You’ll taste real Kangaroo Island honey straight from the source, rub eucalyptus oil between your palms at Emu Ridge, try lavender scones in a field of purple, and sip local wine and gin with new friends — all with easy pickup included. It’s a half-day full of flavors and small surprises you’ll remember long after you’ve left the island.
I didn’t expect to start my day on Kangaroo Island with honey ice cream before 10am, but there we were at Clifford’s Honey Farm, spoon in hand. The air inside was thick with that warm, sweet smell — not like supermarket honey at all. Our guide, Dave, explained the Ligurian bees’ story (I’d never even heard of them), and I tried to say “Ligurian” out loud. Pretty sure I got it wrong — Dave just grinned and handed me another sample. I still think about that first taste; it’s different when you’re standing right where it’s made.
We bumped along to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery next. The place smelled sharp and clean — almost like someone had just mopped the floor with something wild. There was a woman named Julie showing us how they distill the oil; she let us rub a drop between our palms. My hands tingled for ages after. I’d never tasted eucalyptus before (they have these little candies), and honestly, it’s weirdly good? Not what I expected from a tree.
If there’s time (and we had some), you stop at Emu Bay Lavender Farm for tea and those famous lavender scones. The color of the fields is unreal — pale purple against all that dry grass. The scone was crumbly and soft, and the tea tasted faintly floral if you paid attention. We sat outside for a bit; I remember a breeze carrying this mix of salt air and flowers. Felt like one of those moments you only notice later.
Last stops: Bay of Shoals Winery (the view over the water is something else) and then Kangaroo Island Spirits for gin tasting — which is as fun as it sounds even if you’re not usually into gin. Our group got pretty chatty by then; maybe it was the wine or just being out together in such an odd mix of places. Anyway, we ended up swapping stories with the bartender about favorite drinks back home. Didn’t want to leave yet but, well, that’s how half days go.
Yes, hotel or airport pickup and drop-off are both included in your booking.
The tour is designed as a half-day experience; exact timing depends on stops but usually covers several hours.
The tour includes tastings like honey, scones, wine, gin; contact ahead for specific dietary concerns.
Yes, infants and small children can join; prams/strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.
You’ll visit Clifford’s Honey Farm, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, Bay of Shoals Winery, Kangaroo Island Spirits, and possibly Emu Bay Lavender Farm if time permits.
Yes, public transportation options are available near some stops on Kangaroo Island.
The dress code is smart casual; comfortable shoes recommended due to walking at some stops.
Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the tour.
Your half-day includes hotel or airport pickup and drop-off by local guide Dave (or someone equally friendly), bottled water along the way, tastings at each stop — honey at Clifford’s Honey Farm (plus homemade ice cream), eucalyptus products at Emu Ridge Distillery (with a quick lesson), morning or afternoon tea with lavender scones if there’s time, wine tasting overlooking Bay of Shoals’ coastline, plus gin (and vodka/liqueur) samples at Kangaroo Island Spirits before heading back relaxed and probably a little chatty.
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