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Remarkable spots of Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is South Australia’s best kept secret but is rapidly gaining popularity as an Australian holiday destination. If you haven’t visited this location and seen its wonderful wildlife, beautiful beaches and Remarkable Rocks, you are in for a treat.

Why visit Kangaroo Island?

If you love nature, wildlife, fishing, snorkeling, bushwalking, or just getting away from it all, Kangaroo Island is the place for you. Australia’s third largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island in Queensland, Kangaroo Island is about 150kms long and around 540 kilometres of coastline.

Here are just a few of the amazing places to visit on Kangaroo Island:

Emu Bay

The best place to stay when visiting Kangaroo island, Emu Bay is a natural bay with 4.5 kms of stunning white beach. Emu Bay is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or just relaxing. It is the ideal holiday destination for couples, families and retirees alike. Being allowed to drive your car on the beach makes for an ideal picnic. The Lavender Farm near Emu Bay offers great meals and coffee.

Flinders Chase National Park

The whole of the west end of Kangaroo Island is made up of Flinders Chase National Park and is a must see for all visitors. Home to natural formations like the famous Remarkable Rocks and stunning Admirals Arch, the park is full of waterways and hiking trails suitable for all experience levels.

The park is filled with wildlife including the island’s eponymous kangaroos and, at a spot called Cape du Couedic, thousands of New Zealand fur seals.

Photo Credit: takeus_withyou (via Instagram)

Seal Bay Conservation Park

If you want to see Australian sea lions in their natural habitat, Seal Bay Conservation Park is the only place in the world to do so. 900m of boardwalk has been built so that you can leisurely stroll along and watch the sea lions going about their business, surfing the waves or sunning on the sand.

Photo Credit: @bobbyjophotography(via Instagram)

You can book a guided tour any time of day and the twilight tours have become a favourite with wildlife spotters.

Vivonne Bay

This pristine, white beach often appears on lists of Australia’s top beaches. While it is not recommended for swimming due to the risky undertow, it is a favourite of surfers when the weather is right. It is also a popular fishing spot and fishers and sunbathers can often be seen on the white sand or popular jetty.

Photo Credit: Benjamin Goode

Nearby is the Little Sahara Dunes, which are great for sand boarding, quad biking, and sledding.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

While you have a good chance of seeing native animals around the island, you can’t miss them at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. With over 150 native species, the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is the best place to have up close encounters and even cuddle a koala and hand feed a kangaroo.

Raptor Domain

Though birds of prey are the stars at the Raptor Domain and are shown in daily demonstrations, you can also see snakes and spiders in the ‘venom pit’ and a fantastic reptile show.

Photo credit: The Cook Family Adventures

Chapman River

The pristine Chapman River is a lovely spot for a picnic or a paddle. Children can swim in the shallow waters and people of all ages can enjoy fishing and birdwatching in this spot.

Photo credit: lightandmotionphotography(via Instagram)

Kingscote

Kingscote is where the original European settlers chose their first base at an historical spot called Reeve’s Point. It is now a hub of cafes, galleries, shops, and restaurants and is Kangaroo Island’s capital. Yet another popular fishing destination, Kingscote is also home to one of the island’s famous honey farms.

If you’re staying with us in Emu Bay, we recommend you stock up on supplies in Kingscote before you arrive.

Penneshaw

The north coast location where the ferry picks up and drops off passengers bound to and from the mainland, Penneshaw is also full of attractions. From the Little Penguin Wildlife Tours, to the Maritime and Folk Museum, to the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, Penneshaw is well worth exploring. There is also the newly added Sculpture Trail, a 1.5 kilometre track that is dotted with sculptures. Be sure to keep an eye out for real life wildlife as you enjoy the walk.

Photo Credit: fairinkum_adventure (via Instagram)

American River

The quaint village and resort of American River got its name from the American sailors who built a boat there at the start of the 19th century. Now a popular spot for fishing, sailing, and birdwatching, American River is also home to Kangaroo Island’s oyster industry. Any fan of the salty delicacy must make sure to try a few when they visit.

