Single Kayak • Double/Family kayak • Kids kayak
Launch from the Penneshaw Penguin Centre and spend seven hours chasing quiet coves, wildlife, and open water along Kangaroo Island’s northern shore. This self-guided kayak hire offers flexibility, family-friendly craft, and direct access to marine wildlife viewing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with moderate fitness who can paddle for several hours and perform basic self-rescue; confident swimmers only.
Wildlife
History
Penneshaw Penguin Centre focuses on little penguin conservation and provides local context for marine wildlife seen from the water.
Conservation
Keep distance from wildlife, avoid beach landings near nesting habitat, and follow guidance from the Penguin Centre to reduce disturbance.
Penneshaw Penguin Centre
Single Kayak • Double/Family kayak • Kids kayak
Penneshaw Penguin Centre is a small wildlife operator based in Penneshaw, South Australia. The Centre offers a Penguin and Wildlife Night Walking Tour, a 60-minute evening walk led by friendly guides to view the Little Penguins that come ashore. The guided walk includes interpretation about penguin behaviour and habitat and provides opportunities to see other nocturnal animals such as Tammar Wallabies and Brushtail Possums. The experience emphasizes respectful wildlife viewing at night and includes a return visit option if penguins are elusive on the first outing.
Visitors join a short coastal walk with a guide who points out local wildlife and explains natural history relevant to penguins and other species seen. The tour runs in the evening and is timed to coincide with penguin activity, giving participants a practical chance to observe penguins in their natural environment. The Centre operates from Penneshaw and presents a focused, single-tour offering suited to people seeking close penguin encounters and family-friendly wildlife viewing.
Information about booking, meeting times, and what to bring is provided by the Centre at time of reservation. The Centre’s guided night walks are centered on live animal viewing and education, with attention to minimizing disturbance to wildlife. Photographs and reports from past visitors document sightings of Little Penguins, Tammar Wallabies and Brushtail Possums during tours. The Penguin and Wildlife Night Walking Tour lasts sixty minutes and is presented as an evening guided wildlife experience in Penneshaw, South Australia, with guides assisting visitors to observe and learn about local nocturnal species.
Tour Length
60 minutes
Evening guided walk
Location
Penneshaw, South Australia
Local coastal meeting point
Guide Style
Friendly guides
Guided night wildlife walks
Wildlife Seen
Little Penguins +
Also Tammar Wallabies, Brushtail Possums
Reserve the Penguin and Wildlife Night Walking Tour — 60 minutes of evening wildlife viewing in Penneshaw. Bookings include a return option if penguins are not seen.
Check the tide chart
Tidal range affects launch points and currents—plan low-to-mid tide launches for easier beach access.
Bring a dry bag
Limited loaner dry bags are available; bring your own to protect electronics and layers.
Scout wind and swell
Penneshaw is exposed to Southern Ocean winds—avoid outings in strong onshore or gusty conditions.
Supervise children
Children must be supervised at all times; choose doubles or kids’ kayaks and stay close to shore.
Personal Flotation Device (life jacket)
Included with hire but bring a preferred fit for comfort and safety.
Dry bag (10–20L)
Protects phone, layers, and snacks from spray and accidental swamping.
Spray jacket or windbreaker
Keeps you warm and dry when wind or spray picks up, especially outside summer.
spring
Spare paddle
Handy backup in case of equipment loss or breakage on longer routes.