After a long year, we bet you’re keen to unwind, get away from the hustle and bustle and treat yourself to some much-needed relaxation and quality time with your loved ones. We have just the solution – a getaway at Antechamber Bay Retreats nestled on beautiful Kangaroo Island. 

Antechamber Bay is one of South Australia’s finest coastal havens boasting expansive native bush and bountiful wildlife stretched along four unspoilt kilometres of secluded white-sandy beach. 

Here you can indulge your senses and enhance your wellbeing in the privacy and comfort of two distinct beach houses, Nats and The Kona. 

Retreat owner Kate Gilfillan says her family has welcomed visitors to their 3500 acre working farm since acquiring it more than 60 years ago. 

“It’s the oldest working farm in South Australia,” says Kate. 

“My husband Andy and his father bought the farm about 65 years ago. Andy went to school in Adelaide and went off to work on several properties up north and in Western Australia before returning home to help run the farm. 

“We just love it here; the island is so special and offers so much heritage and history.” 

Historically known as Creek Bay, Antechamber Bay was first settled in the 1820s by two Kangaroo Island legends – English sealer and whaler Nat Thomas and his Tasmanian Aboriginal wife Betty. 

Kate says the area offers a ‘living slice of maritime history’ and aims to share the richness of its unique heritage with all who visit. 

“Nat Thomas was a whaler and sealer and he thought it was the best vantage point to view the whales and seals from the ocean,” she said. “Andy still finds Aboriginal stones on the property to this day. He also found the pencil Nat Thomas used to draw his stills, and we love that St Albans Lighthouse and Cape Willoughby Lighthouse still both operate to this day to keep everyone safe.” 

Both Nat’s and The Kona are inviting, family-friendly homes and each has its own authentic character and easy-going charm. 

Over the generations, Nat’s homestead has acquired modern amenities whilst still retaining its old-world charm in honor of its seafaring founder Nat Thomas. With epic ocean views over the mainland, Nat’s is suitable for a romantic getaway or a hub for family and friends and is fully equipped with a modern contemporary kitchen, barbecue and outdoor entertaining area during your stay. You’re bound to be greeted by kangaroos, possums and wallabies, along with an array of birdlife daily. 

In contrast, The Kona is a bright, easy going three-bedroom farm cottage with views of grazing sheep and rolling pasture, edged by native bushland. Named after a grand-four mastered American schooner that ran aground on nearby Scraper Shoal, it offers open plan living spaces, a large front deck with outdoor barbecue and dining area and is a beautiful vantage point to spot passing ships, wildlife at dusk and dawn and unwind and capture the essence of Creek Bay. 

And previous guests have spoken highly of their stay saying: “We have returned to Antechamber Bay seven times. We drive over from Tasmania which says a lot for the allure of this Kangaroo Island gem”. 

Another former guest adds: “If you want a great escape this is the place. Both houses have amazing views with great facilities”. 

“The setting is amazing, you look out on the ocean surrounded by sheep, kangaroos and beautiful birdlife”, says another. 

Kate says their point of difference is ‘seclusion’. 

“It’s a really unique experience where you have access to a 1000-acre beach, there are beach and bush walking trails, we’re very sustainable on the property and we are very mindful of the bush, we have solar panels and there’s a good balance,” says Kate.