Penneshaw accommodation from AU$145

Penneshaw is famous for its rare wildlife. As the name implies, kangaroos abound on Kangaroo Island, but there's plenty more that you'll see here. Koalas, New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions and echidnas are also commonly seen around the island. In Penneshaw in particular, you'll also more than likely see a colony of fairy penguins waddling along the beach, just after sunset. Guided tours of the Penguin Interpretation Centre are available each evening for a very low entry fee, and then your guide will take you for a look at the little guys in their natural habitat. There's also the nearby Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and pat koalas.

Penneshaw, just like the rest of Kangaroo Island, is also well-known for its delicious food. The Kangaroo Island FEASTival, in April, celebrates the island's great cuisine. There are events hosted by local and celebrity chefs spread over the entire island during the four day festival. Any time of the year, local honey, native jams, locally made cheese and yogurt, smoked fish, freshwater crayfish, locally-farmed lobster and regional wine are just some of the delights you'll have the chance to sample on one of the Kangaroo Island Farm Gate and Cellar Door Trails. You can also pick up some local goodies from the Kangaroo Island Farmers Market and Community Markets at Penneshaw Oval, on the first Sunday of every month.

There are plenty of beach and water activities in Penneshaw too. Hog Bay is the safest swimming beach in the area, and there are some nice grassy picnic spots right near the shore. If you want to get your feet wet, you can give fishing, sailing, scuba diving or kayaking a go. The beach also has some really steep sand dunes, which you can sandboard down. More thrills can be had on the island by hiring ATV or quad bikes to cruise around on.

The best way to get to Penneshaw is to fly into Adelaide and hire a car or catch a coach bus to Cape Jervis, where you can jump on the 45 minute ferry trip to Penneshaw. Don't worry about leaving your hire car behind – the ferries carry vehicles and passengers. So, check out our cheap flights to Adelaide, book your Penneshaw accommodation and arrange your rental car or bus ticket to Cape Jervis, then you're all set for a great island holiday.