Tourism development part funded Cove Landing Marina Apartments launched at Penneshaw

The Islander; 1st August 2024 by Stan Gorton

The apartments at Cove Landing have 270-degree panoramic views, with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies that wrap around half of the building.

The Cove Landing Marina Apartment development comprises three two-bedroom apartments and is ready to welcome guests ashore to Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island.

Developers and owners Susan Craig and Mark Simpkin have decades of personal and deep connections to Kangaroo Island, and received part funding for the Cove Landing development as a successful recipient of the state government’s Tourism Industry Development Fund.

The cornerstone of the visitor experience at Cove Landing is the 270-degree panoramic views to the north, east and west, with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies that wrap around half of the building taking in captivating sunrises and sunsets, ocean views and a vibrant marina and boating precinct.

Cove Landing offers “the utmost in modern comforts for guests”, and also gives a hat tip to the maritime history and early pioneers of Penneshaw and Kangaroo Island.

Each apartment is named after ships of significance that were the lifeblood of the island providing cargo, communications and passengers; the YC Lily May, SS James Comrie and SS Karatta.

Incorporated into the décor, guests will discover early settler stories, with shaker and vertical joint cabinetry and elements of wrought iron, breathing life into the rich maritime history of Kangaroo Island seafarers and pioneers.

The exterior resembles a maritime dockyard, displaying hints of heritage galvanized fencing, exposed galvanized iron sections, limestone and a feature wall constructed with parts of the old Kingscote Jetty.

Mark and Susan said the availability of 12 new beds to Penneshaw would contribute significantly to Kangaroo Island’s visitor economy, with a potential contribution of around $600,000 per year, based on the Tourism Optimisation Model report 2022/23.

The Cove Landing development project engaged primarily the resources of Kangaroo Island builders, trades and allied services.

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison welcomed the new accommodation.

“The new glorious Cove Landing Marina Apartments celebrate the beauty Kangaroo Island is known for worldwide and is perfectly located for guests to enjoy some of the region’s most treasured destinations,” Ms Bettison said.

“More accommodation like the Cove Landing Marina Apartments will help provide an important boost to the region, enticing visitors to linger longer and driving growth in Kangaroo Island’s visitor economy, which is currently worth $219 million annually.

“This project is supported by the State Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Tourism Industry Development Fund and is a great example of operator innovation which will bring benefits to the wider region.”

Cove Landing Marina Apartments is located less than 1km from the main ferry terminal and in walking distance of historic Penneshaw.

“It has all the calm and unbridled freedom of what might be expected from a remote island and historic seaside village,” Mark and Susan said.

“Together with local premium food, wine and culture wrapped in stunning seascapes and salty air, with KI wilderness lingering in the distance, visitors will be impressed.”