One of Kangaroo Island's most romantic luxury-based nature escapes

Please where to stay Eastern Kangaroo Island check the property website for the most up-to-date information as some of the services may be impacted. Southern Ocean Lodge joins Capella Lodge, Longitude 131°, Silky Oaks Lodge and The Louise in presenting a premium collection of Australia’s most extraordinary destinations. Gorgeous sunrises, native birds, wallabies and kangaroos aplenty, all strolling or flying insouciantly through the eucalypts and extraordinary yakkas. Great beds, timber floors, sweeping picture windows, an elegant bathroom and lastly and importantly the cosy warmth of the double glazing and wood heating. So grateful to have been able to stay at The Nest for our honeymoon. The four purpose built standalone Stowaways exist in utter isolation; enjoy total privacy, aside from the abundance of native Australian wildlife on your doorstep.
Celebrated around the world as the pioneer of experiential luxury in Australia, Southern Ocean Lodge crowns the wildly beautiful clifftops on Kangaroo Island. At the end of your day sightseeing our vast, remote, unspoiled & beautiful Island, retreat to your 'home away from home' to plan and dream of the following days adventures. Centrally located between Kingscote and Penneshaw, American River combines a sense of retreat with easy access to Kangaroo Island’s key attractions.

Or soak it all in from the heart of the lodge, the Great Room, with a glass of KI wine in hand. Bookings for the new villas will open mid-year, with prices starting from $600 per night. With demand for exclusive coastal stays at an all-time high, availability is expected to be limited. The young staff are knowledgeable, attentive and have a can-do attitude that seems typical of the island. The first-name-terms style service does not seem contrived, as it does in some hotels.
I stand here, locked in place, waiting to see if they make a move. After 10 minutes like this, I turn to get settled into the tent but throw a final look in their direction; they’ve slinked back down, now barely visible in the grass. Dreaming of a break fuelled by great food and wine, interspersed with nature-based activities and accommodation that feels like home? A thoughtfully reimagined boutique hotel will open in 2026, offering elevated accommodation options on Kangaroo Island. The rammed-earth architecture makes this property feel like it fell from the sky, with more of a Moroccan vibe than a KI rhythm.

Combined with the crisp Antarctic highly oxygenised air from the pounding surf, the Southern Spa invites guests to immerse in a pure, natural environment that is assured to rejuvenate and relax. Exceptional Kangaroo Island offers Southern Ocean Lodge guests access to regions and experiences not included in the suite of Lodge experiences including our signature elegant al fresco dining. These luxury off-grid villas are located overlooking the ocean at Snellings Beach on the north coast of Kangaroo Island – just a short drive away from The Enchanted Fig which offers a magical dining experience. The Superior Bayview Rooms offer comfort, style and uninterrupted views across the bay. Each room features a private balcony or patio, perfect for enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
As Kangaroo Island’s newest luxury accommodation, Hamilton & Dune’s duo of exclusive lodges overlooking Emu Bay are some of the best places to stay on Kangaroo Island. A boutique, adults-only retreat, Sea Dragon Lodge & Villas is conveniently located on a 250-acre coastal estate, near the island’s access points – the ferry and airport. There are three luxury 1-bedroom eco-villas, two deluxe 1-bedroom spa eco-villas, one 2-bedroom spa apartment, one 3-bedroom villa, and one 4-bedroom apartment. All accommodations are self-contained with stunning ocean views, and a private, pristine sandy beach is just a few minutes’ walk away. Our Luxury Villas offer the ultimate Kangaroo Island retreat, combining contemporary coastal design with luxurious comfort.
There are no neighbours in sight at Wild Side Ocean Retreat, but we are close enough to civilisation to allow you to explore all the gems of Kangaroo Island. False Cape Wines is our nearest neighbour, located a 10-minute drive down the dirt road from the house. Also in the area is Dudley Wines – a must-visit for the view alone.

Both the new villas and the refurbished bay view rooms are expected to be available for the peak 2025–2026 summer season, including December 2025 and January 2026. In addition to the new villas, a full refurbishment of the existing bay view rooms within the main building is also set to commence. This will include new bathrooms and a complete internal upgrade, once again under the management of Hospitality International.
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.

View our recommended Kangaroo Island accommodation options below. The cliffside Southern Ocean Lodge even boasts its own spa retreat as well as a spacious lobby with a bar, restaurant, wine seller, shop, and sunken lounge area. Escape to nature and indulge in the pared-back eco luxury that is Ecopia. Perched upon a rise, The Nest Stowaway has breathtaking 180-degree views over Lathami Conservation Park, the secluded coast and vast farmland. The Stowaway Kangaroo Island concept is an extension of my passion for exceptional travel experiences and a way for me to share my love of the Island and authentic Australian hospitality with guests from across the globe.
The island runs quieter and accommodation is easier to book during autumn and winter periods. Suits couples who want guided nature encounters built into the stay rather than self-directed exploration. Southern Ocean Lodge is located at Hanson Bay on the southwest coast of Kangaroo Island, 50 minutes by road from the airport or 90 minutes by road from the ferry terminal. Shared return transfers from Kangaroo Island Airport in conjunction with scheduled flights are included. Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge will be among the closest accommodation options.
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.

"I spent 4 days here while solo-traveling andI have never felt more at peace in my life. "This was by far the highlight of our vacation. Would recommend a thousand times." A handful of world class wineries, breweries, and a distillery with seasonal gin and whiskey flights. The ocean turns from blue to gold to black, and the sky fills in behind it. Each pod is named after the southern constellations above your deck and powered by the elements. No agenda, no social performance, and no one who needs anything from you here.
Often considered Australia’s very own Galápagos, this paradise doesn’t just promise azure waters and sun-kissed beaches. There’s plenty of accommodation to choose from on Kangaroo Island including simple lodgings, lighthouse keepers' cottages, stunning hotels, lodges and retreats. Reopened in December 2023, the highly acclaimed Southern Ocean Lodge has kicked things up a notch. Exquisite contemporary suites — some with plunge pools — overlook the sparkling waters of Hanson Bay, whilst outdoor adventures, a soothing spa & gourmet delights await. Most travellers arrive by ferry from the mainland to Penneshaw, on the Dudley Peninsula, or by plane to Kingscote Airport. Penneshaw has a real buzz, with pubs and hostels, whilst postcard-perfect Kingscote feels appealingly laid-back and welcoming.