Photo Credit: r_z_photography (via Instagram)

Emu Bay Holiday Homes

All of these amazing places are easily accessible from Emu Bay Holiday Homes, which are nestled overlooking the beach in Emu Bay. Don’t hesitate to book your house, cabin, cottage, or apartment for a remarkably good Kangaroo Island experience.

What to pack for your trip to Kangaroo Island

If you are planning a visit to Kangaroo Island, you will probably be curious about Kangaroo Island’s weather and what to bring when you come to South Australia’s stunning holiday island.

Take a look at some tips from local accommodation owners who have experienced the conditions year-round.

Photo Credit: _amysadventure (via Instagram)

Seasons on Kangaroo Island

The mild and pleasant climate around these parts often results in Kangaroo Island weather being described as Mediterranean.

It is usually warm to hot and dry in the summer, and cool/mild in the winter. Summer highs average around 25o and lows around 13o. Lowest daytime temperatures come in June when the average high is around 12-13o, while July and August have the coldest nights with temperature dropping to around 6o on average.

With these temperatures in mind, it is wise to check the forecast for the duration of your intended stay. Warmer clothes are best in the winter months and, depending on your accommodation, warm bedding and pajamas may be necessary. Loose, cool clothes and swimwear are good for summer months but make sure you are sun smart and apply regular sunscreen as well as other sun protection methods like wearing a hat and sunglasses at all times of year.

In winter, bring a good windbreaker jacket and pack some layers like scarves and vests which you can put on or remove as needed, during the day. An extra layer or two with a good jacket will be handy in summer as well, because the sea breeze can be quite fresh at times.

Supplies

The supplies you need to bring can vary, depending on where you are staying. Many of the best places to stay are a little way from the main settlement, which may limit your options for eating out. However, Drakes Supermarket at Kingscote or the IGA in Penneshaw caters for most dietary needs, so you can drop by to stock up on food when you arrive on the island.

Multiple wineries on the island and the famous Kangaroo Island Spirits will provide good choice for your alcoholic beverages.

Depending on where you are staying, you may also need to bring cooking utensils and bedding. Make sure that you check exactly what your accommodation provides or book with Emu Bay Holiday Homes, which provides self-contained cabins and cottages with well equipped kitchens.

If you don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of takeaway options on the island, plus you can talk to Emu Bay Holiday homes about in-home catering options.

Recreational equipment

The equipment you need to bring is down to what you want to get out of your time on Kangaroo Island.

Nature lovers will want to pack binoculars and good walking shoes. Snorkelling gear is a good option for those who wish to spend time in the water and of course fishing equipment for those who want to spend time by the water. Otherwise, apart from appropriate sun and weather protection, maybe just a good book and a folding chair will keep you happy.

What not to bring

There are a few restrictions on Kangaroo Island, mostly to keep the precious wildlife safe and healthy. The number one restricted item are pets, especially cats. Kangaroo Island authorities are working to eradicate ferral cats from the island. Dogs are not allowed in the National Parks as they may disrupt the local wildlife. There are kennel facilities and exceptions for registered service dogs. Some accommodation does provide pet friendly spaces

Kangaroo Island is famous for its healthy bees and their delicious honey. This means you mustn’t bring any bees, beekeeping equipment, or even honey to the island. These items could be damaging to the local bees. The good news is honey fans can buy delicious locally produced honey on the island.

Unwashed potatoes need to be left at home as well because the dirt on unwashed potatoes can carry mainland diseases. Unwanted weeds should also be left at home, as should rabbits. In the highly unlikely event that you have a fox in your possession, it also will not be allowed on the island! Kangaroo Island is lucky to be fox and rabbit free.

Summing up

Overall, Kangaroo Island weather is mild and hospitable so you don’t need any speciality equipment or clothes for sub-zero temperatures. The equipment you bring should be down to the expected conditions and the activities you intend to enjoy during your stay.

Whatever your plans are, make sure to check the Kangaroo Island weather forecast before you leave home, then you can pack accordingly.

Looking for accommodation? Check out Emu Bay Holiday Homes. With a beach on one side and bush on the other, our cabins, cottages and apartment are ideal, no matter what your Kangaroo Island holiday plans are.

What makes the best Emu Bay Accommodation?

