lagoon (the rammed-earth wing has the best rooms). The restaurant plates up plenty of
local seafood (mains $20 to $30, serving 7.30am to 9am and 6pm to 8pm).
Island Coastal Units
MOTEL, CABINS $$$
( 08-8553 7010;
www.kangarooislandcoastalunits.com.au
;
Tangara Dr, American River; units/
cabins from $110/120, extra person $20)
A low row of basic one- and two-bedroom motel-
style units among trees opposite the foreshore, plus four beautiful self-contained cabins
with solar hot water, gas cooktops and air-con (pay the extra $10!).
American River Campsite
CAMPGROUND $
( 08-8553 4500;
www.kangarooisland.sa.gov.au
;
Tangara Dr, American River; unpowered sites
per 2 people $15, extra person $5)
Shady, council-run camping beside the lagoon, with fire
pits, showers and toilets. You will need to pay via self-registration.
Oyster Farm Shop
SEAFOOD $
( 08-8553 7122;
www.goodfoodkangarooisland.com/food/kio_shop.asp
;
Tangara Dr; meals
$8.50-21; 11am-3pm Mon-Fri)
Operated by a local oyster farm, this little shack acts as an
outlet for sustainable seafood producers from all over the island. Oysters, marron, aba-
lone, King George whiting...even barramundi, cooked into meals or takeaway uncooked.
A dozen fresh unshucked oysters are a paltry $8.50.
American River General Store
SELF-CATERING
( 08-8553 7015; Scenic Dr; 7.30am-6pm)
Packed to the northern hemisphere with pro-
visions, bait and tackle, plus there's an amazing hardware 'cupboard', petrol and a bottle
shop.
