Wahroonga on the Water Kingscote review | SA’s Great Travel Planner
This visit, with three couples on different sleeping schedules, the lovely open plan and large rooms at Wahroonga on the Water, in Kingscote, are a perfect fit.
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When you get on a bit, and travel with friends, there’s big value in a spacious place to stay.
The point is proven on a trek to Kangaroo Island. Yes, we are drawn here, as usual, by food experiences, but we tend to start late, tour around, have a nanna nap – or at least feet-up – before heading out for dinner, and then head back to the chosen house to spread out.
This visit, with three couples on different sleeping (and snoring) schedules, the lovely open plan and large rooms at Wahroonga on the Water, in Kingscote, are a perfect fit.
At night, some have a few more drinks and watch telly, some sit at computers around platters of nibbles, and the bed times are quite staggered.
We can be social together or find a spot to read, or just sit outside drinking in the fabulous beach view and some cool-climate drops collected during the day.
With a large lawn stretching to the beachfront, five bedrooms sleeping up to 12 people, three bathrooms, and plenty of places to sit and play, the house also would suit a couple of families.
In summer it’s ideal, but we also love the crashing waves and cosying up away from the winter chills.
Things might get a bit soggy underfoot, but Kangaroo Island is truly wild and beautiful in winter.
You really need a vehicle to get around the island, so the ferry from Cape Jervis – while a bit pricey, and commonly a rough ride – is a good option when travelling in numbers.
Be sure to check the conditions, and take along some help with seasickness if you tend to suffer. We had an easy ride over this time, feeling well enough for a dinner of fresh-caught whiting and a great lamb pie at the Penneshaw pub before driving to Kingscote to settle into our two-storey home.
On another night, a few groceries picked up from our farmgate visits and the Kingscote market go into an easy dinner.
Through the days and evenings, we graze on local cheeses and snacks from a growing local nosh basket, including Clifford honey, olives, biscuits, and a brekkie yoghurt from the Kangaroo Island Pure sheep dairy.
On this visit, a true charmer for lunch is Frogs & Roses cafe at nearby Cygnet River, set amid a rambling nursery. The sun is out for a while, so at a gnarly old table under a beautiful old tree we share three great pizzas.
“Just help yourself to cordial from the fridge,” says the chef as she tosses the partnering salad plucked from the garden just moments earlier. Her cheesecakes are also pretty special.
Aside from the wines, KIS beckons. At the now-famous gin distillery, run by Jon and Sarah Lark, we sip on gins, vodka, limoncello and liqueurs. Could it be why some of us need that nanna nap?
There are plenty of island things to do, but we also enjoy this accommodating, and well-equipped house.
Upstairs is a great retreat, like a second home with giant master bedroom and spa bathroom, two more bedrooms, a large lounge and balcony.
On level one, there are many nooks and crannies, including two large bedrooms, two lounges and a little activity/library and games space.
Adjacent to the fully equipped kitchen/meals area, the covered outdoor patio facing the water is sheltered enough to sit with fluffy rugs on our knees.
The last day, we walk the beach and laze around, supping on the leftover supplies. But beware, if a rough ride is forecast on your 45-minute ferry ride home, be sure to eat light.
Kingscote market is at the local school, second and fourth Sundays of the month, or the Penneshaw Market is on the first Sunday of the month.
Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.
This review was first published in July 2016 and had details updated in March 2021.
- 301 Brownlow Rd, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island
- expedia.com.au/Kingscote-Hotels-Wahroonga-On-The-Water.h33565444.Hotel-Information
- LOCATION Fly or take a Sealink ferry to Kangaroo Island. It’s 2km from the centre of Kingscote.
- ACCOMMODATION Two-storey home, with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and large living spaces on each level, laundry, barbecue area.
- FACILITIES Airconditioned. Separate sitting and TV areas with views. Well-appointed kitchen, well-stocked library with DVDs, games and some toys, barbecue. Double lockup garage.
- PRICE $260