Kangaroo Island – RovingRaconteurs.com

Thursday to Saturday, February 22-24, 2024

HAL Grand Australia & NZ Cruise

South Australia has an unusual history. It is the only Australian state that did not begin as a penal colony. It was, in fact, established as a free colonial settlement on December 28, 1836, for immigrants arriving in pursuit of civil liberty and religious freedom. Over the years, it has retained a reputation for political innovation and cultural vibrancy. The state capital is Adelaide, and we will visit that vibrant city last before we set out to explore the state of Victoria.

So, let’s first look at Port Lincoln, the “Seafood Capital of Australia”:

Port Lincoln, located on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia, is situated on Boston Bay, which just happens to be one of the largest protected natural harbors in the world. It is 3 times the size of Sydney harbor!!!

Mathew Flinders explored the area in 1802 and named it; by 1839 the town was established; and today, it is a pleasant city famous for its fishing industry, agriculture, and the attractions of the Eyre Peninsula. It is also home to the Peter Teakle Winery.

Here’s a photo peak:

We arrived in Port Lincoln, SA on a bright, clear morning…..

…..and set off on the long walk into town. This is a commercial port serving industrial interests such as fishing and agriculture, as well as tourism.

We knew we were almost in the town center when we passed the grain silos!!!

It was, in fact, a nice walk along the shore.

…..and, as we made our way to the visitor center, we passed many interesting sites–such as this pop-up craft market and café at the Hotel Boston,….

…..or this antique car parked outside another market further into the city…..

…..and, especially, this drive-thru liquor store!!!

From the visitor center, we boarded a taxi to the Peter Teakle Winery’s Cellar Door…..

…..for an amazing wine tasting experience!!! Note the photos of Peter Teakle and Liz Heidenreich on the wall.

Liz Heidenreich joined Peter Teakle Wines in 2018 to head the planning and installation project for the 100-ton crush facility,…..

…..the first-ever wine crush on the Eyre Peninsula.

This is the oldest, and only, winery on the Eyre Peninsula!!!
(photo courtesy of Shirley Nairn)

Planted in 1982 by the Delacolline Winery Estate; and purchased by Peter Teakle in 2017,…..

…..this is, today, a noted producer of fine wines!!!
(photos courtesy of Shirley Nairn)

Penneshaw, our next scheduled port, was abruptly cancelled…..

…..and then suddenly reinstated!!! Since we have explored the joys of this city many times, we elected to stay on board.

But here are some prior photos of the area:

Here’s a photo of Penneshaw taken in 2023.

This is a tender port. And very easy to explore.

And the kangaroos are, in fact, easy to spot.

….. It is the oldest winery on Kangaroo Island.

In 2018, we took the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Tour– very pleasant. Kangaroos are spotted all along the way!!! Note the Kangaroo in the foreground!

But now, lets depart Penneshaw and take a look at Adelaide.

The final stop in South Australia: the capital city of Adelaide.

Founded in 1836, Adelaide was designed by Colonel William Light, one of the founding fathers. Known as “Light’s Vision,” the city is built in a grid pattern close to the River Torrens. It is interspaced by wide boulevards, large public squares; and is surrounded by parkland!!! In contrast to the convict history of other Australian cities, Adelaide reflects the diversity and wealth of its free settlers. It is known for its religious freedom and progressive political reforms. Today, it is famous for its many festivals and sporting events; its coastline and hills; its large defense and manufacturing sectors; and its emerging space sector which includes the Australian Space Agency headquartered here.

And then, there’s the National Wine Center

The National Wine Center, adjacent to the Botanical Gardens, opened in 2001 as an interactive, permanent exhibition of winemaking and its industry in South Australia. According to Wikipedia, the Barossa Valley wine region is one of Australia’s oldest and most premier wine regions. Located only 35 miles northeast of Adelaide, it became the linchpin of the early Australian fortified wine industry due to its warm climate and the early German immigrants who settled in the valley. The National Wine Center not only introduces visitors to the technology, varieties, and styles of wine, but also has a tasting area which allows visitors to taste and compare wines from different areas of Australia.

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