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.

Explore Australia’s Galapagos

Encounter prolific wildlife including fur seals, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, sea lions, ospreys and echidnas. This wild landscape is also home to artists and producers, and is rich in maritime tales of the untamed Southern Ocean.

More than one third of Kangaroo Island is declared as conservation sanctuary or national park and visitors come face-to-face with prolific wildlife such as fur seals, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, sea lions, ospreys and echidnas, roaming freely in the ‘zoo without fences’. This inspiringly wild landscape is also home to artists, providores and producers, and is rich in maritime tales of the untamed Southern Ocean.

Signature<br />
Standouts

Signature
Standouts

Experience Kangaroo Island in style on the lodge’s signature excursions comprising must-do adventures alongside fun and interesting options designed to showcase the island for new and returning guests. View experiences

Close<br />
Encounters

Close
Encounters

Encounter kangaroos and wallabies up-close, say g’day to a raptor, walk a dingo or fulfil a bucket-list wish to cuddle a koala! There’s an arc-full of feathered and furry friends to meet on Kangaroo Island. View experiences

Coastal<br />
Capers

Coastal
Capers

Whether you’d prefer to lace up your hiking boots for a spectacular guided journey along the coastal clifftops or cast a line into the fish-rich Southern Ocean, there’s so much waiting to discover. View experiences

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 osprey hovering above and fur seals frolicking below. Discover more

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. Discover more

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. Discover more

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 encounter.

  • Two Night Baillie Escape

    The following represents an indicative experience over a two night stay and is based on arriving on Kangaroo Island via the morning flight (QF2142) and departing on the afternoon flight (QF2145) with Qantaslink. Many factors influence the delivered 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 and settle in with lunch in the lodge restaurant overlooking the vast panorama of Hanson Bay.

    Kelly Hill Caves_590x380px

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Step back in time and discover a labyrinth of sinkholes and caverns in the subterranean Kelly Hill Caves with guided commentary and dynamic lightshow.

     

    Day 1 - Night-2

    Day 1 Evening

    Dine for dinner in the lodge restaurant and enjoy a showcase of local produce paired with South Australian wines to create a real taste of Kangaroo Island.

  • 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 and settle into the surrounds with lunch in the lodge restaurant.

    Coastal Clifftop Walk_590x380px

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Head off on the guided Coastal Clifftop Walk. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Southern swell while learning about the diverse flora and fauna and resilience of the Australian bush.

    Day 1 - Night

    Day 1 Evening

    Dine in the ambience of the restaurant savouring a four-course menu featuring the region’s finest produce, paired with a selection of local and regional wines.

  • 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 and journey to Southern Ocean Lodge on the remote south coast. Settle into the surrounds with welcome drinks and lunch in the restaurant.

    Coastal Clifftop Walk_590x380px

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Get your bearings on the Coastal Clifftop Walk and realise Antarctica is next stop on the horizon. Enroute, the lodge guide shares insights into the native ecology.

    Day 1 - Night-2

    Day 1 Evening

    Dine for dinner in the restaurant and savour a showcase of local and regional produce paired with South Australian wines to create a real taste of Kangaroo Island.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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