A short overseas adventure (well sort of)

[VPS]

I really enjoyed the Raptor display and would recommend it to anyone else going

 

[Matt_01]

I really enjoyed the Raptor display and would recommend it to anyone else going

There was some push back from MissM to come back for the show but based on timing it was not possible. We did what I expect most parents do and told her it was likely to be similar to others she had seen. MrsM then went on to remind her we had been to similar shows in places such as Singapore (the bird park).

 

[Matt_01]

Dinner tonight was in the same place and we are eating our way through what is on offer. We did want to go somewhere else but there is not much/nothing open on a Sunday night even within a reasonable KI driving distance. There was only 2 for dinner this evening, MissM decided she was happy with heat up noodles in the room.

For starters - Native Dukah Roast Pumpkin Dip

Mains - MrsM had the same as last night but on arrival it would seem there is a different chef of duty as the plate was dressed differently and the veg had been trimmed (no woody asparagus ends)

I had the rib eye - it looked good but was a bit tough and under cooked, rib eye is not something that I normally order as more chef seem to get this cut wrong or at least that is my experience.

My choice for desert and ordered the one that I had wanted - Licorice Icecream with rhubarb pate de fruit and ginger white chocolate crumb with meringue and raspberry.

It was washed down with a bottle of the ‘Bay of Shoals Rose’

And a glass of Islander ‘The Red’ Shiraz.

 

[Matt_01]

KI was one of those places we had planned to go to and pre Covid it was just pushed to the background. We have now been here and these are my thoughts/ opinions:
1. Must have a car - KI is small but attractions are spread out and it is easy to rack up mileage.
2. A 4x4 is not needed however any SUV or vehicle with longer travel shocks may be a better option. The unsealed roads can vary from excellent (like sealed) to not so good or worse.
2. Fuel is not cheap - by my rough calculations fuel is about 20-30% higher than the mainland. It can be higher at some places.
3. Is there a central location - IME No. Kingscote and Penneshaw are the largest areas with the most ammenities. We stayed at American River for no other reason than I was familiar with the Mercure chain. The owner of the hotel lives onsite and is one of the nicest people I have met, our experience was great.
4. The west coast is the best part.

 

[VPS]

How did you rate the food standard. For a place that rates itself as having great produce the end product isn’t always great.

I also felt despite best intentions their customer service levels were very variable.

Having said that, it is beautiful

 

[Daver6]

There was only 2 for dinner this evening, MissM decided she was happy with heat up noodles in the room.

No dessert for her?

4. The west coast is the best part.

So pretty much the same as mainland Australia then

 

[drron]

But doesn't Australia now stop at the WA/NT and SA borders?

 

[Daver6]

But doesn't Australia now stop at the WA/NT and SA borders?

You win this round @drron <insert shaking fist here>

 

[JohnM]

But doesn't Australia now stop at the WA/NT and SA borders?

Yes... - when looking east.

 

[Matt_01]

Last day on KI but a few more places to visit, first being Springs Road

I forgot to post this on the other day KI Spirits

Next was The Islander

 

[Matt_01]

Penneshaw

Then more winery’s, Dudley Wines

False Cape Wines

 

[Matt_01]

Last place to visit was the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse.

Prior to the ferry arriving we stopped for an early dinner which was not a healthy option but tasted good.

The bus that floats has returned to take us back to the mainland.

All packed and ready to go

 

[Matt_01]

How did you rate the food standard. For a place that rates itself as having great produce the end product isn’t always great.

I also felt despite best intentions their customer service levels were very variable.

Having said that, it is beautiful

As for the food, the evening meals and breakfast were in the same place i.e. the hotel, the food was good but that also comes down to the chef. We were staying in American River and did consider venturing north or south to the bigger places but didn't bother the main reason after getting back to the hotel and then looking to book most restaurants were listed as temporary closed, I am not sure if this was Covid related or the fact we were visiting in the winter season. Within the American River area there was another restaurant that is normally open all year round and was recommended by the hotel manager, it was just bad luck that the weekend we were there the restaurant was hosting a fundraising event and not taking bookings. Outside of the 4 major centers being Kingscoate, Penneshaw, Parndana and Vivonne Bay and I only call out these places as major centers as these are the only places that fuel is available the places to eat seemed to be few and far between.

The customer service at the Mercure was exceptional, and wonder if the manager is also the owner. As for the winery's the hosts were great, chatty and were engaging. Some of this I suspect was due to Covid as they were all interested to know where we were from and in general conversation informed us that visitor numbers had been up and down based on SA border Restrictions.

I agree the Island is beautiful and despite the off season I am glad we went there in the first week of spring (late wet SA winter) as the place was green and the weather was cool but not cold. Would we go back there again, not sure. This statement is not meant to downplay KI we had 4 full days there which for us was about right and we saw all the major sites. If into camping and hiking maybe allow some more time, this is not our thing. If we do go back it will be to stay at the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse and/or Cape De Couedic in winter.

 

[drron]

Thanks for the report.We have been before but it was at the Southern Ocean Lodge which was fantastic.Will go again to explore the East.

 

[Pushka]

How did you rate the food standard. For a place that rates itself as having great produce the end product isn’t always great.

I also felt despite best intentions their customer service levels were very variable.

Having said that, it is beautiful

Agree. The Prices are high but the quality isn't. These dishes do look a lot better though.