Kangaroo Island is a wonderful holiday destination for nature lovers and Emu Bay is one of the most popular places to stay. But how do you find the best Emu Bay accommodation?

Here’s what to look out for, based on convenience and comfort.

Why Emu Bay?

Emu Bay, with its mix of facilities and wilderness, will help you to get the most out of your stay on stunning Kangaroo Island. While there may not be any shops in Emu Bay, Kingscote is only 15 minutes’ drive (or just under an hour away by bike for the energetic). If you’re heading for Kangaroo Island you are doing so for the wildlife and nature, and there is no better place to stay and enjoy these than Emu Bay.

With its four-and-a-half-kilometre arc of pristine white beach, complete with jetty for fishing or boat launching, Emu Bay is an idyllic destination for a relaxing holiday for people of all ages.

The best Emu Bay accommodation

When choosing the best place to stay in Emu Bay, there are several things to look out for:

Beach access: The beach at Emu Bay is hard to beat. It is one of the island’s safest swimming beaches in its crystal-clear waters. It is one of the few beaches where you can safely drive your vehicle on the beach. You will want your accommodation to be close to the beach. Being a very short drive from the beach (around 500 metres or less) means you can either go for a great walk or make the trip quickly and pack your picnic in the car, so you don’t have to carry it.
Self-contained: Self-contained units make sense in Emu Bay, where you will be heading back and forth to the beach and will probably want to cook some of your own meals. Being self-contained means you can make your unit your home away from home while you stay. Simply stop at the Kingscote shops on the way to stock up and you will be able to enjoy your visit.
Family friendly: A family friendly site means the kids will have lots of room to move around and play (giving you some time to relax in peace and quiet). It may not seem like it, but it is also useful for those without kids. In a cramped hotel or motel, kids can get under your feet but in a family friendly place they have enough room to give everyone space.
Private and secluded: This often goes hand in hand with family friendly, but also has its own benefits. A private and secluded accommodation site in Emu Bay will help to highlight the natural wonders that you will be living amongst during your time on Kangaroo Island, like the dazzling array of stars. It is also nice to be staying somewhere with space around the units, so that it gives you privacy so you can feel a world away from anyone, while you enjoy the sun rise and sunsets.
Knowledgeable and helpful staff: There is a lot to do on Kangaroo Island and a little help from some friendly and knowledgeable locals will never go astray. Any accommodation whose staff can help with planning day trips, advise on what to see and do, or especially, dealing with ferry bookings for you is a winner.
Highly reviewed: Anyone who has shopped online will know that reading the reviews is an important way to check the quality of a product, especially for holiday accommodation. Emu Bay accommodation is no exception. Make sure to read some reviews of any accommodation you are considering; you will find that the best Emu Bay accommodation will have plenty of positive reviews.

For a choice of Emu Bay accommodation that ticks all these boxes, including a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews, choose Emu Bay Holiday Homes. Our spacious 5 acre property and well-equipped houses, cabins, cottages, and apartment are the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Kangaroo Island. We are located 500 metres from the beach; a short drive or a lovely way to get some exercise.

As shared by one recent reviewer: “Emu Bay is a fantastic place to stay on Kangaroo Island and these Homes and Cabins are great! Clean and well set up and full of character. If you are interested in wildlife or just want to chill out and have a relaxing time beside the Bay this is the place for you. Rene and the team are really caring and terrific to deal with. Can’t recommend this place enough.”

Remember: it’s easy to save by booking directly through the Emu Bay Holiday Homes website. Our final tip is to stay an extra night or two, there is much more to do on Kangaroo Island than you probably realise and you will definitely be sad to leave!

Almost shipwrecked off Cape Borda

Sometimes we meet fascinating guests. When meeting Peter at his Cabin he told me about his mission for his holiday. Please enjoy his story.

My Great Great Great Grand-father Desborough CATHERY, a 45 year old widower, arrived in Glenelg South Australia with his 5 children to make a new start, joining the very early pioneers of South Australia.

