Often referred to as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is home to a wealth of native wildlife and natural attractions. More than a third of the island has been reserved as a Conservation or National Park, allowing visitors to see some of the best of the country: koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, ospreys, Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals and more. For the ideal front-row seat, head straight to Southern Ocean Lodge, on Hanson Bay on the island’s southwest coast.
And you do, really, have a front-row seat. Straight out the windows of the vast public lounge and dining space, plus the 21 luxe suites, is the Southern Ocean. Set on a cliff above the sometimes-pounding surf, the lodge’s every view is a rich one. Even on days when the weather may not cooperate, the dramatic coastal panoramas, with limestone cliffs and white-sand beaches, is enough to convince you that you’re having an awesome day.
Suite interiors feature king beds, a sunken lounge, a glass-walled bathroom and an outdoor terrace with comfortable seating. Other features include a walk-in closet, a complimentary room bar, twice-daily housekeeping, climate control, heated floors, Internet access, music system (with MP3 input), safe and telephone. Try to treat your windows as the TV on Kangaroo Island; TVs at Southern Ocean Lodge are in selected suites only.
There’s a two-night minimum at the all-inclusive resort, and you practically need those two nights to just spend time in and around the property to enjoy it thoroughly. From now through March 2013, rates start at $990 per person per night, based on double occupancy and $1,485 per person per night, based on single occupancy. The Southern Ocean Lodge’s all-inclusive offerings include: all dining, open bar with premium wines and spirits (wine from the cellar master’s list is available for an additional charge), in-suite bar, select guided Kangaroo Island experiences, and island airport transfers.
Celebrated as Australia’s culinary capital, the natural abundance of South Australia inspires artisan growers to produce fresh and often organic food and wines. The resort’s daily changing menu focuses on Chef Tim Bourke’s “produce to plate” approach. To top it off, the menu includes a variety of Kangaroo Island and South Australian wines and beers.
The Southern Ocean Lodge adjoins both the Flinders Chase and Cape Bouguer/Kelly Hill National Parks, making is an easy jaunt to get out and see some of Kangaroo Island’s major attractions. An itinerary of selected guided island excursions is designed daily, allowing guests to choose the appropriate wild, yet luxe, experience that best matches their preferences. From a taste of the island’s epicurean delights, a visit with local artists, or an adventure among Australian wildlife, it can often be difficult to choose between the rich offerings.
Say you’d prefer to stay behind for the day and relax on the ocean cliffs. The Southern Spa has dramatic views and includes a spa menu with a selection of treatments to help you forget what you do in that office at home. Take advantage of other guests’ daily excursions to have the place to yourself and enjoy the breathtaking location next to the Southern Ocean.
See more at the official website for Southern Ocean Lodge.
Article and photos by Jill K. Robinson of Danger Jill Robinson.
I was a guest of the South Australia Tourism Commission during part of my stay in Australia.
