Southern Ocean Lodge
Australia
Southern Ocean Lodge
390 Hanson Bay Road, Karatta,
South Australia, 5223, Australia
www.southernoceanlodge.com.au/
www.beckons.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Beckons – a collection of experiential luxury lodges spanning Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Chilie
Shareholders
Owned by KSL Capital Partners.
Date of Creation
6 December 2023
Hotel General Manager
Robyn Bautovich
Hotel Positioning
Southern Ocean Lodge is a 25-suite luxury lodge set on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the Southern Ocean on Kangaroo Island’s remote southwest coast. A founding member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, the lodge offers immersive nature experiences, extraordinary wildlife encounters and refined contemporary design in one of Australia’s most pristine natural environments.
Development Strategy
Post-bushfire rebuild (“SOL 2.0”) adds enhanced sustainability (hybrid solar + battery, 5.8 ML rain-water storage) and upgraded spa, edgeless pool, and four-bedroom Baillie Pavilion.
Southern Ocean Lodge
History & Story
Southern Ocean Lodge first opened in 2008, quickly becoming one of the world’s most celebrated experiential luxury lodges.
In January 2020, Kangaroo Island bushfires swept through the region and destroyed the lodge. Following four years of planning and construction, the lodge reopened in December 2023, faithfully rebuilt on its original clifftop footprint.
The new generation lodge honours the design philosophy of original architect Max Pritchard, preserving the signature low-profile architecture that appears to float above the limestone cliffs while introducing advanced sustainability systems and enhanced guest facilities.
The rebuild also incorporated significant environmental innovations designed to operate more sustainably in the fragile coastal environment and ensure the lodge’s long-term resilience.
Today Southern Ocean Lodge continues its legacy as an icon of Australian experiential luxury travel.
Date of Renovation
Architects Max Pritchard Gunner led the full reconstruction of Southern Ocean Lodge following the January 2020 bushfires. The $55 million AUD project retained the original lodge footprint while introducing new sustainability systems (hybrid solar-battery power, expanded rainwater capture), upgraded suite configurations, an edgeless horizon pool, and an expanded Southern Spa with three treatment rooms, hot/cold plunge, and sauna and four-bedroom Baillie Pavilion.
Date added extensions
No extensions have been added beyond the 2023 rebuild.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Exclusivity, sweeping panoramic views of the ocean, prime wildlife encounters, signature guided experiences showcasing the best of Kangaroo Island, all-inclusive property, personalised service.
Location
Southern Ocean Lodge sits on Kangaroo Island’s wild and remote southwest coast, overlooking Hanson Bay and bordered by the wilderness of Flinders Chase National Park and Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area.
Kangaroo Island is often referred to as “Australia’s Galápagos”, known for its extraordinary biodiversity and pristine natural landscapes.
Over one-third of the island is protected conservation land and wildlife encounters are common, including:
• kangaroos
• koalas
• Australian sea lions
• fur seals
• echidnas
• diverse birdlife.
The lodge offers privileged access to some of the island’s most iconic natural attractions including Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and Seal Bay Conservation Park.
Getting There:
Southern Ocean Lodge is located approximately:
• 30 minutes from Kangaroo Island Airport (Kingscote)
• 75 minutes from Penneshaw ferry terminal
Access options include:
• private vehicle transfer
• scheduled flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island
• private charter flight or helicopter transfer.
Key sites/activities in the area
• Iconic clifftop lodge overlooking the Southern Ocean
• Located on Kangaroo Island, often called Australia’s Galápagos
• 25 luxury suites with panoramic ocean views
• All-inclusive dining showcasing South Australian produce and wines
• Signature wildlife and nature experiences
• Founding member of Luxury Lodges of Australia
• Award-winning lodge design and architecture
• Industry-leading sustainability initiatives.
Fun Facts
• Rebuilt lodge retains “Sunshine,” a beloved kangaroo sculpture made from reclaimed farm machinery.
• Baillie Pavilion measures 640 m² – the largest Baillie Lodges suite to date
• Kangaroo Island is considered as Australia’s Galapagos, a ‘zoo without fences’
Children’s Corner
Southern Ocean Lodge welcomes children 10 years +
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Southern Ocean Lodge offers 25 luxury suites, each designed to frame sweeping views of the Southern Ocean and surrounding coastal wilderness.
