Southern Ocean Lodge

Top choice in Kangaroo Island


Looking for a place to your woo your sweetheart? The shining star in the SA tourism galaxy is Southern Ocean Lodge, a sexy, low-profile snake tracing the Hanson Bay cliff-top – a really lovely piece of architecture, and an utterly lovely place to stay. Two-night minimum; prices include airport transfers, all meals and drinks, and guided tours of KI. World-class luxury.

Sunken lounges, opulent king-sized beds, glass-walled bathrooms, complimentary mini-bar, twice-daily housekeeping, day spa… The facilities list here is as lengthy as the view. The vibe is exclusive and super-private but still down-to-earth, attracting everyone from 50th-wedding-anniversary couples to Hollywood celebs.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kangaroo Island attractions

1. Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

3.57 MILES

Say hello to some local koalas at this private wildlife reserve, best experienced on a Koala Walk (sightings guaranteed). Come back at night for a…

2. Remarkable Rocks

4.68 MILES

At Kirkpatrick Point, a few kilometres east of Cape du Couedic, the much-photographed, rather Dalí-esque Remarkable Rocks are a cluster of hefty, weather…

3. Kelly Hill Conservation Park

4.91 MILES

This series of dry limestone caves was 'discovered' in the 1880s by a horse named Kelly, who fell into them through a hole. Take the standard show cave…

4. Rocky River

7.09 MILES

Once a farm, Rocky River, the area around the park visitors centre, is now a rampant hotbed of wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies and Cape Barren geese…

5. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

7.63 MILES

From Rocky River, a road runs south to a remote 1906 lighthouse atop wild Cape du Couedic (pronounced 'coo-dick'). You can't access the lighthouse – but…

6. Admirals Arch

7.69 MILES

At the far end of the road within Flinders Chase NP, a boardwalk weaves down to Admirals Arch, a huge archway ground out by heavy seas, and passes a…

7. Flinders Chase National Park

8.86 MILES

Occupying the western end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is one of SA’s top national parks. Much of the park is mallee scrub, but there…

8. Ravine des Casoars

19.48 MILES

At Harvey's Return near Cape Borda, a cemetery speaks poignant volumes about the reality of isolation in the early days. From here you can drive to Ravine…