Luxury Accommodation on Kangaroo Island

‘The hotels of the future are all about their lush environment’, writes Christine Chitnis, an aspect that was key in the rebuild of Southern Ocean Lodge. Writing for Traveller, Ben Groundwater reflects on the rebirth of Southern Ocean Lodge, rebuilt five years after bushfires. Guests savour fine dining and signature tours to sites like Seal Bay, yet his joy comes at dawn, watching the ocean horizon glow with colour luxury accommodation Kangaroo Island - a daily reminder of renewal woven into the lodge’s very foundations. Southern Ocean Lodge has been recognised with the American Express Travel One To Watch Award for 2025.
Sister to One KI, Walcowrie is a spacious, self-contained contemporary beach house that sleeps up to 8 guests. Sitting pretty on Emu Bay’s hill, The Cape is a gem on Kangaroo Island, offering breathtaking panoramic views. This chic retreat features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a stunning living area that flows seamlessly onto a spacious deck. If you’re after a fully contained, self-catered space that you can call home away from home, then the Headland Lodge is for you.

There are also BBQ facilities, a sheltered picnic area, a playground, and a water source. Discovery Lagoon Caravan and Camping Grounds also offers an Eco-Glamping cottage that runs 100% on solar power, with heating for the winter and AC for the summer. Located in Newland, within 45 km of Flinders Chase National Park, Roolagoon Homestead offers accommodation with air conditioning. A stay in one of the three self-contained properties at Antechamber Bay Retreats is a fully immersive experience of Kangaroo Island’s most coveted natural treasures. The property’s award-winning fine dining offering, Reflections Restaurant, is an excellent place to dine for an evening.
A complete guide to Kangaroo Island accommodation, including the best places to stay, from luxury to budget to unique experiences, and a full list of campsites in Kangaroo Island. With unpowered sites only, Browns Beach Campground overlooks the family-friendly beach located on the north coast of the island. Being just 15 minutes’ drive from Penneshaw, it’s no hassle to duck back into town if you need any further supplies – or a bottle from one of Kangaroo Island’s best wineries. Set within 60 hectares of pure nature in a private wildlife sanctuary, Ecopia Retreat offers off-grid luxury with plenty of heart. Stowaway is for those who allow aesthetically designed properties to influence their booking decisions. From the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape to the lush furnishings, scenic reading nooks, fireplace, free-standing bath, neutral tones and wooden floorboards within the property – you’ll be hooked.

Celebrated around the world as the genesis of experiential luxury in Australia, Southern Ocean Lodge crowns the wildly beautiful clifftops on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. The award-winning lodge comes complete with breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, the magnificent Great Room with its floor to ceiling windows and string of luxurious guest suites easing along the coastline. Combining contemporary design, world-class dining and a personal connection with nature, Southern Ocean Lodge celebrates the resilient spirit of Kangaroo Island, its wildlife and its community. Kangaroo Island is one of the last remaining, truly unspoiled places on earth and an unmissable place to stay in Australia. The vast wilderness is full of incredible views, pristine beaches, stunning coasts, and so much wildlife. We’ve listed all the best places to stay on Kangaroo Island, from luxury retreats to unique stays.
Kangaroo Island sits a mere 15km from the shores of South Australia. Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island, spanning 155km in length by 55km in width. Southern Ocean Lodge is located at Hanson Bay on the island’s south-west coast, a 50-minute drive from the airport or 90-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
I expected to see animals, but I didn’t expect to see two cheetahs stalking the fenceline just behind my tent at check-in. Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island has been named in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places List for 2023. There are 50 extraordinary travel destinations named in this, TIME’s third annual list – and you can see the full list here. Take a moment to watch ‘Sunshine Rising’, a documentary that charts the course of the recreation of Southern Ocean Lodge. The film captures the planning, construction and very personal reactions and reflections from those working on the site over the lodge’s four-year path to reopening. Southern Ocean Lodge has taken out a trifecta in the Luxury Travel magazine's 2024 Gold List.

Sensitively designed to blend seamlessly with the wildly beautiful landscape, Southern Ocean Lodge appears to float along its secluded clifftop setting. The premium Osprey Suite combines striking architectural design with soul stirring panoramic views of the Southern Ocean to create an unforgettable nature-meets-luxury experience. Ecopia is a large property dedicated to the conservation of natural bushland, providing habitat for an enormous amount of wildlife.
Seaside Garden Cottages are 3 beautifully presented, architect-designed private cottages, conveniently set on adjacent properties in a peaceful half-acre garden setting. They are special places for couples, families and friends to enjoy, relax and create precious memories. The Nest has been designed to fully encapsulate the beautiful panoramic views of the coast and the conservation park. Lathami Conservation Park is home to a rare population of glossy-black cockatoos, kangaroos, echidnas and many more iconic Kangaroo Island wildlife, which will likely make their way past your Stowaway during sunset.

For a change in pace, spend the night in a fully decked-out tent with contemporary amenities or rug up in a cosy beachside shack. Reserve a bed and breakfast and get to know the locals or laze about in a caravan park, mingling with fellow travellers. For pure indulgence, spend the night at Stowaway or Sea Dragon Lodge for indulgence, privacy and connecting with nature. Southern Ocean Lodge provides an iconic accommodation experience on Kangaroo Island and  is designed as an intimate sanctuary of comfort and style. Kangaroo Island Australia is a 'Web Magazine' website that is dedicated to all things related to Kangaroo Island.
Step outside to a terrace and jaw-dropping coastal panoramas, best enjoyed from the cool of the plunge pool. Ecopia Retreat is a property that exists completely off-grid – using solar power and pure rainwater to power our one bedroom villas. View available CABN X cabins and check dates at CABN Kangaroo Island. For couples planning a high-end South Australian escape, our guide on unique stays in South Australia covers additional options across the state. The architecture is designed for immersion rather than isolation. Floor-to-ceiling glass, outdoor decking, and the kind of quiet that makes you realise how much background noise you carry around without noticing.
Perfect for an unforgettable family sojourn, or friends travelling together, the Ocean Premium features two generously sized bedrooms, each with walk-in robe and ensuite (the main with deep tub overlooking the sea). The bedrooms may be configured as king and twin beds, or as two king beds and are linked by a central sunken lounge area with hand cut EcoSmart fireplace, LCD TV and DVD player. At 120m² with outdoor terrace and daybed, the Ocean Premium is a luxe retreat for all. With fabulous views of the Southern Ocean and generously spaced at 75m², the Ocean Retreat is perfect for spending time at leisure. Lavishly appointed king bedding, sunken lounge with hand cut limestone EcoSmart fire place, walk-in robe and in-suite bar feature. A bathroom overlooking the ocean boasts an irresistible freestanding tub and oversized rain shower.

With panoramic views over Mouth Flat Beach and private beachfront access, this off-grid hideaway promises barefoot luxury in total seclusion. Cool off in the outdoor shower after an ocean dip, and make use of day beds for taking in the breathtaking ocean views. Locally owned and lovingly built over a decade using recycled materials, it’s a peaceful, solar-powered sanctuary where nature takes centre stage, and the only noise comes from the sea and birds. Each cottage is equipped with modern amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen and spacious living areas. Guests can enjoy direct access to the beach and explore the surrounding natural beauty.
The on-site organic farm offers farm-to-table dining experiences, letting guests partake in everything from gathering fresh eggs to enjoying them in gourmet breakfasts. The old barn, converted into a luxurious cinema, screens classics under the island’s starry sky. Australia’s third-largest island, Kangaroo Island is nothing short of breath-taking.