In my time researching I discovered that Desborough, a widower, and his 5 children arrived aboard the sailing ship ASIA and I was fortunate to find out that the ship’s doctor, Dr George Mayo had kept a diary of his voyage. While much of the diary’s content was mundane, there were two events recorded that nearly resulted in disaster for the ASIA. The first of which occured on 1st April 1839 (no joke) what turned out to be a smaller and faster pirate ship of the Cape de Verde islands that attempted to board the ASIA, however they were fooled into believing it was a convict ship with 200 convict men aboard and therefore not much of any value to them. Still they fired their cannon at the ASIA and very nearly hit the man at the helm before departing and admitting that they were pirates.

The second near disaster occurred as the ASIA approached Investigator Straight and was very nearly dashed upon Cape Borda’s rocks due to our captain (Benjamin Freeman) who was too drunk to see that he had steered the ship towards the rocks. Dr George Mayo recorded the debacle in his diary, as did Henry Hussey who was a boy aboard the ASIA, and who had recorded the event in his later years in a book of memoirs titled ‘Colonial Life and Christian Experience’ (1897).

Now the true hero of the story because of his outstanding leadership in the times of peril, was John Finlay Duff who was himself a ship’s captain and on his way out to join the new colony of South Australian pioneers along with his wife and daughter.

Captain Freeman on both occasions was under the weather having had too much grog and it was Captain Duff who stepped forward and took command of the ship.

Captain Duff was instrumental in the founding of South Australia and in July 1835 he captained the ‘Africaine’ which had been chartered by Robert Gouger and John Brown with around 60 emigrants. It had a considerable cargo bound for South Australia on what has been dubbed the “First Fleet of South Australia”. It had an uneventful voyage and on 1 November 1836 was off the coast of Kangaroo Island, near Cape Borda.

My wish was to someday visit KI and explore the place off Cape Borda that very nearly ended in tragedy for my family and many others who dared to dream of a bright new beginning in what was dubbed at the time, “land of Promise” and it must have been like coming to another world altogether. Such a contrast.

Thinking about it today while sitting in my very comfortable Emu Bay Holiday Home cabin, it made me realise just how much luck has had to do with our current reality. Our ancestors give us more than just their names and their DNA. Their dreams and aspirations have shaped our past, present and future for us, their descendants.

I have fulfilled my pilgrimage (of sorts) and captured pictures of Cape Borda’s rocky shore, showing the serious peril that the old ship ASIA faced, if not for the command of captain Duff.

Click here to view the file

Click Here to Read our History

Island Drive Delights

Kangaroo Island is one surprise after another, writes Barry O'Brien

By: Barry O’Brien

Barry was a self paying guest at Emu Bay Holiday Homes – June 21.

Island Drive Delights

Reference

1. Barry O’Brien, “Island Drive Delights” Kangaroo Island is one surprise after another, writes Barry O’Brien, September 06, 2021, accessed September 09, 2021.

Rising From The Ashes, Kangaroo Island Lays out the Welcome Mat

By: Carolyne Jasinski

Carolyn was on commission through Sealink during her stay in May 2020.

Six months after it was devastated by bushfire, green is the new black on Kangaroo Island
Is it weird that, after isolating for months during the coronavirus chaos, I crave isolation of a different kind?

I don’t feel the need for hordes of tourists. In fact, I’m still very wary of that. What I want is the freedom to move and an injection of nature.

Kangaroo Island’s pull is undeniable. It’s a favourite getaway – for adventure and water-based fun in summer, wildlife and wilderness in winter and great food and wine all year round. Then Sealink made the decision for me, announcing a post-Covid three-night package that’s too hard to resist – $327 a traveller including accommodation and ferry fare.

Was Kangaroo Island damaged by bushfires? The aftermath

This trip is more than just an escape from the confines that coronavirus inflicted. It’s also allowing me to check on bushfire recovery – something that has been brushed aside during the global pandemic.

Almost half of Kangaroo Island was wiped out by bushfires in January. The call was made just weeks later for people to return to inject some TLC – tender loving cash. I made that trip, lapping the island to help promote what had survived.

The land was charred, wilderness destroyed and wildlife devastated. The entire western end of the island was almost all gone. But there was hope. Community spirit shone and optimism poked through the grief just like the bright green shoots pushing through blackened tree trunks and up through the ash-covered soil. The island was bruised but not beaten.

