Kangaroo Island Escape – Wildlife, Sunrises & Stunning Sea Views
Relax & Unwind at 36 Bayview!
Enjoy spectacular 180° panoramic views over American River, Island Beach and Pelican Lagoon from this spacious Kangaroo Island retreat.
Perfect for families or groups, the home is just a short drive to Pennington Bay and Island Beach, two of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.
Watch breathtaking sunrises from the glass-fronted living and dining area, and in the evening relax on the verandah with a drink as the moon reflects across the bay.
You may also spot local wildlife visiting the property, including koalas, endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos, wallabies and kangaroos, of course.
The Space:
The house comfortably accommodates up to 9 guests across four bedrooms:
Bedroom 1: King bed with sea views Bedroom 2: King bed or 2 singles with sea views Bedroom 3: Queen bed with bush views Bedroom 4: 2 king singles + 1 single bed
Blackout curtains ensure a great night’s sleep, or leave them open and wake up to sunrise over the water. A portable cot and high chair are available on request.
The home also features two newly renovated bathrooms, a modern laundry, and a fully equipped kitchen within a large open-plan living and dining space overlooking the water.
Outdoor Living:
- A wrap-around verandah offers multiple relaxing spaces to enjoy the views. - Front verandah lounge seating for sunrise coffee - Large undercover outdoor BBQ and dining area - Table tennis for family fun - Spacious garden with rope swings for children
In the cooler months (May–October), gather around the firepit under the gum trees and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars.
✨ Ideal for families, groups and nature lovers seeking space, views and a relaxing Kangaroo Island escape. Undercover parking for 2 cars Extra driveway for car with boat & trailer beside the house
Guest access: Guests self check-in to 36 Bayview with the front door key in the lock-box on the side of the meter box to the right of the front door. Lockbox Entry Code will be sent before arrival.
Other things to note: As for all buildings in American River, our house water supply is solely from its own roof catchment into the tanks beside the house. PLEASE USE WATER SPARINGLY by: - having short showers or small baths - put plug in sink to wash dishes rather than running water over dishes under the tap - only start the dishwasher when it's full - only wash full loads of clothes in the washing machine - don't leave taps dripping. Be mindful of your electricity use and turn off all appliances when you go out, including lights, heaters, air conditioner, exhaust fan, clothes dryer, stove, oven, television, bathroom heat lights and fans etc.
Things to do in American River: Take a 5 minute walk down cement steps from beside our house, to the foreshore. The wharf is a further 10 minute walk where there is good fishing from the wharf and a boat ramp alongside. See the resident seals lazing on the side of the wharf. You’ll also see pelicans, seagulls, cormorants, herons and other water birds.
There's a children's playground and tennis courts near the wharf also.
There are several good eating places in American River including: The Glossy Black Restaurant Wanderers Rest Reflections Restaurant at the Mercure Hotel The Oyster Farm Shop The Deck Café
The General Store sells basic groceries, coffees and hot pies etc. You can also buy fishing bait and bags of firewood at the General Store. The bigger supermarkets are in Kingscote (the main town on KI) and Penneshaw.
The American River Art & Crafts Centre on the esplanade is well worth a visit also.
You need a car when visiting Kangaroo Island as there is no public transport. You can hire a car or take your own on the Sealink ferry. If only visiting KI for a couple of days, it is possibly cheaper to hire a car. There is no petrol available in American River - the closest petrol pumps are in Penneshaw and Kingscote, both slightly over 35km away.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Allure Beach Retreat - Privacy, Nature, Direct Beach Access
Pennington Bay
Allure Beach Retreat - Privacy, Nature, Direct Beach Access
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please leave linen on beds but put towels in laundry.
Please leave the house clean & tidy by washing and putting away all dishes, returning furniture to original position and cleaning your barbecue mess if necessary.
Turn off lights, heaters, air conditioner,oven while you’re out.
As we have solar power, use dishwasher, washing machine & clothes dryer in daylight hours if possible to save battery power for night.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No back-to-back same day bookings
Important information
You need to know
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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
American River
Located in American River, this holiday home is on a river. Prospect Hill and Sealink Ferry Terminal 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. Travelling with kids? Consider Penneshaw Maritime & Folk Museum and Kingscote Tidal Pool. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Exceptional Kangaroo Island - 20 min drive - 40.0 km
Kingscote Tidal Pool - 25 min drive - 48.1 km
Sealink Ferry Terminal - 26 min drive - 48.2 km
Getting around
Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote) - 31 min drive
Restaurants
Oyster Farm Shop - 12 min walk
The Shed - 16 min walk
Samphire Restaurant - 5 min walk
KI Tru Thai - 12 min drive
The Deck cafe on the wharf - 16 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Kangaroo Island Escape – Wildlife, Sunrises & Stunning Sea Views pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Kangaroo Island Escape – Wildlife, Sunrises & Stunning Sea Views?
As of 11 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kangaroo Island Escape – Wildlife, Sunrises & Stunning Sea Views on 6 May 2026 start from NZ$414, 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 Kangaroo Island Escape – Wildlife, Sunrises & Stunning Sea Views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Kangaroo Island Escape – Wildlife, Sunrises & Stunning Sea Views?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Kangaroo Island Escape – Wildlife, Sunrises & Stunning Sea Views?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Kangaroo Island Escape – Wildlife, Sunrises & Stunning Sea Views located?
