Inside Southern Ocean Lodge’s serene and sustainable sanctuary

In a newly reimagined Southern Ocean Lodge, atop the dramatic clifftops of Kangaroo Island, an iconic stay has been thoughtfully crafted for a luxury escape on the island’s rugged southwestern coast. Architect Max Pritchard and his team preserved the beloved features of the original lodge while introducing innovative additions, marking a fresh chapter of travel for this distinct island. The redesigned lodge keeps the original blueprint that won the hearts of many, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, the spectacular Great Room, and a series of luxurious guest suites stretching along the coastline to optimise the views of the stunning sunrise, sea mists, and powerful cobalt waves.

The lodge boasts twenty-five contemporary suites arrayed along the curvature of the island’s limestone cliffs, each opening to vast views of the Southern Ocean and the dramatic coastal wilderness. These are perfect spots for observing whales and dolphins or catching sight of an Osprey in flight. The design features include floor-to-ceiling windows and custom furnishings that foster luxurious relaxation, complemented by artworks from Kangaroo Island artists. Each suite includes an in-suite bar with South Australian treats, spacious bathrooms with limestone floors, rain showers, and deep bathtubs for indulgent soaks. Private outdoor terraces offer direct access to the natural environment.

The prestigious Ocean Pavilion occupies a prime position atop the cliffs, in line with the owner’s residence-style pavilions found throughout the Baillie Lodges collection, ideal for groups or families travelling together. The expansive Great Room serves as the core of the lodging experience, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the white-sanded beaches and endless wilderness, with the wild Southern Ocean surging below. Here, guests can dine, lounge with a book and a drink, and plan their adventures. The lodge’s commitment to sustainability is evident, featuring the planting of fire-resistant native succulents, the use of solar energy, and rainwater harvesting systems. The construction incorporates local limestone and blackwood timbers, and custom furnishings that provide a luxurious and unique retreat, embodying the unmistakable Kangaroo Island style.

Kangaroo Island is acclaimed as South Australia’s top culinary destination, and dining at Southern Ocean Lodge is both refined and organic, echoing the natural surroundings. The lodge’s chefs collaborate closely with the island’s producers to craft daily menus featuring items like free-range lamb, fresh seafood, Ligurian honey, artisan cheeses, and sustainably sourced marron. The lodge serves as a hub for local and regional producers, giving guests an authentic taste of South Australia complemented by a welcoming open bar stocked with local craft beers, premium wines, and spirits. An exclusive wine cellar stocked with South Australian wines, many only available at the vineyard, enriches the dining experience.

Exquisite food and wine are central to the lodge experience, celebrating both the seasons and the rich offerings of the island and the broader South Australian region. The lodge’s collaboration with a network of small businesses significantly boosts the local economy.

Adjacent to the lodge, the Southern Spa is a tranquil sanctuary designed as both a physical and spiritual retreat. It offers a signature menu of treatments featuring Australian-made spa products and local botanicals, providing a deeply sensory connection to the island. The spa includes treatment rooms, a sauna, and a gym, with outdoor hot and cold plunge pools perfect for unwinding. Guests can enjoy the fresh, highly oxygenated air from the Southern skies, enhancing a profound sense of well-being.

The vast landscapes and boundless horizons of Kangaroo Island are enticing for exploration. Customised adventure itineraries allow guests intimate encounters with the island’s abundant wildlife in their natural habitat. These include wandering among sea lions at Seal Bay, traversing the Remarkable Rocks, and observing kangaroos and wallabies at dusk. The island’s poignant history of shipwrecks and resolute lighthouse keepers adds depth to the experience, with options for nocturnal strolls and sunrise expeditions at Seal Bay.

Situated at Hanson Bay on the island’s southwest coast, Southern Ocean Lodge is accessible by a 50-minute drive from the airport or a 90-minute drive from the ferry terminal. Regular flights connect Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, complemented by a ferry service between Cape Jervis on the mainland and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, providing scenic access to this remote destination.

For further information, visit luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au