Where are the best tasting oysters in the world?

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Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the coast of Australia.

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It is separated from the mainland by 17kms of water in back stairs passage.

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To get to the island you need to travel by ferry (ex Cape Jervis) or by plane (ex Adelaide).

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American River is located about 20 minute drive from Penneshaw, where the ferry docks, and 20 minutes drive from Kingscote, the main town on the island.

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There is a range of accommodation available in American River including camping/caravan sites, self-contained holiday homes and motel accommodation.

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American River History

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Our pretty little town was named after a group of Americans who sailed into Pelican Lagoon in 1803-04 and built a 30 ton vessel named Independence using local pine trees.  A replica of the Independence is being built on the wharf by a group of local enthusiasts and is worth a visit.

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American River has a history based around the sea with ketches trading between American River and Port Adelaide shipping salt gypsum, superphosphate and tons of mallee wood.

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American River was well known for its prolific fishing in particular large catches of whiting.  Around 1890 a fish canning industry began operating halfway between American River and Ballast Head (Birth of American River 1802 and events to 1978 C A Thomas) it ran for about two years and employed approximately 40 men.  “The tinned fish was boiled in shallow, cast iron pans, with a small vent, left open for four hours, then sealed and boiled for a further four hours.”  It closed down as they didn’t have any way of keeping the excess fish.  After the cannery closed, a small group of Chinese settled in American River with a plan to salt fish.  This venture didn’t last long either.

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The SA Crayfish industry was founded in American River and it was also home to the one and only railway on Kangaroo Island which carted salt from Muston!

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So we think our little Oyster Farm Shop is the ideal venture to follow in the tradition of this fishing village.

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Things to do in American River

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• Relax with friends and enjoy local produce and locally made beverages at our Farm Shop.

• Take one of the many marked walking trails in American River (ask for a brochure).

• Play a game of tennis or shoot some hoops on our courts

• Birdwatchers paradise keep a look out for the rare Glossy Black Cockatoo.

• Throw a line in off the jetty and see what takes your bait.

• Drive to Pennington Bay and experience our Island’s rugged southern coastline.

• Hire a kayak and paddle up into Pelican Lagoon.

• Check out The Rig Shed where they are building a replica of The Independence

• Drive to Redbanks beach and watch the colours from the sunset on the cliffs.