Travel guide Antechamber Bay

The 2008 TakeABreak National Award for best group accommodation was deservedly awarded to the outstanding Captain’s Rest: a superb spacious four-bedroom home ideally located on 42 hectares of private land on South Australia’s pristine Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island is Australia's third largest island (after Tasmania and Melville Island) and is seven times the size of Singapore, stretching 155 km from east to west, 55 km at its widest point. Kangaroo Island is only 13 kilometres from Cape Jervis at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula on mainland South Australia and 105 kilometres from Adelaide.

Separated from mainland Australia about 9000 years ago, Kangaroo Island remains one of the most unspoilt natural wonders of the world with more than more one-third of the island still National or Conservation Park.

Captain’s Rest can be found on the magnificent Antechamber Bay. A stroll along the Chapman River to the secluded 3km long Antechamber Bay beach will set the mood for what will no doubt be a magical group holiday. 15 minutes drive away you will find the quaint seaside township of Penneshaw (and the ferry terminal) where you can find a range of facilities and a choice of restaurants. The area is also full of tracks leading along the Chapman River, through bush land, sand hills and Lashmar Lagoon. It is a natural wonderland brimming with rugged bush land, pristine beaches and an abundance of wildlife.

The property itself was built in 2006 and comfortably accommodates two active families.  The contemporary, glass-fronted home features sweeping decks that offer spectacular uninterrupted 200 degree views. The fully self-contained house comes with all the creature comforts you need for a stress-free holiday. The two master bedrooms, each with a luxurious king-size bed, will keep the adults happy while the kids will also stay in comfort, sleeping in either a bedroom with two king single beds or with two bunk beds (a cot is also available by request.)

The property also has two bathrooms one of which features a large cast iron bath for a relaxing soak after a day at the beach or bushwalk along a local track. The fully equipped laundry and full-size kitchen with family size fridge, chest freezer (for your catch of whiting) comes with all the mod-cons you need for the perfect escape. The large open plan lounge and dining areas will allow for fun group nights of charades.  The TV, video, DVD, stereo, XBOX, library of books, games and videos will keep everybody happy and the reverse cycle air-conditioner and slow combustion heater will keep the temperature perfect. Sprawl out onto the large deck and outdoor furniture as you get the BBQ started and kids look out for native wildlife.

Captain’s Rest is the perfect base from which to explore the island’s 480 kilometres of diverse and magical coastline. The huge weather-sculptured granite boulders at Remarkable Rocks and the white sand dunes of Little Sahara are just two examples of the stunning natural beauty of the island. There are endless opportunities for fishing, swimming, bushwalking and wildlife watching while indulging in some of the gourmet food and wine on offer at various points around the island is a must.

Captain’s Rest is the ideal place to plan your next group holiday. The property accommodates up to ten people in style and comfort and is superbly located on magical Kangaroo Island, where opportunities for exploration, rest and relaxation are abound.

About the author
Hannah a final year Arts student majoring in Art History and Indigenous Studies, and she loves Indigenous Art. Hannah has a passion for art, travel and writing - having travelled around much of Europe, South East Asia, the United States and India. She plans to see more of Australia with Broome in Western Australia being her most recent destination.