The lodge sits on limestone cliffs above Hanson Bay, between Flinders Chase National Park and Seal Bay Conservation Park. The original architect, Max Pritchard, led the rebuild, which reopened at the end of 2023. The suites run along the clifftop, around 25 of them, all angled toward the ocean, with private decks, fireplaces and sink-in tubs. The main lodge has a pool, a walk-in cellar and the Southern Spa with plunge pools.
Stays are all-inclusive, with meals, an open bar and guided outings. These include a late-afternoon visit to Hanson Bay Sanctuary for kangaroos and koalas with sunset drinks, and a visit to the Australian sea lion colony at Seal Bay. Flinders Chase National Park, with its coastal walks and regenerating bush, is right next door. Kangaroo Island is a short flight from Adelaide, followed by a drive across the island.
Best for couples, wildlife lovers and anyone interested in South Australian wine. It pairs well with a few days in the Barossa Valley, a separate trip to wine country. The caveats: it is very expensive, the island is a commitment that needs at least three nights to justify the trip, and the south coast is exposed, so winter brings wind and rain. The bush is still recovering from the fires in places.
Southern Ocean Lodge, rebuilt and reopened after the 2019 to 2020 bushfires destroyed the original, sits on the cliffs of Kangaroo Island's south coast with nothing but the Southern Ocean in front of it. It suits wildlife lovers and food and wine travelers who want a remote, all-inclusive stay with sea lions, kangaroos and koalas close at hand.
The best hotel we've ever stayed at. It's reminiscent of the movie The Menu, without the murder. The food is great, and you feel like you're at the ends of the earth.
Do the Signature Remarkable Hike, about 13 km along the cliffs from the Remarkable Rocks back to the lodge. They told us we did it in record time, but plan on three to four hours. It's remote enough that they send you out with food, a phone with GPS and safety gear.
Sample itineraries that include Australia:
Every trip is tailored. Tell me what you have in mind and I will build an itinerary around this stay.
Tell me when you'd like to go and who's traveling, and I'll check availability, perks where available, and how it fits a wider trip. It starts with a 20-minute planning call; full trip planning is a $250 fee, credited in full toward your booked trip and non-refundable if you don’t book. I brief the property before you arrive — that's what the fee funds.
Plan your trip
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