Then coronavirus hit and sent everyone into lockdown. “Please don’t come,” was the new message. The island shut down and bushfire recovery was abandoned.

Can I visit Kangaroo Island now?

Fast forward – though it has felt anything but fast – and the green light for intrastate travel is shining bright and Kangaroo Island has laid out the welcome mat once more.

If only you could see the island now … You can. And you should. What a picture. Mother Nature has ploughed her energy into regeneration. The scars are still visible, but green is the new black, from the scrubland to the rolling hills of the north coast.

Instead of the odd shoot, many trees now sport “hairy legs” – they’re mostly comical figures and you can’t help but smile. Wildlife is returning to natural habitats. Koalas, kangaroos and wallabies can be seen almost everywhere, echidnas are on the march and birdsong has returned to the bush. Even the island’s rare glossy black cockatoos are breeding again.

Winter is usually quiet on Kangaroo Island. Some tourist operators and business owners take advantage of having fewer visitors to close for well-deserved breaks. Add the effects of COVID-19, and it’s whisper quiet – perfect for a soft reintroduction to travel.

What is there to see on Kangaroo Island?

The good news is that for the first time since January, Flinders Chase National Park is open. Visitors can drive, without an escort, along a safe corridor. Outside the national park, there’s also plenty to keep you busy – in fact, you’ll find it hard to fit it all into four days.

Here’s a rough itinerary. The only extra I would add is a guided tour if they’re up and running when you book. Guides such as KI Odysseys’ Gaylene Ingram and Nikki Redman offer an in-depth insight into all things KI.

Kangaroo Island top things to do: Itinerary

Day 1

Drive to Cape Jervis SeaLink ferry terminal for the 45-minute ferry ride across Backstairs Passage.
Explore Penneshaw where the ferry docks on Kangaroo Island. Check out 200-year-old graffiti at Frenchman’s Rock. You can also shop, refuel and walk the 1.5km Sculpture Trail.
Pennington Bay – For surfers and fans of rugged coastal views.
Prospect Hill – Brave a few hundred steps for a 360-degree panorama. Explorer Matthew Flinders climbed up here to get the lay of the land.
American River – A quiet spot to watch the birdlife in Pelican Lagoon.
Kingscote – KI’s commercial hub and where you’ll find Kangaroo Island Fresh Seafoods selling the island’s best fish and chips – at the Caltex servo.
Emu Bay – This protected bay with a 4km white-sand beach and safe waters comes highly recommended – it’s where actor Chris Hemsworth stayed so I think it’ll do. Emu Bay Holiday Homes is up the hill with a view to the water and cliffs beyond. Sunrises are spectacular.

Day 2 – North Coast

Drive inland to Parndana. This tiny town was established after World War II as part of the Soldier Settlement Scheme.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park – Sam and Dana Mitchell’s park became a koala hospital caring for more than 600 koalas injured in the bushfires. They’re still handfeeding about 40 joeys as well caring for hundreds of other animals including wombats, dingoes, all sorts of birds, alpacas, goats, alligators and even penguins.
Western River Cove – There’s a winding, steep descent along the dirt North Coast Road to one of the most beautiful parts of the island, with folds of green hills and deep valleys dotted with sheep and cattle. At the base is a picnic and camping spot the locals keep secret. (We won’t tell anyone.)
Drive to Snelling Beach and Stokes Bay along North Coast Road. Rocks cover the first beach, but if you follow the signs and climb through the cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with the “secret” beach, a shallow rockpool and, if you sit for long enough in the tiny caves, fish will offer a natural pedicure.

Day 3 – South Coast

Seal Bay – This is home to about 800 Australian sea lions – Australia’s third largest colony. The boardwalk weaves over sand dunes, among resting and mating grounds, to the beach where sea lions play in the surf and lounge on the sand.
Raptor Domain – A rehabilitation centre for orphaned and injured birds of prey, snakes, lizards and other critters. Learn about the deadly ones and get up close with the not-so-nasty ones.
Vivonne Bay – About halfway along the 155km-long island, the bay’s charred sand dunes made for a striking landscape back in January. The black still pops against white sand and churning blue seas, but the bright green of new life is taking over.
Vivonne Bay General Store – This is the last fuel, food, alcohol and grocery stop heading west, spared in the fires and surviving corona chaos. Here Michelle Peacock still makes her legendary whiting burgers and lamb burgers.
Flinders Chase was razed in the fires, but it has now reopened and you can drive through to see Remarkable Rocks, Weirs Cove and Admirals Arch. You’ll be shocked at the devastation, but warmed by the regeneration.

