Experience

Widely acclaimed as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is home to diverse native wildlife each thriving in its domain and a swag of spectacular natural attractions. Centrally located between the Flinders Chase National Park and Seal Bay Conservation Park, Southern Ocean Lodge is a luxurious base for adventures. A signature itinerary of guided excursions is designed daily and included in the tariff, offering guests the chance to wander amongst sea lions lolling in the sand dunes, discover the famed Remarkable Rocks, walk along the coastal clifftops and more. View and download our experiences fact sheet.

Full day experiences

A range of excellent private itineraries is available from highly-regarded tour operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island. Explore the spectacular landscape and encounter native wildlife from the comfort of a four wheel drive, where guides share their local knowledge as well as food and wine in the wild. Additional charges apply.

1 Kangaroo Island Icons

Kangaroo Island Icons

Discover Kangaroo Island’s must-see sights including the aptly named Remarkable Rocks and the dramatic coastal grotto of Admirals Arch. Visit the resident sea lions at Seal Bay, breaking the journey with an elegant al fresco lunch in the bush.

Exclusively Flinders Chase

Exclusively Flinders Chase

Explore Kangaroo Island’s west end, encountering fur seals at Admirals Arch, the windswept shapes of the Remarkable Rocks and the historically significant Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, a reminder of the region’s tumultuous maritime past.

Southern Ocean Welcome

Southern Ocean Welcome

Become acquainted Kangaroo Island’s wild beauty en route to the lodge, passing by eucalypt forests, pristine beaches and productive farmland. Enjoy a barbecue lunch at a private bush camp and encounter koalas, kangaroos and sea lions along the way.

4 Epicurean Adventure

Epicurean Adventure

Appetites at the ready, sample some of Kangaroo Island’s fine wines, spirits and craft beers, taste pure Ligurian honey and tuck in to freshly shucked oysters and local olives. It’s a deliciously short journey from paddock, plant and sea to plate.

Island Life

Island Life

Catch a glimpse of the island’s unique lifestyle while travelling through native forest and farmland to explore Kangaroo Island’s diverse landscapes. Enjoy a cuppa with homemade cakes and seek out wildlife from koalas, wallabies and sea lions to a variety of birds.

6. Art of Nature

Art of Nature

From award-winning artists to rising stars, Kangaroo Island has emerged as a top arts destination. Wander through some of the island’s creative studios and galleries and on occasion meet the artists who draw inspiration from their beautiful home to create their works.

North Coast Departure

North Coast Departure

Get a final fix of Kangaroo Island exploring unseen sights before saying farewell. Highlights may include a visit to Flinders Chase National Park, discovering the island’s art scene, a private barrel-room tasting at Islander Estate Vineyard or sampling gin at the distillery.

3. Marine Tour

Kangaroo Island Your Way

Customise the day’s itinerary to personal interests; combine a gin blending masterclass and honey tasting with a private art studio visit. Or jump on board a marine tour to swim with wild dolphins before enjoying a warming glass of red wine with a local winemaker. There’s so many options!

Walk the Wild Isle

Remarkable Rocks to Southern Ocean Lodge
WALK  |  13KM  |  4.5 HOURS

Remarkable Rocks to Southern Ocean Lodge

Encounter powerful swells, towering cliffs and sweeping coastal views on this signature hike, commencing from the Remarkable Rocks and walking back to the lodge covering part of the KI Wilderness Trail. Discover more

Cape Younghusband Circuit
WALK  |  9KM  |  3 HOURS RETURN

Cape Younghusband Circuit

Experience the wonder of sheer limestone cliffs and admire the view from Cape Younghusband to the Remarkable Rocks in the distance. Watch out for the osprey hovering above and fur seals frolicking below.

KI Wilderness Trail
WALK  |  61KM TOTAL LENGTH

KI Wilderness Trail

A modified version of the trail is accessible for day walkers who book with a licensed tour operator. The five-day trek offers hikers connection with the post-fire landscape and glimpses of coastal views not previously seen.

Clifftop Circuit
WALK  |  4KM  |  1.5 HOURS RETURN

Clifftop Circuit

Follow the Clifftop Walk and loop inland along the boundary trail and discover dense mallee forests, providing habitat for an array of wildlife.

Clifftop Walk
WALK  |  2KM  |  1 HOUR RETURN

Clifftop Walk

Step from the lodge doorstep and traverse Hanson Bay’s limestone clifftops with pretty coastal heath for a bird’s eye view of the dramatic coastline. Discover more

Bike Loop Track
RIDE | 6KM | 1.5 HOURS RETURN

Bike Loop Track

Explore the surrounding native bushland on the medium grade off-road bike trail, watching out for wallabies along the way! Complimentary adult mountain bikes and equipment provided.

