South Australia
DUNE AND HAMILTON HOUSE KANGAROO ISLAND
It was one of the worst-hit areas in the recent bushfires, but Kangaroo Island is still open for business so you can immerse yourself in its unadulterated beauty, fresh produce and back-tonature approach. At Emu Bay, on the north of the island, sits Hamilton House and, just 400m away, its sister property Dune House. While Dune’s circular design ensures it has views from every room, we love Hamilton’s
’60s-era-beachhouse vibe, which feels carefully curated rather than daggy thanks to a total revamp in
2018. Inside, there’s an impressive kitchen fit-out that your foodie friends will love (complete with kitsch vintage cookbooks that wouldn’t look out of place on @70sdinnerparty), plus antique furniture and rugs sourced in Shanghai, and organic linen on the beds. You’re 100m from the beach, with penguin, koala and goanna sightings common, but it’s well worth venturing further afield to explore everything the island has to offer. hamiltondune.com.au
three to try Work up an appetite exploring the island, then try these local gems:
KANGAROO ISLAND SPIRITS This boutique distillery serves up award-winning gin and runs blend-your-own workshops. kispirits.com.au
EMU BAY LAVENDER A charming cafe set among rows of lavender plantations, its lavender scones are the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up. Take something home for Mum. emubaylavender.com.au
CACTUS Located inside a converted house in Kingscote, Cactus is a go-to for coffee and brunch. @cactus.kangarooisland E