Day 4 – Dudley Peninsula

Kingscote – You can refuel and shop and the pubs and restaurants are back open for dining in. Visit Reeves Point to see where South Australia was first settled.
Dudley Peninsula offers a different landscape full of farmland and huge old gums.
Cape Willoughby – SA’s oldest lighthouse offers views back to the mainland.
Chapman River – Secluded camping sites and a picnic spot by the river.
Visit False Cape Wines and Dudley Wines, both now reopened.
Penneshaw – For the ferry ride home.

Fast Facts

SeaLink has a three-night deal including accommodation at Emu Bay Holiday Homes and ferry fares from $327 per person.
The SeaLink ferries leave from Cape Jervis (110km from Adelaide).

Reference

1. Carolyne Jasinski, “Rising from the ashes, Kangaroo Island lays out the welcome mat” August 5, 2020, accessed July 15, 2021 https://www.escape.com.au/destinations/australia/south-australia/rising-from-the-ashes-kangaroo-island-lays-out-the-welcome-mat/news-story/ee2a85f8dcf8b9ea1f058c92c19aa9da.

Island living

Six months after it was devastated by bushfire, green is the new black on Kangaroo Island

By: Carolyne Jasinski

Island Living

Reference

1. Carolyne Jasinski, “Island living” Six months after it was destroyed by bushfire, green is the new black on Kangaroo Island, July 25, 2020, accessed July 15, 2021 https://carolynejasinski.wordpress.com/island-living/.

Emu Labyrinth

Welcome to Emu Labyrinth at Emu Bay Holiday Homes

Emu Labyrinth at Emu Bay Holiday Homes was inspired after meeting Terry de Vries from South Africa on Lesvos in Greece in 2018 and helping her to build a labyrinth near the castle in Molyvos.

The flat area just above Jireh House with the beautiful sea views jumped out as the ideal place to build our labyrinth for guests of Emu Bay Holiday Homes to enjoy.

Creating the labyrinth started with transplanting some plants and then getting a bobcat in to level the surface and bring in some loads of crusher dust to have good footing underneath. Johannes started collecting trailer loads of rocks in the surrounding paddocks. Luckily there was no shortage there!

I researched some labyrinth patterns and decided on a Classical 5 Circuit Labyrinth. After watching some ‘how to’ YouTube videos, I helped Johannes draw it out and collect more rocks before we packed it together.

Our labyrinth is only open to our guests and we do hope you love the experience!

The significance of walking a labyrinth

Walking a labyrinth is an ancient practice that helps to reduce stress, quiets the mind and opens the heart.

A labyrinth is not a maze. It has only one path that serpentines towards the centre with twists and turns, just like life, and follows the same path back out. It is seen as a mini pilgrimage, a tool for meditation or a walking prayer. A walk with your soul to transform and heal.

How do you use a labyrinth?

Think about the questions in your mind. Find a focus to hold onto for your walk.

Walk quietly, slowly, with an open heart and mind. Contemplate a situation, question or feeling. Ask your spirit mentor to walk with you.

In the center, pause and rest, reflect on your journey and seek insights into your living. Returning with contemplation is an important part of the journey.

Be grateful and give thanks before leaving the labyrinth.

MAY THIS LABYRINTH BLESS YOU, CALM YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING.

Be mindful of others on their labyrinth journey.

ENJOY AND BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER ALWAYS.

Click Here to Read our History

EBHH History

Take a walk through Emu Bay Holiday Homes history

The original owners of the Emu Bay Holiday Homes, Garry and Joyleen Watters had sold their farm on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula and came over to Kangaroo Island as a lay preacher for the Uniting Church. Later, the church could no longer support a second preacher and that’s when Garry and Joyleen invested in a 5-acre bare block of land overlooking Emu Bay – with a vision of building some holiday accommodation units and creating a lifestyle for themselves.