Boardwalk to Viewing Platform
WALK  |  1KM  |  30 MINUTES RETURN

Boardwalk to Viewing Platform

Meander down the boardwalk and enjoy the quiet ambience of the coastal scrub. Emerge to dramatic vistas of the Southern Ocean and wild beaches. Sit a while to drink in the view.

Boardwalk to Lower Viewing Platform
WALK  |  1KM  |  30 MINUTES RETURN

Boardwalk to Lower Viewing Platform

Meander down the boardwalk and enjoy the quiet ambience of the coastal scrub. Emerge to dramatic vistas of the Southern Ocean and wild beaches. Sit a while to drink in the view.

Boardwalk to Hanson Bay Beach
WALK  |  5KM  |  1.5 HOURS RETURN

Boardwalk to Hanson Bay Beach

Step from the boardwalk onto the windswept shore of Hanson Bay. Spot sea birds scuttling along the sand, pass sea caves sprouting fossilised tree trunks and discover the pristine cove of Hanson Bay Beach.

Driveway to Entry Gate
WALK  |  6KM  |  1 HOUR RETURN

Driveway to Entry Gate

An easy stroll following the sealed, undulating road linking the lodge to the main entry gate – also popular for an early morning workout run or post-lunch work off!

Driveway to Hanson Bay Beach
WALK  |  6KM  |  1.5 HOURS RETURN

Driveway to Hanson Bay Beach

Extend the walk from the driveway to the coast to discover Hanson Bay beach, a dazzling strip of fine white sand lapped by gentle aquamarine-hued waves perfect for beachcombing, fishing and swimming.

Southern Ocean Lodge to Hanson Bay Loop
WALK  |  7KM  |  3 HOURS RETURN

Southern Ocean Lodge to Hanson Bay Loop

Walk through dense native forest, watching out for Tammar wallabies, echidnas and birds. Cross the South West River by dinghy and explore protected Hanson Bay Beach – perfect for a refreshing ocean dip!

Kelly Hill to Southern Ocean Lodge
WALK  |  13KM  |  4.5 HOURS

Kelly Hill to Southern Ocean Lodge

Pass through eucalypt woodlands and grazing pastures, glassy lagoons and wetlands rich with birdlife on this fascinating hike. Emerge onto Hanson Bay Beach where aqua clear waters invite a swim.

For those wishing to explore, a series of walking trails commences from the lodge doorstep traversing limestone cliffs, bushland tracks and pristine beach shores. Perfect for the adventurous to undertake at their own pace. Explore the trail map by hovering over the trail markers.

info

Information and tips

  • Times indicated for bush walk and bike trails are approximate only and may vary dependant on fitness levels – also allow time for sightseeing and taking photos.
  • Please advise Reception when leaving the property and also upon return to the lodge.
  • Be sure to carry plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and first aid kid and wear appropriate clothing on walks, ie hat, comfortable walking shoes, warm top and rain jacket.
  • Consider the weather conditions and consult with the lodge team as needed – activities are undertaken at own risk.
  • See the lodge team for advice on where to ride the mountain bikes. Helmets are compulsory.
  • For a dip in the Southern Ocean, head down to Hanson Bay Beach.
  • Distance Conversion: 1 kilometre = 0.62 miles
Sample itineraries

Southern Ocean Lodge offers a complete Kangaroo Island experience. Guests are presented with a personalised itinerary upon arrival including the lodge’s signature experiences.

Southern Ocean Lodge offers a complete Kangaroo Island experience, blending pristine nature, contemporary surrounds and superb fine dining, as well as a tailored itinerary of exhilarating experiences to create a very real sense of place. Guests are presented with a personalised itinerary on arrival including the lodge’s signature experiences, designed to explore the must-see sights of ‘Australia’s Galapagos’ and led by passionate guides for an unforgettable KI encounter.

  • Two Night Baillie Escape

    The following represents an indicative experience over a two night stay. Many factors influence the itinerary, including flight arrival and departure times, prebooked activities, the weather and the seasons. Any special arrangements made in advance, or once at the lodge, will be worked into your itinerary to ensure the very best experience of both lodge and island. Download itinerary here.

    Day 1 - Welcome

    Day 1 Welcome

    Arrive on Kangaroo Island and travel to the lodge. Enjoy signature welcome drinks on arrival and settle into the surrounds with lunch in the lodge restaurant, overlooking the vast panorama of Hanson Bay.

    Day 1 - Afternoon

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Following lunch, head off on the Coastal Clifftop Walk set high above the Southern Ocean swell guided along the flora fringed tail by a lodge naturalist. On return, join an interpretive presentation to learn about the island’s discovery and natural history.

     

    Day 1 - Evening

    Day 1 Evening

    As the sun dips below the horizon, journey to a nearby bushland sanctuary for Southern Sundowners. Sip South Australian beverages and nibble on snacks while shy-by-day marsupials to venture out from their resting spots to graze in the open grassland.

