Destination

Australia’s third largest island, Kangaroo Island sits a mere 15km from the shores of South Australia on the mainland. Spanning 155km in length by 55km in width, and covering some 4,500 sq km, Kangaroo Island offers the best of the mainland on a smaller scale. Boasting twenty-one national and conservation parks, Kangaroo Island has established itself as a premiere destination for nature lovers. How do I get there?

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A wild refuge

Widely acclaimed as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is home to an abundance of native wildlife and spectacular natural attractions. Guests wander among sea lions lolling on the beach, walk the Remarkable Rocks or see fur seals frolicking in the Southern Ocean.

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Explore the island

Unforgettable encounters

Kangaroo Island’s vast, ever-changing landscape and endless horizons beg to be explored. A tailor-made itinerary of guided experiences offers guests a first-hand encounter with abundant wildlife, roaming freely in its natural environment.

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Wonders of KI

One of the most essential experiences of Kangaroo Island is the half day guided tour of the magnificent Flinders Chase National Park.

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Seal Bay

Seal Bay is home to Australia’s third largest colony of Australian sea lions. Join our naturalist guide for an exclusive tour through the sand dunes and on the beach with these wild animals.

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Coastal Clifftop Walk

Take a scenic walk starting right on the lodge’s doorstep and venture along the plunging limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay.

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Discover Island Heritage

Discover the fascinating natural heritage of this wild island. Resident naturalist staff provide insights to the island’s discovery and its many spectacular attractions.

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Kangas and Kanapés

Soak up the history of the early island settlers at Grassdale, a historic island property where local wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies congregate to graze as the sun sets.

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Australia’s
Galapagos

With more than one third of the island declared as conservation sanctuary or national park, visitors come face-to-face with prolific bird and animal species such as fur seals, koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, ospreys and echidnas. Read about our committment to the environment.

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Wild beauty

A place of wild beauty, Kangaroo Island is pounded by the Southern Ocean and blessed with dramatic coastal vistas free of development. Bordered by sheer limestone cliffs, sheltered coves and stretches of sugar-white sanded beaches, the sense of place about the island is enhanced by its fascinating history of wretched shipwrecks and of stoic farmers privileged with few comforts save the stars in the clear night sky.

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Natural bounty

Against Kangaroo Island’s stunning natural backdrop, several food and wine producers have created a distinguished epicurean community. Fresh seafood, local produce and wines from the acclaimed South Australian wine regions of the Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley combine to create a feast for the senses. Read about our Dining Philosophy.

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. The Mediterranean-style climate produces warm summers and temperate winters. Daytime temperatures range from 25-35°C in summer and 14-18°C in winter.

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Summer

The warm summer season is a time of rebirth; golden pastures and enchanting wildflowers provide a nursery backdrop for the newly born koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, fur seals and sea lions.
Daytime temperatures range from 25-35°C in summer.

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Autumn

Autumn is the season of transition on Kangaroo Island. More than one third of the island is covered by national and conservation parks and autumn rains provides wildlife with fresh water and new vegetation ahead of the winter.
Daytime temperatures range from 19-25°C in autumn.

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Winter

Kangaroo Island enjoys exhilarating winters with wildlife at its most active. Guests witness the spectacular drama of a winter storm unfold with panoramic views of white-sanded beaches pounded by the wild Southern Ocean.
Daytime temperatures range from 14-18°C in winter.

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Spring

Springtime on Kangaroo Island is the best time to see birds and wildflowers. Seasonal produce is in abundance and dining at Southern Ocean Lodge is a refreshing menu of new season vegetables, seafood and lamb.
Daytime temperatures range from 18-23°C in spring.

Getting there

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. There are several transport options to and from Kangaroo Island to suit domestic and international travellers.

For detailed information view Getting There & Away and Driving Directions.

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  • Flights

    From Adelaide

    Flights from Adelaide (ADL) to Kangaroo Island Airport (KGC) take 30 minutes.

    Regional Express (Rex) operates up to three flights per day from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island. A minimum of 60 minutes is required between connecting interstate flights with other airlines, and an interline checked luggage service is available for Virgin Australia connections with Rex (conditions apply). QantasLink offers direct flights from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island five days per week.

    From other capital cities

    All major Australian commercial airlines operate domestic services to Adelaide, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Tigerair. Adelaide is also an international gateway with flights to Europe via the Middle East and Asia or the US via New Zealand – a perfect way to start or end an amazing Australian adventure.

    QantasLink offers seasonal summer flights three days per week direct from Melbourne (MEL) to Kangaroo Island. QantasLink flights offer connections with Qantas services to most Australian capital cities.

    Charter flights

    Private charter flights are available from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island Airport. Flights can be arranged to/from other cities on application. The perfect start to a stay at Southern Ocean Lodge, a scenic charter flight allows an exhilarating experience of Kangaroo Island’s wonders from the air with optional lodge flyover.

    Guests travelling to Kangaroo Island Airport by private air charter require private transfers. Please enquire for rates and more information.

  • Airport lounge

    An exclusive guest airport lounge is available to Southern Ocean Lodge guests departing Kangaroo Island Airport. Presenting a lounge-away-from lodge feel, the private lounge features locally sourced pre-flight refreshments, luxurious lounging, business desk with device charging capability and private restroom.

  • Airport transfers

    The lodge operates airport transfers for guests, which are included in the tariff and connect with scheduled flights to and from Kangaroo Island Airport. Private transfers between Southern Ocean Lodge and Kangaroo Island Airport may be arranged subject to availability for an additional charge. Connections with charter flights require a private transfer at additional cost. Please enquire for rates and more information.

  • Ferry

    For self drive excursions, SeaLink operates regular 45-minute ferry transfers between Cape Jervis on the mainland and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Cape Jervis is a picturesque two hour drive from Adelaide. Private transfers between Southern Ocean Lodge and the ferry terminal at Penneshaw may be arranged subject to availability for an additional charge. Please enquire for rates and more information.

  • Car hire

    While island experiences are included in the tariff, hiring a car can be fun and allows guests to explore Kangaroo Island at their leisure. Many mainland car hire companies have restrictions about their vehicles being driven on Kangaroo Island, and/or boarding the ferry. It’s best to check terms with the operator. Another option is to hire a car on the island; Budget and Hertz operate both at Kangaroo Island Airport and from the ferry terminal at Penneshaw.

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Lodge

Coastal glamour

Southern Ocean Lodge provides an iconic accommodation experience on Kangaroo Island and is designed as an intimate sanctuary of comfort and style.

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Dine

A taste of Kangaroo Island

Dining at Southern Ocean Lodge is an exclusively local affair, with fresh regional ingredients paired with premium South Australian wines, offering a true taste of Kangaroo Island.

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Spa

Natural beauty

A physical and spiritual retreat, the Southern Spa revives body and soul with the island's natural beauty products as the osprey soars in the blue skies above.

Heaven awaits