This family-friendly American River holiday home is located on a river, within a 15-minute walk of The Oyster Farm Shop and Buick Point. Prospect Hill is 7.9 mi (12.8 km) away.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very roomy, clean and with an amazing panoramic view. Quiet part of town, easy to drive off to get groceries etc. Very nice first time in KI for everyone.
Sebastian F.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 November 2025
I’m very pleased that you enjoyed our house, the magnificent sea views and the wildlife, Sebastian.
I hope you return soon!
Best wishes, Jane
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Harold Stephen
11 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Communication with the owner was excellent property is ideal for families. Clean and very well appointed with all modern amenities. Close to Mercure Hotel which offers good dining. Easy access to highways makes seeing the Island easy. Most of all stunning views 👍👍
Thank you for your review, Dan.
I'm sorry that there was a problem with the spa unit not working properly - as mentioned it had been working perfectly when I was there a couple of days beforehand - but I'm pleased we could get the replacement unit installed on the same day. I hope you enjoyed the spa.
We'd love to see you back one day!
Cheers, Jane
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Wu
2 April 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
This property has really nice ocean view. We enjoy our stay in here.
Beautiful view, clean, great family home, great communication by the owner. American River is a great base to see the rest of K.I. Limited groceries at the general store but the supermarket at Kingscote is only 30mins away. Great bar and restaurant food 5mins away at the Mercure Resort. The home was wonderful for us as a family member has limited mobility and there was no stairs to deal with and a great view.
Kristen S.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 September 2025
Thank you Kristen, for leaving the house so clean and tidy!
I’m very pleased that you enjoyed the house, the view and Kangaroo Island and I hope to see you back one day!
Best wishes, Jane
Verified
10/10 Excellent
David
30 March 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Jane was a good and considerate host
Much enjoyed the stay
View over bay was awesome
Will definitely come again
This beautiful home was just perfect for our family Easter getaway. The kids were a little disappointed the rope swings are no longer up but were very happy with the big garden, table tennis and spa. Thank-you for a wonderful stay.
kimberly j.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 April 2025
I'm very pleased that you enjoyed our house, Kimberley.
sorry that the rope swings have gone; the tree had to be removed to make way for renovations, but I'm glad that the children enjoyed the spa & table tennis.
I hope we'll see you back one day!
cheers, Jane
Great location great view quiet town central to anywhere
Barbara S.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 October 2024
Thank you Barbara! I'm pleased you enjoyed the house and the fabulous views - we love it there too - and I agree it is a good central location to all the main attraction on KI.
Hope to see you again one day!
Cheers, Jane
Nice house with beautiful views. Location is convenient, not far from Kingscote, also not far from Penneshaw. We certainly enjoyed our stay there.
Helen J.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 October 2023
Hi Helen
I’m glad you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for being great guests and leaving the house clean and tidy. You’re welcome back anytime!
Best wishes, Jane
We all absolutely loved our stay in this beautiful house. Views are spectacular. House has a great layout and is very stylish yet comfortable. Firepit was fantastic too. Thank you Jane!
We had a fantastic time. The house was lovely. The location was peaceful but not too remote. The view was stunning and the terrace was the perfect place to have breakfast each morning. We loved Kangaroo Island and the house was perfect for us. The kids all had their own bedrooms and we loved the endless table tennis in between outings! Thank you.
The property was excellent, however communication through Vrbo was blocked. We were unable to communicate with the host that we needed 3 beds for our 4 adult party, two of which not in a relationship. We found 2 rooms, each with one double bed, and all other bedrooms were locked. We had to pull one double bed apart to create two single beds, but no sheets were available for this. We had to make do, which felt poorly for the price we paid. This was entirely avoidable if the website had been clearer about bedroom configurations and available options.
Thank you for leaving the house neat and tidy, Amara.
Happy New Year!
Jane
About the host
Hosted by Jane
I was born on Kangaroo Island and grew up on a sheep farm. I went to boarding school in Adelaide for my secondary schooling.
Kangaroo Island was very isolated when I was a child. Its natural beauty, pristine white beaches, sheltered bays, unique flora and fauna, were all things that I took for granted, thinking that the whole world must be as magical! As I grew up, I realised that I had had a very privileged childhood on Kangaroo Island. However, it's natural beauty is still unspoilt and is waiting for you to explore it!
Why they chose this property
36 Bayview is situated on the side of a hill overlooking the bay at American River. The views are spectacular and ever changing as the tide comes in and out twice a day, exposing the sandbars and defining the channels. The bird life, both sea and land birds, is extensive, including the beautiful and endangered Red Tailed Glossy Black Cockatoos.
I love that the area is quiet and has plenty to do in American River with restaurants, art gallery, walking trails & beach walks, playground for children, tennis courts, but it is also well situated to easily access the rest of Kangaroo Island both east and west on easy day trips.
What makes this property unique
Our house stands out because: - all rooms are recently renovated - the house is large and spacious - the garden covers 3,600sqm so there is plenty of space for you and your children to roam, see the wildlife that visits, be away from neighbours, relax and enjoy.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests