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Gum Valley Quarters: perfect for large groups and families
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Reviews
9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
8 bedrooms8 bathroomsSleeps 25
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Western River, SA
- Place, Snelling Beach20 min drive
- Place, Flinders Chase National Park33 min drive
- Place, King George Beach47 min drive
- Airport, Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote)59 min drive
Rooms & beds
8 bedrooms (sleeps 25)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed
Bedroom 5
1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
Bedroom 6
1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
Bedroom 7
1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
Bedroom 8
1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed
8 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 3
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 4
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 5
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 6
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 7
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 8
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Gum Valley Quarters: perfect for large groups and families
Struggling to find affordable self-contained accommodation for your large group of friends or family?
Gum Valley's old Shearer's Quarters provides a relaxing, modest farmstay that is ideal for bigger groups on an extended stay and looking for a base near KI's best attractions at the western end.
Located on the North Coast Road between Snelling Beach and Western River Cove, it's a 5 minute drive to these two amazing beaches and not far from Stokes Bay, voted second best beach in the world in 2023 and 2024.
The Quarters has 8 bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, sleeping up to 25 guests.
There's a large open plan living/dining room, an all-weather bbq & entertaining area plus a games shed offering plenty of usable space.
The commercial kitchen is well equipped for the catering needs of many mouths with a gas cooktop/ electric oven, dishwasher and a sizable walk-in pantry.
The Quarters has its own fenced yard, an expansive open area for vehicle parking and a firepit looking down the valley out to Investigator Strait for use in the cooler months.
A supply of basic bedding, linen and towels are available; the laundry also has a large washer & dryer available.
Hire includes basic linen, firewood for the combustion heater and additional refrigeration if needed for all the fish and crays you catch...
Please note: this listing displays default distances incorrectly; it's a short drive to both Snelling Beach and Western River Cove (7kms), not the default 20+ minute drive suggested.
Gum Valley's old Shearer's Quarters provides a relaxing, modest farmstay that is ideal for bigger groups on an extended stay and looking for a base near KI's best attractions at the western end.
Located on the North Coast Road between Snelling Beach and Western River Cove, it's a 5 minute drive to these two amazing beaches and not far from Stokes Bay, voted second best beach in the world in 2023 and 2024.
The Quarters has 8 bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, sleeping up to 25 guests.
There's a large open plan living/dining room, an all-weather bbq & entertaining area plus a games shed offering plenty of usable space.
The commercial kitchen is well equipped for the catering needs of many mouths with a gas cooktop/ electric oven, dishwasher and a sizable walk-in pantry.
The Quarters has its own fenced yard, an expansive open area for vehicle parking and a firepit looking down the valley out to Investigator Strait for use in the cooler months.
A supply of basic bedding, linen and towels are available; the laundry also has a large washer & dryer available.
Hire includes basic linen, firewood for the combustion heater and additional refrigeration if needed for all the fish and crays you catch...
Please note: this listing displays default distances incorrectly; it's a short drive to both Snelling Beach and Western River Cove (7kms), not the default 20+ minute drive suggested.
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
We love kids.
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pre-approval needed, min nights still req'd.
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Pre approval: Outside only. No chasing livestock.
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 40
Note from host: Pre-approval needed, min nights still req'd.
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
About the area
Western River
Western River is home to this holiday home. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Flinders Chase National Park and Lathami Conservation Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Western River, SA
What's nearby
- Snelling Beach - 20 min drive - 9.9 km
- Flinders Chase National Park - 33 min drive - 18.0 km
- King George Beach - 47 min drive - 20.2 km
- Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary - 53 min drive - 59.3 km
- Exceptional Kangaroo Island - 59 min drive - 77.9 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Gastronomo The Enchanted Fig Tree - 16 min drive
- Hannaford & Sachs - 16 min drive
- The Fig Tree KI - 17 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 window9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
19 January 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
William B.
3 January 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
William B.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
8/10 Good
Jomon A.
9 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jomon A.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
8/10 Good
Victoria R.
9 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great family hideaway - so much fun. Open fires, all the amenities you need.
Victoria R.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Chris T.
27 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for our big family!
Chris T.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lekh K.
21 January 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Satisfactory stay
Lekh K.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Simon M.
23 February 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Simon M.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
8/10 Good
Rebecca P.
7 February 2026
Rebecca P.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
About the host
Hosted by Will Chapman
Gum Valley Quarters has long been available for group bookings for many decades and the property has been in my family for many more. Our family originally hosted teams of shearers and local workforce which has since extended to volunteer groups, education programs, plus families and friends who want to stay together and enjoy the best KI has to offer. The people we've met, the stories these walls could tell and the many laughs along the way make it all worthwhile.
Why they chose this property
Our family forebears first started farming this particular land in the early 1860s and can be traced back on Kangaroo Island to before the proclamation of Adelaide. Once upon a time, everything was hard; a rugged coastline was the only access for supplies, no roads, absolute isolation. Today, the rugged beauty remains but there is great access to all the top KI destinations and there's a more welcome sense of isolation from busy lives. Plus the fishing is amazing...
What makes this property unique
Gum Valley Quarters allows many people to stay together in one of the best locations on Kangaroo Island, at an affordable price.
After the 2019 fires ravaged the western half of Kangaroo Island, there were so few accommodation options left (including most local's homes) but despite the odds, ours survived. Of the newer coastal holiday homes that survived, they are sparcely located and unavailable (and unaffordable) for larger groups. Whilst we still have local shearing teams stay, we want people to enjoy what we have to offer: a relaxed farmstay that's not too precious and is perfect as a base to tour around.
After the 2019 fires ravaged the western half of Kangaroo Island, there were so few accommodation options left (including most local's homes) but despite the odds, ours survived. Of the newer coastal holiday homes that survived, they are sparcely located and unavailable (and unaffordable) for larger groups. Whilst we still have local shearing teams stay, we want people to enjoy what we have to offer: a relaxed farmstay that's not too precious and is perfect as a base to tour around.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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