All suites feature:
• king or twin bedding
• lounge area with EcoSmart fireplace
• freestanding bath and rain shower
• premium in-suite bar
• walk-in robe
• expansive outdoor terrace
• floor-to-ceiling coastal views.
Suite Categories
• Flinders Suites – 19 suites
Open-plan suite with lounge area, fireplace and private terrace overlooking the Southern Ocean.
• Remarkable Suites – 2 suites
Two-bedroom suite with separate living area and plunge pool.
• Osprey Suite – 1 suite
Ultra-premium one-bedroom suite with infinity plunge pool and panoramic ocean views.
• Baillie Pavilion -1 residence
Four-bedroom private residence perched on the clifftop with multiple living areas, plunge pools and expansive terraces.
The pavilion can also be configured as East and West Pavilions accommodating four guests each.
Restaurants & Bars
Dining at Southern Ocean Lodge showcases the exceptional produce of South Australia and Kangaroo Island.
Meals are served in the lodge’s Great Room, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the dramatic coastal scenery.
The all-inclusive dining experience includes:
• breakfast, lunch and dinner
• daily changing menus showcasing regional produce
• matched premium South Australian wines
• an open bar featuring a curated selection of spirits, wines and craft beers.
Guests may also explore the lodge’s walk-in wine cellar, highlighting boutique producers from across South Australia
Wellness
Southern Spa
The Southern Spa offers a peaceful sanctuary overlooking the coastal bushland.
Facilities include:
• three treatment rooms
• sauna
• hot and cold plunge pools
• gymnasium.
Treatments feature Australian-made products including LI’TYA, inspired by native botanicals and Indigenous healing traditions. Guests may also relax beside the lodge’s horizon-edge pool set dramatically above the cliffs.
Regenerative
Environmental stewardship is central to the philosophy of Southern Ocean Lodge.
The lodge operates with a hybrid solar and battery energy system supported by rainwater harvesting and advanced environmental systems designed to minimise reliance on diesel power.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
• hybrid solar and battery energy system
• rainwater harvesting with 5.8 million litres storage capacity
• energy-efficient building design and materials
• wastewater recycling systems
• environmentally sensitive landscaping using native species.
The lodge also actively supports the Kangaroo Island community, partnering with local farmers, fishers, producers and artisans to ensure guests experience the authentic flavours and culture of the region
Corporate & Celebration Events
• Baudin Lounge: 12-seat boardroom; LCD TV
• Upper Dining Lounge – 16 pax
Extra Notable Features
Signature Experiences:
A stay at Southern Ocean Lodge includes a curated selection of guided signature experiences designed to showcase the island’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.
These experiences may include:
• Seal Bay sea lion conservation experience
• Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch tour in Flinders Chase National Park
• Coastal Clifftop Walk
• Kangas & Kanapés wildlife sunset experience
• Kelly Hill Cave exploration
• Taste of Kangaroo Island wine tasting at the lodge.
Our included tours are operated on a shared small-group basis, with each guest’s touring itinerary presented on arrival. Should clients wish to pre-select touring, this must be arranged as private touring (additional cost). Private and bespoke touring is recommended to be organised in advance to avoid disappointment.
Hotel & Restaurants Awards
2025
• Travel + Leisure Asia – Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, Best Beach & Island Hotels #7
• Moden Luxury – 2025 Best of Luxury Travel, Best Australian Adventures
• Condé Nast Traveler- Readers’ Choice Awards 2024- 2 Resort in Australia & South Pacific, #1 in Australia
2024
• Condé Nast Traveler- Readers’ Choice Awards 2024- 2 Resort in Australia & South Pacific, #1 in Australia
• Condé Nast Traveler 2024 Hot List
• Condé Nast Traveller – Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 – #6 Resort in Australasia & South Pacific
• Condé Nast Travel Best Hotel Spas
• Condé Nast Traveler US – Readers Choice Awards – #2 Resort in Australia and South Pacific Category
• Luxury Travel Advisor – Most Instagrammable Hotel in World 2024
• Town & Country 2024 The Best New Hotels on the Planet
• AFAR 2024 Best New Hotels
• Travel + Leisure It List 2024
• Traveller Awards – Winner of Reinvention 2024
2023
Closed for rebuild due to Kangaroo Island Bushfires
2022-2021
• Closed for rebuild due to Kangaroo Island Bushfires
Number of employees
56