Samphire is a stunning holiday house that is located directly on the waters edge, with incredible views across the American River Channel to Island Beach. There is no other house in this position. An ideal spot for bird watchers, nature lovers, fisherfolk or a family just wanting to hide away for a while.
The 3 bedroom house sleeps up to 8 people. Layout includes master room with queen bed and amazing views, a guest room with queen bed, also sea views, and a custom-built bunk room with 2x doubles and 2x singles on top. There is one bathroom with shower and a separate toilet with full vanity. The kitchen has all the modern facilities required to prepare beautiful meals.
There is a wood burning combustion fireplace and reverse cycle air con and heating. This house offers all of the modern conveniences while being immersed in nature. When we say that the house is directly on the waters edge, we are not exaggerating. It’s a beautiful spot!
We are confident you will love the house itself. It is tastefully decorated. As one of our recent guests commented, it has the sense of escape but with a thoughtfully appointed kitchen, large windows overlooking American River and extensive provisions, it never feels like a vacation rental. Guests often comment that they struggled to leave the house to tour the Island – although tour you must! It’s a wonderful island. We have many returning guests who having been once and toured extensively, return for a second trip, to just sit a while.
We particularly love the young families who find a little respite here. There are tennis courts and playgrounds and the shoreline to explore. Parents can relax on the verandah while the kids are at play. The front waters are calm and shallow and the shoreline made for foraging. (The tidal inlet water is too shallow for swimming but we can of course send you to many nearby perfect swimming beaches.) Try for squid all year from the boat ramp or wharf. The bunk room may even entice the young ones to bed!
As evening falls, you can sit around the outdoor firepit or the indoor fire and relax some more. It might even be the most loved house activity, going on our guest comments.
Our super-dooper local property manager, April, is an exceptional communicator and will answer all your queries about the Island and help you design your tour schedule should you wish.
Oh, and don’t forget to put the bread maker on before you head off to bed. You’ll want to wake up to (sunrise, birdsong and) the smell of fresh bread and thick pieces of buttered toast – you ARE on holidays.
This is strictly a no pet property. Sorry, but this is not negotiable.
We do not supply beach towels. You will need to pack and bring beach towels with you, as we only supply in-house bath towels.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
American River
Located in American River, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Beyeria Conservation Park and Nepean Bay Conservation Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Penneshaw Maritime & Folk Museum and Kingscote Tidal Pool. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking, snorkelling and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park - 43 min drive - 77.8 km
Getting around
Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote) - 25 min drive
Restaurants
Oyster Farm Shop - 6 min walk
Samphire Restaurant - 11 min walk
The River Deck Cafe - 10 min walk
The Deck cafe on the wharf - 10 min walk
Glossy Black Restaurant - 13 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Samphire, Absolute Waterfront pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Samphire, Absolute Waterfront ?
As of 12 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Samphire, Absolute Waterfront on 24 Jul, 2026 start from S$331, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Samphire, Absolute Waterfront ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Samphire, Absolute Waterfront ?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Samphire, Absolute Waterfront ?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Samphire, Absolute Waterfront located?
This family-friendly American River holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 10-minute walk of The Oyster Farm Shop and Buick Point. Prospect Hill is 7.7 mi (12.3 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Right on the edge of the lagoon (American River). Super quiet with entertainment by 9 pelicans, two black swans and numerous other shore birds. Property manager, April, was very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. We would love to come again and stay longer.
Accommodation very comfortable and well equipped. Location stunning. We enjoyed the seafood from the oyster farm close by. Also beautiful food at the local Samphire restaurant...
Lovely place, beautiful view, better weather than we expected. Enjoyed the Cannery Trail bush walk nearby. Beds were comfortable & cosy.Kitchen had everything we needed. Thank you for a wonderful family holiday.
We had a wonderful time at Samphire. The check in was easy (we even got an early check in) and April was always quick to respond when we had any questions. We loved every bit of the house and can only recommend it.
Excellent location and beautiful outlook … black swans galore and pelicans not to mention the beautiful little ‘superb fairy wrens’ … exactly as advertised and more … loved the tech stuff… so many charging points and sockets… we had a great time … thank you
We had the best time here, the house is very cosy, comfortable and peaceful with spectacular views over the water, we even woke up for a couple of sunrises which we could watch from bed! We can't wait to come back
The location was fantastic. House and beds were very comfortable We had a great stay and would come back again the wildlife out the front was good to watch as we had afternoon drinks on the deck.
Samphire was in an idyllic location - every morning we rose before dawn to watch the sunrise from just outside our door and we spent evenings stargazing. The house was comfortable,and relaxing, and it was a truly magical stay.
We loved every minute of our seaside stay at Samphire. Beautifully appointed with local artwork and a kitchen filled with everything you need to cook up a feast. Comfortable beds and furniture. We couldn’t ask for more.
The house is right on the bay. You can spend all day watching birds and the water. Or you can venture out and explore the island. American River is sort of in the middle of everything but a 30 minute drive to other towns. Eating out is limited in America River but we did find Samphire Restaurant which is a must do for dinner. Walking distance and the food was the best meal we had on the island. Stay at this house, it is truly perfect. Photos taken from the deck.
This was the second time we stayed at The Saphire and it didn't let us down. The property was cosy and clean and the location absolutely perfect.
Loved It!
Angela S.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept, 2022
Thanks Angela! Happy to host you again, we are very happy you enjoyed the vibe here. We love it too!
warmly
April J
Property manager.
Loved having outdoor fire pit right by the water and having the family all together
The property was very comfortable and well catered. Only negative was the main bedroom bed mattress rolls into the middle (good for cuddling hahaha)
Tina R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug, 2023
Tina!! Very sorry about the bed. We have never had that happen before. In fact a couple of times a year people want to know what the mattress is so they can purchase! So I checked yesterday and centre support had come completely unscrewed. We’ve fixed it now. Kindest Alison
About the host
Hosted by April Jenkins
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests