Kangaroo Island Information - In and around American River
Staying at American River
American River was named after the American sealers who first landed here in 1804. The ‘River’ is situated 40km from the Kangaroo Island ferry terminal at Penneshaw and 30km from the Kingscote Airport where pre-booked hire cars can be collected. American River overlooks Eastern Cove and the protected waters of Pelican Lagoon. You will have all the benefits of a small residential township with a store, Post Office, restaurants, local jetty and boat ramp.
Walking and Bird Watching
The foreshore walkway will introduce you to the peace and quiet of Pelican Lagoon and it’s abundant wildlife including swans, pelicans and cape barren geese. The bushland is home to the endangered glossy black cockatoo, and our garden attracts many of the small nectar feeding native birds. After sunset you will see tammar wallabies and bush-tailed possums in the township. There are many opportunities for short and day long coastal and bushland walks on the Island.
Fishing
American River is recognised as a great fishing spot. You can fish from the wharf or join a local fishing charter. Kangaroo Island is famous for it’s King George whiting, snapper and garfish, but if you are not a fisherman you can still enjoy local fish when dining at your choice of the Island's restaurants.
Car Touring
Places such as spectacular Pennington Bay and the safe swimming beach at Island Beach are within 20 minutes drive of Kooran Rise. You will find that American River is central for trips to Cape Willoughby, the Eucalyptus Distillery, the Honey Farm, Jumbuck Australiana Shearing and Seal Bay.
Longer Drives - Flinders Chase National Park
A longer day trip will take you to view the spectacular scenery at Flinders Chase National Park, as well as the resident kangaroos, wallabies and koalas. You will often see echidnas and goannas as you drive, so be alert! Kingscote, the main town on KI, with extra shopping, banking and dining facilities is a 30 minute drive from American River, and from here you can tour the north coast with its sweeping beaches and views.