Woolgrowing on Kangaroo Island began in 1836 and we’re dedicated to maintaining our long-held reputation for quality. Our merinos are bred from the top 10% of Australian rams to ensure continuous improvement in both wool quality and robust, healthy animals.
PREMIUM FARMS
We look after our sheep.
Producing premium wool requires premium standards. We believe if we look after our sheep, they’ll look after us. Our animal welfare code of practice is overseen by our veterinarians and ensures the highest standards of care, every day.
Each year, our sheep are shorn on the farms where they live. The fleeces are skirted, leaving only the highest quality wool, and classed on-site. Our landscape is kind on wool, so our fleece is cleaner than most, and our premium clip is consistently finer than the Australian average.
OUR FLEECE
We keep track of our wool on its travels.
Our fleece, now skirted and classed, is pressed into bales for the journey to the mainland. There’s only one way off Kangaroo Island for our wool – across the treacherous waters of Backstairs Passage. On modern ferries, the crossing is benign, but this stretch of water has claimed many ships in past history.
We keep track of our wool on its travels, and can trace each bale back to the flock it was shorn from. Once it reaches the mainland (sometimes called the Big Island by locals), it undergoes testing to determine its quality and certify that it is free of any chemical residue.
While much of it is then sold, a special portion is destined to return to its source as beautiful woolen garments and accessories.
At Kangaroo Island Wool, we use advanced WholeGarment® technology by Shima Seiki to knit each piece in one complete process, eliminating the need for cutting or sewing.
This seamless method not only creates superior comfort and fit but also dramatically reduces yarn waste. By producing only what is needed, we honour the principles of slow fashion — creating garments that are beautifully made, durable, and kind to the environment.