About this hotel
General information
Southern Ocean Lodge curves along the limestone cliffs of Kangaroo Island’s south-west coast, facing the open Southern Ocean. Conceived by Baillie Lodges founders James and Hayley Baillie and designed by island-born architect Max Pritchard, it opened in 2008 and was rebuilt after the 2020 bushfires. Sweeping curves, organic finishes and full-height glass settle the building into the land so that it seems to hover above the cliff edge.
The Great Room anchors the lodge, with ocean panoramas, an open bar and a terrace pool. Around it sit 25 suites, the Southern Spa and a restaurant cooking almost entirely with island and South Australian produce. Stays are all-inclusive, covering meals, the open bar, the in-suite bar, guided signature excursions and island airport transfers. Solar power and battery storage let the lodge run off-grid; it belongs to the Beckons collection and is a founding member of Luxury Lodges of Australia.
Location
At Hanson Bay on Kangaroo Island’s south-west coast, between Flinders Chase National Park and Seal Bay Conservation Park. QantasLink flies from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island Airport in 40 minutes, followed by a 50-minute drive; shared lodge transfers meeting scheduled flights are included. The ferry terminal at Penneshaw is about 90 minutes away by road.
Spa
A glass-walled bridge leads from the main lodge to the Southern Spa, which has three treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and a small gym, with a sauna and hot and cold plunge pools on a terrace facing the bushland. Treatments use the Australian alkeme range alongside island ingredients such as Ligurian honey, lavender and eucalyptus. The spa is reserved for in-house guests aged 16 and over.
Sports & leisure
Included signature excursions run in small shared groups: Flinders Chase National Park and the Remarkable Rocks, a beach walk among the sea lions at Seal Bay, a clifftop walk above Hanson Bay, koalas and kangaroos at the Hanson Bay sanctuary, Kelly Hill Caves and an evening tasting of South Australian wines. Walking trails through cliffs, bushland and beaches start at the door. At extra cost: private touring, cycling, fishing, producer and winery visits, and rare outings such as a guided visit to a 6,000-acre private wildlife sanctuary.
For children
Children aged 10 and over are welcome.
Restaurants & bars
The ocean-facing restaurant changes its menu daily: a help-yourself spread and hot dishes at breakfast, lunch on the terrace in fine weather, and a four-course tasting dinner built on island and regional produce. The Great Room’s open bar pours premium wines, craft beers and spirits including Baillies 9 gin, and guests choose their own bottles from a walk-in cellar of South Australian wines, many sold only at cellar doors. Sunset drinks are served every evening; there is no in-suite dining.
Swimming
An infinity-edge pool runs along the main lodge terrace. A raised boardwalk leads down to the wild beach at Hanson Bay, and summer brings the chance of a dip in the cool Southern Ocean.
Rooms
The 25 suites follow the curve of the limestone cliffs, each looking out over the Southern Ocean. Interiors combine limestone floors, blackwood feature walls, custom furniture and commissioned South Australian art; one Flinders Suite is adapted for wheelchair users.
Every suite has a lounge with an EcoSmart fireplace, a walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom with bath and rain shower, a private terrace, a complimentary in-suite bar with local treats, an espresso machine, loose-leaf tea and Wi-Fi.
Flinders Suite
A king or twin bedroom steps down to a sunken lounge with a limestone-clad fireplace and out to a private terrace; the bathroom has double vanities, a deep bath and a walk-in shower. For one or two guests.
Remarkable Suite
Two king bedrooms (one with an optional twin set-up), each with its own bathroom, linked by a lounge with fireplace and bar. The terrace has a plunge pool facing the coast; sleeps up to four.
Osprey Suite
A one-off suite with 270° ocean and wilderness views: a sunken lounge with fireplace and bar, a king bedroom and a glass-walled bathroom with an oversized bath. The terrace holds sun loungers and a horizon-edge pool; for one or two guests.
Baillie Pavilion East
A private pavilion with two king bedroom wings (one convertible to twins), bathrooms with freestanding baths and rain showers, and a lounge with fireplace and bar. The terrace has a plunge pool; sleeps up to four.
Baillie Pavilion West
A pavilion with 180° ocean views: a central lounge with suspended fireplace and bar, two king bedrooms and two bathrooms. The sun terrace has an infinity-edge pool; sleeps up to four.
Baillie Pavilion
A clifftop residence combining the East and West wings: four king bedrooms with bathrooms, two lounges with fireplaces and terraces with two plunge pools. Sleeps up to eight, with private transfers, a dedicated host and private touring included.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.