US Schooner Independence

Kangaroo Island


In a big tin boatshed near the American River jetty, the timber ribs of the new US Schooner Independence are slowly starting to resemble a hull. A volunteer group is constructing this replica of the first boat built in South Australia, knocked together by a crew of American sealers in 1803. Hours vary; stop by and see if it's open.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kangaroo Island attractions

1. Island Beach

1.66 MILES

Loong beach between Penneshaw and American River, backed by rows of fancy beach houses. Go for a wander and see what's washed in on the tide.

2. Browns Beach

4.79 MILES

A lovely protected beach, around 14km southwest of Penneshaw en route to American River and Kingscote. Good for a quick dip.

3. Flour Cask Bay

7.73 MILES

Down a well-maintained dirt road south of American River, this remote beach is just the spot for a little soul-searching, a breezy paddle in the brine or…

4. Penneshaw Maritime & Folk Museum

10.15 MILES

Inside a 1922 stone school house, this salty museum displays artefacts from local shipwrecks and early white settlement (check out those girthsome…

5. Kangaroo Island Farmers Market

10.55 MILES

Has baked goods, chutneys, seafood, olive oil, honey, eggs, cheese, yoghurt and of course wine and dodgy buskers (including, once, a certain Lonely Planet…

6. Frenchman's Rock

10.82 MILES

When intrepid French explorer Nicholas Baudin surveyed the KI coast in 1803, he came ashore at what's now Penneshaw for a look around. He left his mark:…

7. Clifford's Honey Farm

12.15 MILES

It's worth swimming the Backstairs Passage for the honey ice cream (sourced from rare Ligurian bees) at this charming, uncommercial farm, which is a bit…

8. Emu Ridge Farm Eucalyptus Distillery

12.31 MILES

A detour off Hog Bay or Birchmore roads takes you past this self-sufficient operation (all solar-, steam- and wind-powered) extracting eucalyptus oil from…

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