Pennington Bay is across Hog’s Bay Road from the southern tip of Pelican Lagoon, 20 minutes from Penneshaw via route B23, making it an easy first stop on island road trips. Due to the wave breaks, the beach is not ideal for swimming, and much better for surfing. Although remote, the bay is a common stop on island tours, including sightseeing and wine-tasting combinations, shore excursions from Penneshaw, and island-wide 4X4 outings.
Pennington Bay is among the top surf destinations on Kangaroo Island.
Lodgings are limited to a fishing camp and a holiday home on Pennington Bay Road.
Facilities include a small parking, public restrooms, and a rugged, natural fishing point.
Take caution when swimming or surfing, as the powerful swells can be dangerous.
Pennington Bay is 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) south of Hog Bay Road—the main road connecting Kingscote and Penneshaw. The road to Pennington Bay is unpaved but is accessible for most types of vehicles. When driving south from Penneshaw, the turn-off onto Pennington Bay Road turns just past the Matthew Flinders Monument and Muston Road.
Pennington Bay and Kangaroo Island are year-round destinations. The Australian summer from December to February generally brings ideal beach weather. However, locals say that autumn between March and May is the best time to visit, as these cooler months usher in the wildflower season, good opportunities to spot endangered birds, and the best surf conditions across Australia.
Pennington Bay is known for being a top surfing destination on Kangaroo Island, but there are others. Hanson’s Bay Beach, located on the island’s southwest side, is considered a surfing paradise but unsuitable for beginners. Novices and boogie boarders should instead head to Snelling Beach on the northern coast—here you may also encounter dolphins in the water. Other top surf outposts include Stoke’s Bay, Emu Bay, and Vivonne Bay.
