American River - Kangaroo Island

American River was named by American sealers who sheltered there in the 1800's.

Matthew Flinders visited the area in 1802 and named many of the local features including Prospect Hill, Pelican Lagoon, Eastern Cove and Kangaroo Head.

Just 25 minutes from the Sealink ferry port of Penneshaw, and the airport terminal at Kingscote, American River is a sheltered small village that offers a range of accommodation from deluxe motel rooms, quality bnb's, self contained cabins & units and even a local camping ground.

This idyllic setting on Kangaroo Island has welcomed generations of holiday maker's since 1892.

Today American River is set aside as an Aquatic Reserve and is a pleasant destination which is popular with holiday maker's who want to enjoy aquatic activities including fishing, swimming, boating and sailing.

At night if you take a quiet stroll, the local Wallabies can usually be seen graizing around the town, especially in the area of the American River Post Office.

During the day the area around American River is alive with many bird species both local and migratory.

The town also boasts the first house (dating from 1844 and built out of pug and split pine by John Buick) on Kangaroo Island, and there is also a plaque to the 35 ton American Schooner "Independence" which was built there in 1804 by American Sealers & Whalers.
This was the start of the area's ship building history which was continued on for some time by John Buick and Frank Potts in 1842.