Entire home

Swordfish, Pet Friendly SHACK

Photo gallery for Swordfish, Pet Friendly SHACK

Exterior
Outdoor dining
Miscellaneous
Property grounds
Miscellaneous

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Bring your furry friends
    Top-rated for creating memorable stays with your pets.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Porch or veranda
  • Barbecue
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View map
American River, SA
  • Place, The Oyster Farm Shop
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Buick Point
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Hope Cottage Museum
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Bunk Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Swordfish, Pet Friendly SHACK

The house is not modern, but very comfortable with a rustic cottage feel. Most basic amenities provided.

2 bedroom home with great verandah views. Main bedroom with queen bed, second with Double/single bunk & a single bed.
Wood Heater for the cosy winter days.
30 minute drive to Kingscote, Airport and Ferry Terminal at Penneshaw.
Great walking trails & fishing from the wharf or out front of the house.
5 minute walk to Tennis Courts, Playground and Wharf area.
A great place for those wanting to relax and take in all Kangaroo Island has to offer.
Pet Friendly.
The entire property is fenced with a post/rail/wire fence with chicken wire below to secure the smaller dogs.
**There is one step from living area to kitchen/bathroom areas. Possibly not suitable for persons with disabilities.

The kitchen is basic, but should have all amenities.
There is a wood heater, but no air-conditioning (only fans).
There is no WIFI.



The front view is exceptional.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9032318
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

American River

Located in American River, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Prospect Hill and Emu Ridge Farm Eucalyptus Distillery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Beyeria Conservation Park and Nepean Bay Conservation Park. Penneshaw Maritime & Folk Museum and Kingscote Tidal Pool are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including power boating, birdwatching and wildlife walks.
Map
American River, SA

What's nearby

  • The Oyster Farm Shop - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Buick Point - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Kangaroo Island Spirits - 24 min drive - 41.9 km
  • Kingscote Tidal Pool - 29 min drive - 48.5 km
  • Hope Cottage Museum - 30 min drive - 48.5 km

Getting around

  • Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Oyster Farm Shop - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The River Deck Cafe - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Shed - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Deck cafe on the wharf - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪KI Tru Thai - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Swordfish, Pet Friendly SHACK pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Swordfish, Pet Friendly SHACK?

As of 17 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Swordfish, Pet Friendly SHACK on 13 September 2026 start from NZ$248, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Swordfish, Pet Friendly SHACK?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Swordfish, Pet Friendly SHACK?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Swordfish, Pet Friendly SHACK?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Swordfish, Pet Friendly SHACK located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of The Oyster Farm Shop and Buick Point. Prospect Hill is 7.9 mi (12.6 km) away.

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 85 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 85 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 85 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 85 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 85 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brett H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect position, peaceful with amazing water views right in front. An old style holiday house with lots of quirky character.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Elsje W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quaint cottage by the water, once again we enjoyed our stayThankyou very muchElsje
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The description is accurate but I'd hardly call it a "shack", it was clean and comfortable. Lovely view, well fenced yard. Our dogs had a great time. We enjoyed our stay and would go back again if it were closer to home.Photos - view from front window early evening; NZ fur seals at the wharf; dog friendly Pennington Beach 10 minutes drive
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful location with a great view from the front patio. Charming old beach shack with charm and character had everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Kerry W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very serene location. Beautiful waterviews
View from the front porch.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely long weekend

Great dog friendly accommodation
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Noel H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location - both scenic and quiet, was perfect. We appreciated the secure yard for our dogs. Will appeal to those who like rustic charm and natural settings. Not modern, but has everything you need.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy stay

Great cottage in a beautiful location, rustic with everything you need. Fur baby loved it as well.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Robyn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short KI Stay

Comfortable, Rustic great location really enjoyed the view and stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geoff S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great view

Nice older style place that you can have your pet and enjoy the view.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kirsty F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and cozy

Loved your little place! Loved the fireplace. Cozy homely and had everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

anita p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Memorable

Swordfish was overall a comfortable ,practical holiday house. The views and location was amazing. Only thing it could do with would be a upgraded air conditioner. Loved our holiday here.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Cynthia J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Swordfish at American River

Beautiful beach house with amazing views. Cosy fire. Good communication with owner. American River very picturesque, and the locals are so friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very memorable stay in a beautifully located warm house

Magic location and view, and a very warm combustion heater. Many thanks Susan, Oscar and I had a great stay. Best, john
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ray L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Excellent location. Quiet & cosy. Great views
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie and Bruno D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

SWORDFISH

Had a lovely stay, we will be back. American River is quiet and amazing
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edmond Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

We loved the location of this property - American River is peaceful and relaxed whilst parkland and waterfront (with bird life) is directly across the quiet road. The property is spacious and comfortable, nothing fancy but had everything we needed and was clean, with a nice outdoor deck at the front to enjoy meals when weather permits. Very happy to have stayed here.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Robyn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Busy

A central location to see the whole island.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Swordfish

Absolutely beautiful location, very quite and tranquil with amazing views. The cottage is comfortable and has everything you need, I will be back
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mr & Mrs

Love the location thank you very much
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Swordfish

Highly recommended. Great for a quiet getaway. Property manager was very understanding about a slight mishap too.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Pasquale A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pasquale

Property very well organised and fully equipped. Very pet friendly, our Leo enjoyed the safe fenced garden. Amazing view and perfectly located. Highly recommended for family with pets.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tamara A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nailed It!

We had an amazing stay at Swordfish. The location is central to most things on the island and we did a fair bit of driving. The local establishments are an easy walk and the fire place was appreciated as the weather was cooler than normal for our stay. General store very well equipped and oysters from the oyster shop amazing. Loved the outdoor setting out front to enjoy the views.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Maryorie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

nice old fashioned home

clean and tidy over all, however the kitchen pots and pans need to be clean or change, no serving spoons at all, good location, beautiful views.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Simon S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic beach cottage perfect for dogs

Great location with fantastic view ofAmerican River. Well fenced so dogs happily played outside while we travelled the island. Great communal area with all the basics. Bathroom basic but functional and fitted well into the overall ambience of the place giving a shack feeling yet more than just a shack. Great combustion fireplace all adding to the experience. Would be happy to stay again but a few days longer
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

About the host

Hosted by Susan Walsh

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

Go further with the Bookabach app

  • Easily message your host
  • Access, share and manage your trip
  • Earn OneKeyCash on holiday rentals
Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app
QR code to download the app