In 1993, Garry and Joyleen built the shed and water tanks, living in a caravan while building Shalom and Jireh. Next came the main house, now called Amani (Swahili for Peace) with Bayview attached, followed by the two cottages and then the two cabins.

Garry loved birds and planned a garden that would attract the island’s beautiful native birds. He enjoyed conducting penguin tours on Emu Bay Beach. Garry and Joyleen often had groups over from churches in Adelaide. Sadly Joyleen fell ill with cancer and eventually Garry sold the property.

Dianne and Graham Morris bought Emu Bay Holiday Homes in June 2000 when their children returned to Kangaroo Island to farm. Dianne believed it was time for her and Graham to leave the farming to the kids. Being a man of few words, Graham enjoyed interacting with guests and became quite comfortable talking to people.

Graham and Dianne built the steps in front of Bayview and added the verandas to the two cabins. They did the majority of work themselves, helped by just one cleaner. Initially they planned on having Emu Bay Holiday Homes for 2 years, but ended up selling it after 4 years, in March 2004.

Ann and Theo Horbelt had just returned to Australia from Germany after living abroad for 20 years. Ann was visiting her mother and saw an advertisement for Emu Bay Holiday Homes in the window of the local real estate agent. Ann’s mother was ill on the island, her dad and sister Sue had passed away and Ann wanted to be closer to her mother. The estate agent brought Ann out to Emu Bay for just a look, but she instantly fell in love with the view, sense of peace and tranquillity.

Theo had always said he could never live on ‘The Rock’, so Ann had some convincing to do! The rest is history. In March 2004 they bought EBHH. Ann enjoyed interacting with the guests and loved waking up to the spectacular view every morning. They lived in the main house, kept EBHH neat and tidy and in 2007 added an en-suite bathroom, walk-in robe and patio to Jireh. Each summer their daughter Roanna returned from her studies in New Zealand to help.

Reflecting on their 14 years at EBHH, Ann and Theo reminisce about the views, the beautiful red cliffs in the afternoon sun, the variety of birds and the echidnas walking over their toes. But the joy is not lost: Ann and Theo built a new home in Emu Bay, just 400 metres down the road!

A new era: Rene and Johannes Steyn

On 27 October 2017 Renè went to Emu Bay Holiday Homes to see Ann about an unrelated matter, fell in love with the view and discovered that the property had been on the market for a while. That same afternoon Renè and Johannes drove out to Emu Bay together to have another look.

Lots of discussion ensued about whether they could run a holiday accommodation business parallel to their professional careers. Recruiting Christine to help manage the bookings, Renè and Johannes took a leap of faith and invested in Emu Bay Holiday Homes. On 1 March 2018 they took over EBHH, ably supported by Christine and Michelle, one of the cleaners who had committed to stay on for a while.

The property had been lovingly kept, but needed some renovations and upgrading. Renè and Johannes have since embarked on a gradual process of renovation and maintenance, including the addition of Kangaroo Island’s only labyrinth, and building their own team.

Click Here to Read our Emu Labyrinth Blog

Remarkable spots of Kangaroo Island

Why visit Kangaroo Island?

Emu Bay

Flinders Chase National Park

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Vivonne Bay

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

Raptor Domain

Chapman River

Kingscote

Penneshaw

American River

Emu Bay Holiday Homes

What to pack for your trip to Kangaroo Island

Seasons on Kangaroo Island

Supplies

Recreational equipment

What not to bring

Summing up

What makes the best Emu Bay Accommodation?

Why Emu Bay?

The best Emu Bay accommodation

Almost shipwrecked off Cape Borda

Sometimes we meet fascinating guests. When meeting Peter at his Cabin he told me about his mission for his holiday. Please enjoy his story.

My Great Great Great Grand-father Desborough CATHERY, a 45 year old widower, arrived in Glenelg South Australia with his 5 children to make a new start, joining the very early pioneers of South Australia.

Now the true hero of the story because of his outstanding leadership in the times of peril, was John Finlay Duff who was himself a ship’s captain and on his way out to join the new colony of South Australian pioneers along with his wife and daughter.