    Day 1 - Night-2

    Day 1 Night

    Return to the lodge to dine on the bounty of local and regional produce showcased in a four-course menu and paired with premium South Australian wines to create a real taste of Kangaroo Island.

    Day 2 - Morning

    Day 2 Morning

    Fuel a day of adventure with breakfast in the lodge restaurant before exploring the island’s famed landmarks on the Wonders of Kangaroo Island experience. Trip highlights include a natural coastal grotto with resident fur seals and the aptly named Remarkable Rocks.

    Day 2 - Afternoon

    Day 2 Afternoon

    Refresh with a light, three-course lunch in the lodge restaurant. Later, travel to Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk among the ‘locals’ on the Seal Bay encounter.

    Day 2 - Evening

    Day 2 Evening

    Relax with a sunset drink in the Great Room before dining at leisure in the restaurant. A sweeping panorama of Hanson Bay provides a dramatic backdrop for savouring world-class contemporary cuisine with a proudly local provenance.

    Day 3 - Morning

    Day 3 Morning

    Rise early for a sunrise walk on the beach or witness the morning unfold along the sweep of coast stretching as far as the eye can see, snug from the comfort of the Baillie Bed.

    Day 3 - Farewell-2

    Day 3 Farewell

    Time for a final breakfast and to take last pictures before departure. Safe travels onwards!

     

  • Three Night Classic SOL

    The following represents an indicative experience over three nights. Many factors influence the itinerary, including, flight arrival and departure times, pre-booked activities, the weather and the seasons. Any special arrangements made in advance, or once at the lodge, will be worked into your itinerary to ensure the very best experience of both lodge and island. Download itinerary here.

    Day 1 - Welcome

    Day 1 Welcome

    Arrive on Kangaroo Island and journey to the lodge. Enjoy signature welcome drinks on arrival and settle into the surrounds with lunch in the lodge restaurant.

    Day 1 - Afternoon

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Following lunch, head off on the Coastal Clifftop Walk. On return to the lodge, learn about the island’s discovery and natural history during an informative presentation, drink in-hand.

    Day 1 - Evening

    Day 1 Evening

    Sunset signals the time for Southern Sundowners, an evening soiree held in an exclusive location reached by a short drive from the lodge. Enjoy a drink from the pop-up bush bar, nibble on a snack and keep an eye out for the furry ‘locals’ as they venture out to graze.

    Day 1 - Night

    Day 1 Night

    Back at the lodge, dine in the relaxed ambience of the restaurant. Chef’s four-course menu is crafted to lead guests on a gastronomic charter of the region’s finest produce, paired with a diverse selection of Kangaroo Island and South Australian wines.

    Day 2 - Morning-2

    Day 2 Morning

    Fuel a day of adventure with breakfast in the lodge restaurant before exploring the island’s natural landmarks on the Wonders of Kangaroo Island experience.

    Day 2 - Afternoon-2

    Day 2 Afternoon

    Time to relax and enjoy the surrounds, contemplate the view glass in hand or perhaps indulge in the Southern Spa. Hot and cold plunge pools on the terrace are perfect for soaking in the moment.

    Day 2 - Evening-3

    Day 2 Evening

    Share the day’s experiences over sunset drinks in the Great Room. A daily-changing four-course dinner menu champions local and regional ingredients, carefully matched with local wines. Alternatively, peruse the premium selection on offer in the walk-in cellar.

    Day 3 - Morning-2

    Day 3 Morning

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and appetite sated, head off on a self-guided walk or explore by e-bike. A series of trails commences from the lodge doorstep.

    Day 3 - Afternoon

    Day 3 Afternoon

    Dine for lunch alfresco on the terrace, the great sweep of Hanson Bay beyond. An afternoon encounter with the resident colony of Australian sea lions at Seal Bay offers an experience reminiscent of the Galapagos. Don’t forget the camera!

    Day 3 - Evening

    Day 3 Evening

    Gather around the bar in the Great Room for sunset drinks and snacks, sharing stories of the day’s adventures with travelling companions and new friends. Dine early for dinner in readiness for the night’s after dark adventure.

    Day 2 - Night

    Day 3 Night

    Venture to Hanson Bay Sanctuary to experience a very different kind of nightlife – the sights and sounds of Kangaroo Island after dark. Spot koalas at their most active and encounter kangaroos, wallabies and possums up close on the Nocturnal Explorer tour.

    Day 4 - Morning

    Day 4 Morning

    Rise early for a self-guided walk or succumb to the comfort of Baillie Bed and watch the sunrise from beneath the covers, freshly made cuppa in reach.

    Day 4 - Farewell

    Day 4 Farewell

    Dine for breakfast in the restaurant, before bidding farewell… Until next time.

