Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning
Parking available
Barbecue
Explore the area
Penneshaw, SA
Penneshaw Penguin Centre
Place, Penneshaw Penguin Centre
3 min walk
Kangaroo Island Farmers Market
Place, Kangaroo Island Farmers Market
12 min walk
Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre - Penneshaw
Place, Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre - Penneshaw
3 min drive
Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote)
Airport, Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote)
40 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
“Charlie Bates Cottage”
Charlie Bates Cottage is an original stone settlers cottage (circa 1905) and an iconic part of Penneshaw's history. Sitting high on the hill proudly keeping watch over beautiful Hog Bay and the quaint township of Penneshaw. Under new ownership since October 2021 and faithfully restored.
Once the only homestead on a large landholding in Penneshaw, the cottage still remains today even though the town has been been significantly populated....in Kangaroo Island terms that is! Nestled on a large, sloping block she boasts magnificent ocean views, is conveniently located only 2 minutes from the Sealink ferry terminal and a very short walk to the safe swimming beach at the end of the road.
Charlie's has been lovingly restored and refurbished to provide our guests with all the conveniences you need to experience a truly memorable holiday. We offer the perfect base for couples and friends travelling together so you can experience the very best that Kangaroo Island has to offer from the comfort of somewhere that feels like home.
A modern extension to the original settler's cottage consists of a fully equipped kitchen including a full size fridge/freezer, microwave, quality kitchenware, a dining area with ocean views, laundry (with washing machine and clothes dryer), spacious heated bathroom with separate shower and clawfoot bath. These facilities and our wonderful location combine to make this unique piece of Kangaroo Island's history the ideal base for your getaway.
Perhaps you are looking for the ultimate romantic getaway, somewhere to share a special weekend away, propose to your partner or a charming and private honeymoon destination.
Grab beach towels and head off on an easy 3 minute walk to the end of the street to spend the day having a fantastic family experience swimming and building sandcastles on one of the safest swimming beaches on the Island, Hog's Bay. Dolphins frequent the bay and you might be lucky enough to spot a seal swimming in the waters around the jetty.
Have a day off from touring and watch a selection on great movies from our extensive DVD library, read a book, play board games or simply relax on the verandah with your favourite glass of wine and watch the sun set over the ocean or the comings and goings of the ferries..
You will delight in the opportunity to view the kangaroos, wallabies that frequent the lawns around the cottage at night. An intimate wildlife experience for all of our guests.
The Penneshaw Penguin Centre is located just a short walk around the bay and provides a fantastic opportunity to observe the local Fairy Penguins in their natural habitat and gain an insight into the life of these beautiful and mysterious seabirds.
Fire up the BBQ on the verandah and enjoy 180 degree views with your dinner, lunch or breakfast.
A picture book seaside village, Penneshaw is the ideal location for your stay on Kangaroo Island. Superb swimming beaches, stunning scenery, fantastic fishing, abundant wildlife and a well serviced town centre are just some of the attractions Penneshaw has to offer.
Just at the end of the road from Charlie's, Hog's Bay Beach is a great place to swim, see dolphins or the occassional seal at play and has excellent grassed BBQ facilities located near the Penguin Information Centre and ferry terminal. The centre is open most nights for tours featuring Penneshaw's cutest residents, the Little Fairy Penguins. Tammar wallabies roam the streets in the evening, stopping at Charlie's for a munch on the lawn or some fruit.
The Penneshaw Hotel offers quality meals with ocean views, or after a hard days touring if you don't feel like cooking or eating out, there are several take away options including a pizza and fish and chips. Pack a picnic and stop at Chapman River on your way back from Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, sample wines and local produce at False Cape and Dudley Wineries or fish for the famed KI King George Whiting on the jetty. What ever your idea of the perfect Kangaroo Island holiday you're sure to find it at Charlies in Penneshaw.
With so much to see and do in the Penneshaw area, you could be tempted to never leave, but if you decide to discover everything the Island has to offer, all the Islands attractions are within an easy day's driving return trip from Charlie's. To ensure your safety, when planning day trips make sure you allow enough time to return home before dusk, as this when many of the Island's wildlife species become active.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
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
Note from host: Strictly no parties or events
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Penneshaw
Located in Penneshaw, this cottage is by the sea. Sealink Ferry Terminal and Dudley Cellar Door are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Baudin Conservation Park and Dudley Conservation Park. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking.
beach near Lloyd Collins Reserve - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Penneshaw Penguin Centre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Kangaroo Island Farmers Market - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre - Penneshaw - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
Kingscote Tidal Pool - 48 min drive - 77.2 km
Getting around
Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote) - 39 min drive
Restaurants
Penneshaw Hotel - 15 min walk
Hogbay Saloon - 14 min walk
Millie Mae's Pantry - 12 min walk
Fat Beagle Coffee Shop - 12 min walk
Fire and Smoke Ki - 14 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is “Charlie Bates Cottage” pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at “Charlie Bates Cottage”?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at “Charlie Bates Cottage” on 10 October 2026 start from NZ$339, 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 “Charlie Bates Cottage”?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at “Charlie Bates Cottage”?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at “Charlie Bates Cottage”?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is “Charlie Bates Cottage” located?
Situated by the sea, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Sealink Ferry Terminal and Kangaroo Island Farmers Market. Baudin Conservation Park and Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre - Penneshaw are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had the best time on Kangaroo Island and it was all set up by staying in this beautiful cottage. It has everything and more! Clean, comfortable, and very spacious! Well definitely book again!!
We had a great stay at the cottage - it was cozy, comfortable, kitchen was great with appreciated extras when travelling (things like cling wrap and food containers), bath was fab and the home was well furnished. We enjoyed some of the cafes in Penneshaw, the penguin tour at night, the local beach, walks and also exploring further afield.