Seven hours, lots to taste, zero long waits.

This Kangaroo Island shore excursion is built around hands-on food-and-drink stops and short guided explainers, from Clifford’s Honey to Bay of Shoals Winery, with a small group feel that makes the day feel personal even on a cruise schedule. I also love that it’s not only wine—you’ll sample gin, eucalyptus drops, and lavender scones with tea or coffee. One possible drawback: it runs a full day and lunch isn’t included, so plan to budget for food in Kingscote.

You start at 9:00am in Penneshaw (cruise ship passengers only), and the whole point is to get you back to your ship with time to spare. You’ll use a mobile ticket, and the tour caps at 20 travelers, which helps keep the tastings from turning into a cattle-call.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Honey and eucalyptus tastings with real producers, not just a stop for photos
• Lavender farm morning tea built around lavender scones and tea/coffee (season/opening dependent)
• Wine at Bay of Shoals Winery with a scenic, coastal setting during tasting time
• A dedicated gin and spirits stop at Kangaroo Island Spirits, plus time to sample and shop
• Kingscote included for wandering and lunch on your own
• Small-group touring (max 20) that fits a cruise-day tempo

Starting in Penneshaw: your 9:00am game plan

This is a straight full-day shore excursion, timed for cruise arrivals. It starts at 9:00am from Penneshaw, with pickup offered, and you’ll be in a small group rather than a huge bus load. That matters because when your day is controlled by tender schedules, you don’t want delays that snowball.

The flow is simple: drive between stops, do tastings on-site, take short walking breaks, then return to Penneshaw. The tour is designed to fit within the cruise day window, and the guides tend to keep the pace tight enough that you should still feel like you had a real day, not a sprint.

One detail worth noting: the tour ticket may say pickup from the cruise port area, but in practice you might board from a nearby meeting area rather than right at the waterline. If you’re unsure, I’d arrive early and look for the operator name/signage where you’re told to go.

Clifford’s Honey Farm: tasting Ligurian Bee honey like you mean it

The first stop is Clifford’s Honey Farm, and it’s a smart opener. You get about 30 minutes, which is long enough to taste different honey styles, ask questions, and still keep moving. You’ll also have time to wander the gift shop if you want to bring home something sweet.

The honey angle here isn’t random. The tasting is built around the Ligurian Bee, and that’s the kind of detail that makes a tasting feel more than just flavor. You start learning how the island’s agriculture and bee behavior connect, so later stops land better because you understand what you’re seeing.

If you’re the type who likes souvenirs that don’t look like tourist junk, honey is an easy win. Just remember that once you start tasting, time passes faster than you expect—so don’t use your phone camera like a full-time job on Stop 1.

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus: distilling stories plus eucalyptus drops

Next up is Emu Ridge Eucalyptus, where you get about 45 minutes. The emphasis is on how eucalyptus oil is distilled—history, process, and what ends up in the bottle. You’ll learn how the distillation works, try eucalyptus drops, and then you’ll usually have time to look through the shops.

This stop is a good contrast to the honey. Honey is sweet and familiar; eucalyptus is sharper and more medicinal. The tasting of eucalyptus drops also helps you understand why eucalyptus products are popular on Kangaroo Island—this isn’t just a gimmick scent, it’s a product with an actual production story.

You may also find cider tasting opportunities here, depending on what’s available that day. If you’re a cider person, it’s a nice bonus that keeps the tour from feeling like it’s repeating the same tasting format.

Bring an open mind. Eucalyptus can be polarizing in the way marmalade is: some people love it instantly, and some need a second try.

Emu Bay Lavender: the scone-and-tea reset you’ll be glad you planned for

The lavender farm stop (Emu Bay Lavender) is about 1 hour, and it’s where the day slows down just enough to feel enjoyable. This is also your morning tea break, with lavender scones and tea/coffee provided depending on season and whether the farm is open.

The scone part is important. You’re doing multiple tastings and you still need fuel. If you’re thinking, I’ll just skip breakfast, don’t. This is one of the most practical moments of the whole itinerary because it gives you a real pause with food, not another quick sample.

You’ll also get time to wander the farm grounds and visit the gift shop. Even if you’re not buying lavender sachets, it’s a pleasant walk break between beverage-focused stops.

Season matters here. If lavender isn’t at peak season or the farm is operating differently, the tea setup can vary. Still, this stop is usually a highlight because it’s both scenic and edible.

Kingscote free time: lunch on your terms (and shop if you want)

After lavender, you get 1 hour of leisure time in Kingscote. This isn’t a guided lecture stop. It’s the time to browse shops, use a café for lunch, and take a breather from tastings.

Lunch isn’t included on the tour, so this is where you’ll want to eat if you get hungry. The upside: you can choose what you feel like, whether that’s something quick or a proper sit-down meal.

Kingscote time is also your chance to stock up on small island essentials. Think snacks, gifts, or little items you might have missed at the farms. Because the tour is short on total walking time, this free hour helps you personalize your day rather than forcing you to stick only to pre-planned stops.

Bay of Shoals Winery: wine tasting with a coastal vibe

Bay of Shoals Winery is where you shift into wine. You’ll have about 1 hour, which gives you time to taste and slow down enough to enjoy the setting. The winery sits overlooking Bay of Shoals, so even though you’re there for tasting, you’re also getting the kind of view that makes you want to pause your photos and actually look.