  • Four Night Expedition KI

    The following represents an indicative experience over four nights. Many factors influence the itinerary, including flight arrival and departure times, pre-booked activities, the weather and the seasons. Any special arrangements made in advance, or once at the lodge, will be worked into your itinerary to ensure the very best experience of both lodge and island. Download itinerary here.

    Day 1 - Welcome

    Day 1 Welcome

    Arrive on Kangaroo Island or ‘KI’ as the locals call it and journey to Southern Ocean Lodge on the remote south coast. Settle into the magnificent surrounds of the Great Room with welcome drinks and lunch in the restaurant.

    Day 1 - Afternoon

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Get your bearings on the Coastal Clifftop Walk and realise Antarctica is next stop on the horizon. Enroute, the guide shares insights into the native ecology and the learning continues on return with an island history and heritage presentation in the lounge.

    Day 1 - Evening

    Day 1 Evening

    Soak up the history of the early island settlers at the nearby historic property Grassdale. Enjoy al fresco sunset drinks and canapes and watch as local wildlife including shy-by-day kangaroos and wallabies venture out to graze.

    Day 2 - Morning

    Day 2 Morning

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the restaurant, fuel for a day of adventure ahead. The Wonders of Kangaroo Island experience travels deep into Flinders Chase National Park, site of the Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.

    Day 2 - Afternoon (1)

    Day 2 Afternoon

    Walk the wild isle on the lodge’s Signature Remarkable Hike. The thirteen-kilometre trek commences from the Remarkable Rocks to traverse the ruggedly beautiful coast to Cape Younghusband taking in a spectacular section of the KI Wilderness Trail.

    Day 1 - Night-2

    Day 2 Evening

    Lounge and relax in the Great Room, sharing a drink with old friends and new. Dinner is an exclusively local affair with singingly fresh ingredients championed in all four-courses, paired with premium South Australian wines to create a real taste of Kangaroo Island.

    Day 3 - Morning

    Day 3 Morning

    Enjoy a delicious breakfast sampling local goodies including free range eggs, Ligurian honey from the island’s hives, smoked salmon, cured meats and lodge-made pastries. Walk it off on a self-guided trek or hop on an electric bike for a road race to the entry gate.

    Day 1 - Welcome

    Day 3 Afternoon

    After another satisfying lunch in the restaurant, kick back in the Great Room. It’s easy to get lost in the view or a good conversation while sitting by the fire with a book or a magazine, the wine cellar beckons exploration and there’s always the help-yourself bar…

    Day 2 - Evening

    Day 3 Evening

    Segue from sunset drinks and snacks in the Great Room to an early dinner in the restaurant. The kitchen team work closely with local producers to source fresh quality ingredients for the daily changing menu. Sit back to enjoy the flavours of Kangaroo Island.

    Day 2 - Night

    Day 3 Night

    The night’s not over yet: venture to Hanson Bay Sanctuary to experience the sights and sounds of Kangaroo Island after dark. Spot koalas at their most active and encounter kangaroos, wallabies and possums up close on the Nocturnal Explorer tour.

    Day 4 - Morning (1)

    Day 4 Morning

    Breakfast in the wild and an up-close encounter with the ‘locals’ is a wonderful way to start the day. The Seal Bay Sojourn offers an experience reminiscent of the Galapagos. Additional charges apply

    Day 4 - Afternoon

    Day 4 Afternoon

    Post lunch, take time out to indulge in the Southern Spa. Treatments feature the all-natural alkeme spa care range complemented by island botanicals. Top or tail the visit with a dip in the hot and cold plunge pools. Additional charges apply

     

    Day 4 - Evening

    Day 4 Evening

    Lounge in the Great Room, pour a beverage from the bar or select a bottle of wine from the cellar and drink in the view. The evening’s dinner menu showcases the island’s bounty from freshly shucked oysters, abalone and fish to free range lamb, pheasants and pork.

    Day 5 - Morning

    Day 5 Morning

    Stay in bed for a well-earned rest and witness the morning unfold along the sweep of coast. Draw a bath and brew a cuppa to savour the last moments of the stay and maybe begin to plan a return trip.

    Day 5 - Farewell

    Day 5 Farewell

    Dine for breakfast a final time and bags all packed, it’s onto your next port. Safe travels!

discover more

Destination

A destination for all seasons

A year-round destination, Kangaroo Island has a climate as dynamic as its scenery – from season to season the island yields fresh perspectives.

Discover More
Lodge

Our commitment to the environment

A dynamic environmental management plan featuring cutting edge technologies steers lodge operations and ultimately enhances each guest's experience.

Step inside
Destination

How do I get there?

Kangaroo Island sits a mere 15km from the shores of mainland South Australia. Transport options to and from Kangaroo Island are many and varied for domestic and international travellers.

Discover More