American River Motel - Kangaroo Island

The American River Motel has 27 modern, three star rated rooms close to the beaches of Eastern Cove. We offer a variety of comfortable accommodation to suit every traveller and budget, from deluxe suites with queen size beds, private balcony and sea views, to economy single, double and triple rooms. Our rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, refrigerators, private bathrooms, televisions and free internet access as well as a fully equipped guest kitchen and laundry.

The Riverview Restaurant is Kangaroo Island's premier and largest restaurant. It has stunning sea views and the best equipped kitchen on the island. Our chef prepares a selection of traditional and modern dishes from fresh local produce, served in our fully licensed restaurant. Choose from our comprehensive wine list specialising in quality South Australian wines.

Things to See and Do in American River and on Kangaroo Island

American River was named after a camp of American sealers who arrived in 1803 and spent four months in the area building a schooner from local timber. The area teems with birdlife including pelicans, black swans, ibis and the rare glossy black cockatoo. Wallabies, possums and echidnas abound in the nearby wooded slopes and kangaroos can be found all over the island. Kangaroo Island sea lions and New Zealand fur seals can also be seen. Fishing is superb whether you're catching whiting from the jetty or out on a fishing charter. The annual fishing competition in January is a popular event.

Other activities on Kangaroo Island include visits to wineries and local art galleries, bushwalking, boating, birdwatching, surfing, golfing, scuba diving, and bike touring. Some of Kangaroo Island's spectacular sights and seascapes including drifting sand dunes (Little Sahara), Vivonne Bay (voted best Australian beach), Kelly Hill caves and the beautiful Flinders Chase National Park.

For nature lovers, Kangaroo Island is a feast for the senses. There are secluded beaches where you can relax in the sun, or try your hand at ocean fishing. There are small towns with intimate restaurants and stores showcasing local artwork. There are dense, ancient forests that are only a short drive from the island's charming hamlets. Half the native bushland on Kangaroo Island remains just as it was when British navigator Matthew Flinders arrived in 1802. And more than one-third of the Island is National or Conservation Park.

Visit Cape Willoughby Conservation Park the site of South Australia's first lighthouse built in 1852. The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and historical light keepers' cottages are fascinating landmarks. Weirs Cove and Admiral's Arch offer awe inspiring glimpses of natural beauty. 4WD trips into the island's bushland area are recommended, venture to the remarkable western coastline of the island, where two of the Southern Hemisphere's three species of seals have made their homes among a dramatic backdrop of tumultuous seas and rocky coastal outcrops.

Finding Us

The Sealink Ferries depart from the mainland at Cape Jervis and arrive at Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. KI Ferries depart from Wirrina Cove and land at Kingscote. Ask about the shuttle service from Adelaide. You can also fly with REX - Regional Express Airlines, and car hire is available at the airport. The Getting Here page on our website has links to ferry schedules and other transport options.