The wine tasting itself tends to be a classic mix, with an especially popular mention of a port option. You may also find the tasting leans toward mostly white wine varieties depending on what’s poured that day.

If you’re a red-only wine person, don’t assume the lineup will match your preferences. But if you like sampling different styles and learning what pairs with what, this stop is a steady, relaxing win—especially after the earlier honey and eucalyptus experiences.

Kangaroo Island Spirits: gin, vodka, and liqueurs on a rustic scale

The final tasting stop is Kangaroo Island Spirits, with about 1 hour focused on gin, vodkas, and liqueurs. This is the stop many people seem to remember clearly, partly because the tasting is separate and feels like its own event, not a quick add-on.

It’s also where the tour’s personality shows. The distillery setup feels more rustic than sleek, and that works well for a cruise excursion because it keeps things casual. You’ll sample multiple spirits, and there’s usually time to browse and purchase if you find something you genuinely like.

One practical note: you must be 18+ to drink, and the day is structured around tastings. If you don’t drink, you can still enjoy the atmosphere and learn the process, but the tour’s value is clearly higher if you’re tasting at least some of the offerings.

If you’re not a gin fan, that’s okay, but I’d adjust expectations. Some people love the gin; some find it sharper than expected. Either way, it’s a distinct Kangaroo Island stop, and the variety of spirits keeps it from feeling repetitive.

The secret bonus: what you might spot between stops

Even though this tour is built for tastings, you’re not trapped inside a building all day. On drives around the island, guides often make quick stops when wildlife appears. In past departures, you may see wild kangaroos and koalas, along with birds and other small sightings.

I’d treat wildlife sightings as a bonus, not a guarantee. But it’s exactly the kind of thing that turns a food day into a memory day. The best part is that you’re not hunting wildlife from a distance for hours—you get it naturally while moving from one producer to the next.

Also, the guide narration tends to connect the dots: how the island works, what makes it different, and why these products matter to local life. That context is what helps you feel like you’re understanding Kangaroo Island, not just sampling it.

Price and value: what $164.25 actually buys you

At $164.25 per person, this isn’t the cheapest shore excursion. But it’s also not trying to be one. The value comes from the number of stops and the fact that you’re paying for admission-included tastings across multiple producers: honey, eucalyptus, lavender scones, wine, and gin/spirits.

Here’s how I’d frame the math in plain terms:

• You’re getting more than one tasting category, which means you’re not paying premium prices for just a single beverage stop.
• You get a full day that’s timed for cruise schedules, which reduces the cost of figuring everything out yourself.
• Group size stays small (max 20), so you don’t lose your time waiting in lines at every stop.

The one real cost you should factor in is food. Lunch isn’t included, so your total day budget will rise depending on what you choose in Kingscote. If you plan to snack earlier and eat a light lunch, you’ll spend less. If you want a proper sit-down meal, budget for it.

Also remember: the tour involves drinking options. If you’re drinking more than water, the day can feel like a food-and-beverage package. If you’re drinking less, it can still be fun, but you’ll rely more on the stories and the tastings that don’t require alcohol.

Overall, if you like the idea of Kangaroo Island as a food and drink destination, this price can make sense. If you’re not into tastings, you’ll probably get less value.

Who should book this tasting tour (and who should skip it)

This shore excursion is a great fit if you:

• want a one-day snapshot of Kangaroo Island through local producers
• enjoy wine and spirits tastings and don’t mind a structured schedule
• like learning how products are made, not just eating the end result
• prefer a small-group day that fits a cruise timeline

It’s less of a fit if you:

• want lots of long scenic walks or extended nature time
• hate the idea of being on a tight schedule for a full day
• want lunch included (because Kingscote is your meal break)

If you’re traveling with a mix of interests, the variety helps. You get honey and eucalyptus for people who like earthy flavors. You get lavender scones and tea for a gentler break. And the wine/gin stops make it feel like a proper grown-up island day.

Should you book this Kangaroo Island tasting shore excursion?

If your cruise stop gives you one full day and you want to make it count, I’d book it—especially if wine or spirits are part of your vacation style. The schedule is packed but not chaotic, and the stops are built around real producers with tastings that actually fill your time.

I’d only think twice if:

• you’re picky about alcohol flavors and don’t want a gin-heavy portion of the day
• you expect lunch to be covered
• you need lots of free time to roam nature without a set itinerary

If you’re mostly hungry for food, a few memorable tastings, and a guided intro to island life, this is one of the more satisfying ways to spend a cruise day on Kangaroo Island.

FAQ

Is this tour only for cruise ship passengers?

Yes. This is listed as a Kangaroo Island shore excursion for cruise ship passengers only, starting from Penneshaw.

Where does the tour start and what time does it begin?

The tour starts at the cruise ship port in Penneshaw, with a start time of 9:00am.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour is available from Penneshaw only.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours.

What tastings are included?

The tour includes wine tasting and gin tastings, plus tastings at the honey farm and eucalyptus stop. You’ll also have lavender scones with tea or coffee, depending on season and whether the lavender farm is open.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included, and you’ll have free time in Kingscote where you can choose a café for your meal.

What’s the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Do I need to print a ticket?

No. It uses a mobile ticket.

What if the cruise tender to Kangaroo Island is canceled due to weather?

Travel insurance is highly recommended. If the captain cancels the tenders because of severe weather or other issues, refunds aren’t offered due to the expenses involved in preparing for cruise ship tours.

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