Dudley Peninsula Highlights

• Summary
• Weather for Dudley Peninsula Highlights

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse: Strategically sited on the eastern-most point of Kangaroo Island - is a major component of Australia's coastal navigational aids.

Christmas Cove: Captain Matthew Flinders landed near here in 1802. One of the granite boulders on the beach bears a plaque commemorating this historic landing. The granite boulders have a much longer history, having been left in the cove by a glacier over 200 million years ago. Scratch marks made by the slow moving ice can be seen in the rock faces at the northern end of the cove. For over 150 years this sheltered cove has been a haven for small boats. Before the jetty was built, ketches were loaded from here. The Gateway Information Centre is located above Christmas Cove. This centre is now the final resting place for the original Frenchman's Rock, and an interpretive display on the Island. The Centre also stocks a range of souvenirs and local produce. A mosaic plaza depicting the history of KI, titled "Art as History" adjoins the Information Centre.

Prospect Hill: Along the main Kingscote to Penneshaw Road, near American River, Prospect Hill was originally named by Captain Matthew Flinders. The hill provides a marvellous view of Pelican Lagoon, the rolling hills, and the Southern Ocean at Pennington Bay. As the highest point in the area, the hill was climbed by Flinders to survey the Island. There are steps to take you to the top with a rewarding view. On arrival at the top, looking North you will see the whole vista of Pelican Lagoon and American River, and on a clear day, you can see Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills. To the South you will see the sweep of the South Coast and Pennington Bay.

Windmill Bay: The beach is covered with almost perfectly round rocks and pebbles; a look at the roaring surf as it crashes over the rocks will soon give you the clue to their formation. The beach has a fresh water well, which still provides water for stock. The road winds along the valley. In summer you drive under the shade of large, cool gums; in winter the landscape is intersected by little streams and pools. The wine industry on Kangaroo Island is small but growing. As the first cellar open to the public, it provides the opportunity to taste some of the Island's wines, and meet some local personalities.

Pennington Bay: Pennington Bay is a wonderful surf beach, but extreme care should be used as this spot. It can even be dangerous for experienced swimmers and surfers.In rough weather, the southerly winds blow at gale force crashing huge waves on the shore that can be heard at American River, 9 km away.

Frenchmans Rock: White dome shelters a replica of a rock engraved by a sailor from the expedition of the French explorer Captain Nicholas Baudin, who came ashore to fill his water casks. This occurred after meeting with Matthew Flinders at Encounter Bay.

Hog Bay: The site for the town's jetty, also offers facilities for swimming and boating. Penguins at night.

Antechamber Bay: Has a long wide beach, picnic and barbecue facilities and good fishing grounds.

Chapman River: Is located west of Antechamber Bay. It is a tree lined river with fishing, toilet and picnic facilities, ideal for swimming and bushwalking.