Captain Freeman on both occasions was under the weather having had too much grog and it was Captain Duff who stepped forward and took command of the ship.

I have fulfilled my pilgrimage (of sorts) and captured pictures of Cape Borda’s rocky shore, showing the serious peril that the old ship ASIA faced, if not for the command of captain Duff.

Kangaroo Island is one surprise after another, writes Barry O'Brien

By: Barry O’Brien

Reference

Rising From The Ashes, Kangaroo Island Lays out the Welcome Mat

By: Carolyne Jasinski

Was Kangaroo Island damaged by bushfires? The aftermath

Can I visit Kangaroo Island now?

What is there to see on Kangaroo Island?

Kangaroo Island top things to do: Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2 – North Coast

Day 3 – South Coast

Day 4 – Dudley Peninsula

Reference

Six months after it was devastated by bushfire, green is the new black on Kangaroo Island

By: Carolyne Jasinski

Reference

Welcome to Emu Labyrinth at Emu Bay Holiday Homes

Emu Labyrinth at Emu Bay Holiday Homes was inspired after meeting Terry de Vries from South Africa on Lesvos in Greece in 2018 and helping her to build a labyrinth near the castle in Molyvos.

The flat area just above Jireh House with the beautiful sea views jumped out as the ideal place to build our labyrinth for guests of Emu Bay Holiday Homes to enjoy.

I researched some labyrinth patterns and decided on a Classical 5 Circuit Labyrinth. After watching some ‘how to’ YouTube videos, I helped Johannes draw it out and collect more rocks before we packed it together.

Our labyrinth is only open to our guests and we do hope you love the experience!

The significance of walking a labyrinth

Walking a labyrinth is an ancient practice that helps to reduce stress, quiets the mind and opens the heart.

A labyrinth is not a maze. It has only one path that serpentines towards the centre with twists and turns, just like life, and follows the same path back out. It is seen as a mini pilgrimage, a tool for meditation or a walking prayer. A walk with your soul to transform and heal.

How do you use a labyrinth?

Think about the questions in your mind. Find a focus to hold onto for your walk.

Walk quietly, slowly, with an open heart and mind. Contemplate a situation, question or feeling. Ask your spirit mentor to walk with you.

In the center, pause and rest, reflect on your journey and seek insights into your living. Returning with contemplation is an important part of the journey.

Be grateful and give thanks before leaving the labyrinth.

MAY THIS LABYRINTH BLESS YOU, CALM YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING.

Be mindful of others on their labyrinth journey.

ENJOY AND BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER ALWAYS.

Take a walk through Emu Bay Holiday Homes history

In 1993, Garry and Joyleen built the shed and water tanks, living in a caravan while building Shalom and Jireh. Next came the main house, now called Amani (Swahili for Peace) with Bayview attached, followed by the two cottages and then the two cabins.

Garry loved birds and planned a garden that would attract the island’s beautiful native birds. He enjoyed conducting penguin tours on Emu Bay Beach. Garry and Joyleen often had groups over from churches in Adelaide. Sadly Joyleen fell ill with cancer and eventually Garry sold the property.

Graham and Dianne built the steps in front of Bayview and added the verandas to the two cabins. They did the majority of work themselves, helped by just one cleaner. Initially they planned on having Emu Bay Holiday Homes for 2 years, but ended up selling it after 4 years, in March 2004.

Reflecting on their 14 years at EBHH, Ann and Theo reminisce about the views, the beautiful red cliffs in the afternoon sun, the variety of birds and the echidnas walking over their toes. But the joy is not lost: Ann and Theo built a new home in Emu Bay, just 400 metres down the road!

A new era: Rene and Johannes Steyn

On 27 October 2017 Renè went to Emu Bay Holiday Homes to see Ann about an unrelated matter, fell in love with the view and discovered that the property had been on the market for a while. That same afternoon Renè and Johannes drove out to Emu Bay together to have another look.

The property had been lovingly kept, but needed some renovations and upgrading. Renè and Johannes have since embarked on a gradual process of renovation and maintenance, including the addition of Kangaroo Island’s only labyrinth, and building their own team.

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