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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pre-approval needed, min nights still req'd.
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Pre approval: Outside only. No chasing livestock.
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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. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving, power boating and surfing/body boarding nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking.
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
Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote) - 65 min drive
Restaurants
The Fig Tree KI - 17 min drive
Gastronomo The Enchanted Fig Tree - 16 min drive
Hannaford & Sachs - 16 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Gum Valley Quarters: perfect for large groups and families pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Gum Valley Quarters: perfect for large groups and families?
As of 26 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gum Valley Quarters: perfect for large groups and families on 31 July 2026 start from NZ$724, 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 Gum Valley Quarters: perfect for large groups and families?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Gum Valley Quarters: perfect for large groups and families?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Gum Valley Quarters: perfect for large groups and families?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Gum Valley Quarters: perfect for large groups and families located?
Set in Western River, this family-friendly holiday home is 4.8 mi (7.7 km) from Snelling Beach and 9.6 mi (15.5 km) from King George Beach. Stokes Bay Beach and Flinders Chase National Park are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our stay was excellent with the accommodation and facilities being perfect for our sizable group (16). Highly recommended! Will, the host, was very helpful and communication was great. Perfect location for access to the Northern beaches of KI. 5 stars!
The Gum Valley Quarters was very spacious, with many bedrooms and bathrooms, to host large groups of people. There are many movies to choose from, and the drive there is scenic. There is plenty of space outside and the firepit always has wood stocked. All rooms were very clean and had fresh bathroom towels ready, as well as a room heater for the cold. Overall, this is a ideal place for large groups to stay when coming to Kangaroo Island.
A great family hideaway - so much fun. Open fires, all the amenities you need.
We had the best time, so close to fishing and we caught heaps of marron and enjoyed our stay on the property. So many beautiful day trips out in glorious wildlife and countryside. The kitchen was all stocked and we could cater for all our guests for our party with the huge oven, glasses, coffee machine, cutlery and platters to boot.
A room for everyone with and en-suite, a place for everyone at the table, everything you could possibly need in the kitchen. We had a wonderful stay excellent for a large group with kids. Definitely would recommend to anyone headed to KI in a group. Thanks again.
We have booked the accomodation for our 5 days stays for KI adventure with our extended family .With out a doubt the accomodation was best and accomodated our needs.The host was very accessable for any information.Strongly recomend Gum Valley stays for larger family or smalley ones.Regards
Lekh K.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 January 2025
Thankyou Lekh and to your extended family! We’ve loved having you stay and are thrilled you’ve all had a great experience; visiting KI is always an exciting adventure. Thanks for leaving the quarters so tidy; we’d love to have you and your family back to our unique and tranquil corner of Kangaroo Island in the future.
Verified
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.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests