Upgraded Penneshaw People’s Jetty opens
Tuesday 13 October 2026
The public jetty at Penneshaw Harbour has reopened ahead of summer, following the completion of a $14.9 million upgrade.
A new concrete boardwalk, supported by new steel piles, connects the refurbished end of the original timber jetty to the foreshore.
The ‘People’s Jetty of Penneshaw’ as it has come to be known locally, now has its own entrance separate from the ferry terminal.
This will allow members of the public to access it while ferries are berthing.
Previously, the public jetty closed for safety reasons when ferries were berthing, sometimes leaving people stranded on the jetty.
The temporary berthing pontoon for cruise ship tenders has been removed and the space has been refreshed.
The permanent docking area for the tenders has been reinstated in its original location and upgraded in time for the cruise season.
New durable and long-lasting handrails on the jetty will improve safety, and new lighting will ensure the jetty can be enjoyed day and night.
The timber jetty – initially known as the Hog Bay Jetty – was built in 1902 after local residents lobbied the Marine Board for a proper landing facility.
Famous coastal steamships like the SS Karatta regularly docked at the jetty to load cargo and to transport passengers between the mainland and Kangaroo Island.
The latest works will ensure the Penneshaw jetty continues to provide social and environmental benefits for the community well into the future.
Other elements of the Penneshaw port were separately upgraded as part of the $73 million Kangaroo Island ports upgrade project, completed in October 2025. The project also included upgrades to the port at Cape Jervis.
The upgraded ports now feature new fit-for-purpose facilities, which will facilitate an increased number of ferry services, faster turnaround times and improved safety for the new vessels and passengers, particularly during adverse weather and storms.
For more information, please go to Cape Jervis and KI Ports Upgrade - Department for Infrastructure and Transport - South Australia.
To plan for the longer-term future of the Penneshaw harbour, a master plan was released in June last year.
It sets out plans for future enhancements of the surrounding precinct, with a vision to deliver local benefits while meeting region-wide needs.
A plan was also developed for Cape Jervis. Both plans reflect local voices and regional priorities and are a key step in shaping the future of these important gateways.
The master plans will be used to guide future development and funding decisions.
To view the master plans, please visit Master Planning for Harbour Precincts - Department for Infrastructure and Transport - South Australia