Dave
United Kingdom
Feb 1, 2018 - Mar 31, 2018
Became a member in: 2011
Renewal Date: 31/Oct/2020
Additional languages spoken
French
Affinities
Plants & Gardens,
Hiking,
The Arts,
Music Lovers
MoreLessAffiliations
Teachers / Education Professionals,
Seniors
Profession
Freelance Editor
Dave
United Kingdom
Gillian & Peter
United Kingdom
Non-simultaneous Home Exchange
Simultaneous Home Exchange
Long-term Home Exchange
Smoking Not Allowed
Children Welcome
Use of Personal Car is not possible
Open to all dates | Canada | Italy | Norway |
Open to all dates | Australia |
Description of the home we are offering for exchange
The house is 300m from the sea at Penneshaw, on Kangaroo Island, and is tucked in a peaceful valley on the edge of the town and surrounded by bush. Kangaroos and wallabies are common visitors, and local wildlife includes dolphins, seals, whales, penguins, superb blue wrens, wedgetail eagles and the rare glossy-black cockatoo.
A large shaded deck overlooks the sea, and all bedrooms have sea views and sliding doors to the veranda. It's only a five minute walk to Penneshaw's pretty beach, where I keep two kayaks for exploring the coastline and enjoying occasional encounters with our local dolphin pod.
Kangaroo Island has an abundance of wildlife, with one-quarter of the island set aside as conservation park or wilderness reserve. There are beautiful beaches along the north coast while the more rugged south coast offers surfing and fresh air all the way from the Antarctic. It is Australia's third largest island, 150km in length and 4,400 sq km in area.
Penneshaw is small but has a post office, pub and petrol station, two cafes and a well-stocked general store. Evening meals are available at several restaurants and the pub. As there is no public transport on the island a car is essential. Visitors can either bring a car from the mainland or or rent one on the island.
Several wineries offer lunch platters of local produce and have beautiful views of the water. Fishing is good, and day trips can be arranged with tour operators. A drive to Flinders Chase National Park at the western end of the island is a must.
The island is beautiful at any time of the year but favourite months to visit are spring (Sept/Oct/Nov) and autumn (March/April/May). January and February are hot but there are many beaches to choose from for a swim.
Type
House - single floor/ Main Residence
Amenities
Entertainment
Extras
Setting
Description of our neighbourhood and surrounding area
My house is one of several in a row going up the hill so there are helpful neighbours on both sides. However, because the house looks out over a largely wild valley and hillside, to the sea, it feels quite isolated and private. With only 15 houses on the road, not much traffic goes up and down. It's an easy 15 minute walk past the beach to the Penneshaw post office, coffee shop and general store. There are also community tennis courts, playground, BBQ facilities on the beach, a skateboard park and a golf course. It's a friendly community, in a pretty setting, and neatly maintained.
Outdoor Activities
Leisure
Transport Nearby
Neighbourhood Services
Our home exchange - places to go and things to do while staying in our home
It is a 3 minute walk down the hill to the shoreline, and then another 5 minutes along the coast to the main Penneshaw beach, a lovely curved sandy bay safe for children, with rock pools for exploring at either end. Access to the beach is easy, with several areas for parking right next to the sand. To the east of the house and a steep 10 minute walk (2 min drive) from the house is Baudin Conservation Park, home to many wallabies and kangaroos, as well as at least one pair of wedge-tail eagles. The park's walking track provides spectacular views over Backstairs Passage and the mainland.
Walks or jogging paths
Our home exchange - here are our Preferences and House Rules
Visitors need to be vigilant about closing the gate before dark as the wallabies, which are nocturnal, would love nothing better than to munch my garden plants.
Conditions
Use of Personal Car
Home Exchange Type
Became a member in: 2011
Renewal Date: 31/Oct/2020
Additional languages spoken
French
Affinities
Plants & Gardens,
Hiking,
The Arts,
Music Lovers
MoreLessAffiliations
Teachers / Education Professionals,
Seniors
Profession
Freelance Editor
Dave
United Kingdom
Gillian & Peter
United Kingdom
Over 70 years of home exchange experience
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