Catering for the 'Walk ons'

The Islander Thursday 28th May 2026

COVE Landing apartments at Penneshaw is hoping to capitalise on those walking onto the SeaLink ferry for one-night or weekend trips through it's Wild Walk-On initiative.

Walking onto Kangaroo Island is a realistic option for South Australias thanks to Cove Landing's Wild Walk-On Initiative, according to Susan Craig.

Cove Landing apartments owner Susan Craig at Hog Bay Beach, Penneshaw, with mainland in the background (Sean McGowan Photography)

By removing the perceived need to bring a car and enabling one-night stays with an early 10am check-in, the Penneshaw-based accommodation aims to help transform the island froma "Big Trip" into an easy, spontaneous overnight stay or weekend break.

The absolute oceanfront luxury accommodation, built just two years ago by joint owners Mark Simpkin and Susan Craig, is removing the two biggest percieved barriers to visiting the Island - time and transport cost - and repositioning KI as a spontaneous one-night or weekend destination.

For many South Australians, Kangaroo Island has long been considered a "Big trip" - requiring annual leave, bringing a car, scheduling around school holidays, and careful planning.

However, Cove Landing Marina Apartments in Penneshaw KI are rewriting that narrative, demonstrating that a visit can be as simple as stepping off the ferry and into your accommodation.

Instead, Cove Landing provides a fully equipped two-bedroom apartment where guests can dine in, relax, and enjoy the space as part of the experience. It is far more than a typical one-night stay—it is not just a bed and a kettle.

The Wild Walk-On Initiative supports one-night, walk-on stays, along with an early 10:00am check-in, to maximise time on the island and make check-in day part of the holiday itself.

“This wild idea will position Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island as an extension of the Fleurieu, helping South Australians experience the island more spontaneously and more often. A bit like a day trip or weekend in the Barossa, Clare Valley or Victor Harbor—but with the unmistakable shift that happens when you leave mainland Australia and cross water to an island,” Ms Craig said.

Tourism insights for Kangaroo Island show that 81 per cent of visitors are drawn to walking and hiking, while 95 per cent seek natural beauty, wildlife, and marine experiences— placing Penneshaw’s compact, walkable environment at the centre of visitor appeal.

Recent South Australian Tourism Commission data reveals that the Clare Valley attracted approximately 143,000 intrastate visitors in 2025, compared to 55,000 visiting Kangaroo Island.

The opportunity is clear: South Australians are already travelling similar distances for short breaks.

While Kangaroo Island as a whole lends itself to longer exploration, Penneshaw stands alone as a complete and richly rewarding destination.

“Penneshaw, a stunning maritime village flanked by spectacular seascapes and landscapes, offers a wide range of experiences,” Ms Craig said.

A View from within Apartment 1-The SS Karatta, the absolute oceanfront luxury accommodation, built just two years ago.

“There are several standout walks, including the Ironstone Hill cliff-top hike overlooking Backstairs Passage, the renowned Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail and the Penneshaw cultural Township Walk, as well as a collection of much-loved local eateries and coastal favourites: the local pub with panoramic ocean views, cafes, pizza bars, a saloon, golf course, ocean safaris, penguin tours and a local IGA—all within walking distance of Cove Landing and the ferry.”

At a time when rising fuel costs are influencing how far people are willing to travel, more South Australians are staying closer to home—often overlooking Kangaroo Island as a nearby destination that feels a world away, yet sits right on our doorstep.

Mark Simpkin added: “It’s easy - just leave your car at Cape Jervis. With a walk-on ferry ticket to Kangaroo Island from around $65 or less and accommodation from as little as $99 per person per night (based on four guests in our Lily May or James Comrie apartments, plus cleaning), visitors can enjoy a luxury two bedroom apartment with lounge room, dining room, spacious modern bathrooms, balcony, laundry and a fully equipped island bar kitchen, as well as breathtaking ocean and marina views through floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors.”

A View from within Apartment 2-The SS James Comrie (Left) and Apartment 3-The YC Lily May (Right), both featuring uninterupted views of the ocean, Christmas Cove Marina around o the Penneshaw Golf Course