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 MoreSubscribe now for the latest news from Southern Ocean Lodge as the exciting rebuild journey unfolds.
Subscribe now for the latest news from Southern Ocean Lodge
as the exciting rebuild journey unfolds.
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.
Signature experiences are included in the tariff and are provided on an intimate shared basis with fellow guests at scheduled times. Private touring can be arranged at additional cost subject to availability.
One of the most essential experiences of Kangaroo Island is the half day guided tour of the magnificent Flinders Chase National Park, a wild and rugged wilderness boasting an array of remarkable attractions.
More detailsTake a scenic walk starting right on the lodge’s doorstep and venture along the plunging limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. Look out across the ocean and realise Antarctica is next stop on the horizon.
More detailsSeal Bay is home to Australia’s third largest colony of Australian sea lions. Join the lodge naturalist guide for an exclusive tour through the sand dunes and on the beach with these wild animals. Just one of KI's many privileges.
More detailsSoak up the history of the early island settlers at Grassdale, a historic property nearby to the lodge. Watch as local wildlife including shy-by-day kangaroos and wallabies venture out to graze, glass in-hand.
More detailsVenture 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 and more up close.
More detailsAn additional menu of bespoke experiences offers the chance to tailor an itinerary around special interests. Activities operate on a private basis for an exclusive safari feel. Additional charges apply.
Encounter the Southern Ocean's powerful swells, towering limestone cliffs and sweeping coastal views on this epic island walk.
More detailsKangaroo Island is renowned for its distinguished community of producers and growers. A hop along the Cygnet River Artisan Trail connects guests straight to the source.
More detailsThe Southern Ocean offers up a bounty of glorious seafood including the fine King George Whiting. Cast off from the pristine shoreline at Hanson Bay for a relaxing interlude and maybe catch dinner!
More detailsExclusive to Southern Ocean Lodge, take a sunrise excursion to Seal Bay Conservation Park, where a walk among the ‘locals’ on the beach at dawn offers an experience reminiscent of the Galapagos.
More detailsEnjoy an up-close and personal encounter of Australian wildlife, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, spot pademelons, see penguins play and even have a chance to cuddle a koala!
More detailsMarvel at the spectacular beauty of birds of prey and their natural hunting abilities during a private free-flight presentation at Kangaroo Island's Raptor Domain. Interactive, fun and educational, it's a real hoot!
More detailsA 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
Follow the Clifftop Walk and loop inland along the boundary trail and discover dense mallee forests, providing habitat for an array of wildlife.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After dark, grab a torch and join a Nocturnal Explorer tour to visit the Hanson Bay Sanctuary and discover a world that comes alive while you are usually asleep. Spot koalas at their most active, kangaroos foraging for dinner and wide-eyed possums.
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.
Time for a final breakfast and to take last pictures before departure. Safe travels onwards!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Back at the lodge, dine in the relaxed ambience of the restaurant. Chef’s four-course menu is innovatively 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.
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.
Book onto one of the lodge’s bespoke experiences from an interactive Birds of Prey presentation, hopping along the KI Producers Trail or the Signature Remarkable Hike, commencing after the Wonders of Kangaroo Island tour.
Share the day’s experiences over sunset drinks in the Great Room. Chef’s 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.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and fuel in the tank, head off on a self-guided walk. A series of trails commences from the lodge doorstep. Afterwards, visit the Southern Spa for some well-earned relaxation time (additional charges apply).
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!
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.
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.
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.
Dine for breakfast in the restaurant, before bidding farewell… Until next time.
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.
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.
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.
Journey to a nearby bushland sanctuary for Southern Sundowners. An architecturally designed viewing platform is the perfect spot to watch the sunset, drink in-hand, as wildlife including the island’s namesake venture out to graze.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
The Seal Bay Sunrise excursion visits Seal Bay Conservation Park for an exclusive guided walk among the ‘locals’ at dawn. Afterwards, a chef-prepared barbeque breakfast at beautiful Bales Beach is just the ticket after an early morning adventure. Additional charges apply
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
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.
Stay in bed for a well-earned rest and witness the morning unfold along the sweep and savour the last moments of the stay.
Dine for breakfast a final time and bags all packed, it’s onto your next port. Safe travels!
A year-round destination, Kangaroo Island has a climate as dynamic as its scenery – from season to season the island yields fresh perspectives.
Discover MoreA dynamic environmental management plan featuring cutting edge technologies steers lodge operations and ultimately enhances each guest's experience.
Step insideKangaroo 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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