Museums and Historic Locations
Reeves Point
Location: Kingscote
Reeves Point is the site of the first official European settlement in South Australia. Take a drive or walk around the area and discover the public artwork at the flagpole. The flagpole features a crows nest and a flag-bearing mast, representing the nautical theme of the first settlement. Through the interpretive signage, you can imagine the harsh conditions experienced by the first settlers and can understand their decision to resettle at Glenelg, Adelaide.
Hope Cottage Folk Museum
Location: Centenary Street, Kingscote
Opening Hours: 1-4pm daily September-July (extended in January and Easter)
Telephone: (08) 8553 3017 or (08) 8553 2667
Established and operated by the National Trust (Kangaroo Island Branch), this is one of the Island's most historic homes. The pioneering Calnan brothers built it in the 1850s with the proceeds from a gold-mining expedition to Victoria. Buildings surround the museum with exhibits depicting the pioneering history of Kangaroo Island. Some of these are just as they have been rescued; others have been fully restored. The exhibition is very generous with many interesting articles on display. A feature of the working exhibits is the reconstructed light from the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, and a eucalyptus distilling plant. Fee applies.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
Location: Willsons Road, MacGillivray
Opening Hours: Daily from 9am-2pm
Telephone: (08) 8553 8228
During the 1930s there were 48 eucalyptus stills in operation employing over 600 people on Kangaroo Island. Today, Emu Ridge is the only commercial eucalyptus distillery in operation in South Australia. The technology of this operation may surprise you! The rustic outlook hides some clever bush technology and processes which are simple yet effective. Emu Ridge is self-sufficient with solar, steam and wind power. Free entry, tour fee applies.
Jumbuck Australiana
Location: Corner of Hog Bay Road and American River Road
Opening Hours: Daily from 9.30am-1.30pm or by appointment
Telephone: (08) 8553 7370
Have you ever wondered why wool shrinks, or what happens to the wool grease? Visit Jumbuck Australiana and gain a fascinating and enjoyable insight into the many facets of the Australian wool industry. Learn all about shearing, wool classing, spinning, knitting and shop for souvenirs, jumpers, socks, cosmetics, scarfs, woollen lingerie and sheepskin products. Free entry, tour fee applies.
Prospect Hill
Location: Hog Bay Road
Prospect Hill was named by Captain Matthew Flinders, but for many years was known as Mount Thisby, named after an itinerant. The hill provides a marvellous view of Pelican Lagoon, the rolling hills and the Southern Ocean at Pennington Bay. As the highest point in the area, the hill was climbed by Flinders to survey the Island. There are 512 steps to take you to the top with a rewarding view. On arrival at the top, looking north you will see the whole vista of Pelican Lagoon and American River and, on a clear day, you can see Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills. To the south you will see the sweep of the south coast and Pennington Bay.
Frenchman's Rock
Location: At the east end of Penneshaw Beach
In 1803 Captain Nicolas Baudin, the French explorer, anchored in Hog Bay and sent a party ashore to find fresh meat and water. While waiting for the water casks to fill, one of the sailors carved on a nearby rock, 'Expedition de decouverte par le commandant Baudin sur le Geographe 1803'. Translated it reads, 'Expedition of discovery by Captain Baudin in the Geographe 1803'. To protect it from erosion, the original stone is now housed at the Gateway Visitor Information Centre on Howard Drive, Penneshaw.
Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum
Location: Wedgewood Road, Parndana
Opening Hours: August -June Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun 11am-4pm. June and July school holidays only. Otherwise by appointment
Telephone: (08) 8559 5009
In 1948, 174 optimistic returned soldiers were selected for the formidable task of creating farms and homes out of 100,000 hectares of virgin scrub. In spite of hardship, by 1964 all settlers occupied their new farms and the soldier settlers and their families revolutionised the economy and social circumstances of Kangaroo Island. Their anecdotes, experiences and conditions are the basis of the Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum. In addition to being a tribute to the pioneering generation before 240V power, the display depicts Australian life in an era now past.
Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum
Location: Howard Drive, Penneshaw
Opening Hours: Sept-May from 3-5pm Wed-Sun or by appointment
Telephone: (08) 8553 1109, (08) 8553 1070 or (08) 8553 1115
Formerly the Penneshaw (Hog Bay) School, the museum is opposite the current Penneshaw School. In addition to a fine collection of items relating to the history of the Dudley district, a special nautical section highlights the shipping history of the Island. Fee applies.
Old Wisanger School
Location: North Coast Road, Wisanger
Opening hours: Open access
Telephone: (08) 8553 5215
Enter a different era of education. Inspect the books and facilities of another century. Established as a school, community-meeting place and church in the 1880's, the school closed in 1945 but has been restored. The rules for use of the building and conduct of teachers make fascinating reading. Donation appreciated.
